TEACH TEENS DANGERS OF MARIJUANA ABUSE

About 1.5 million high school students will take the Standardized
Achievement Tests this fall. This critical time in teens' academic
careers -- as they look ahead to their futures -- is perfect for
parents to discuss the dangers of marijuana use with their teenager.

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug among 16- and 17-year-olds,
when most teens take their college entrance exams. Last year, 1.3
million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 used marijuana for the
first time. Marijuana use during these peak academic years can have a
significant negative impact on academic performance.

It can hinder a teen's ability to learn. Heavy marijuana use impairs
the ability to concentrate and retain information. Marijuana use is
linked to lower grades. A teen with a "D" average is four times more
likely to have used marijuana than a teen with an "A" average.

Marijuana and underage drinking are linked to higher dropout rates. A
marijuana user's odds of dropping out are more than twice that of a non-user.

Teens who begin marijuana use at an early age when the brain is still
developing may be more vulnerable to neuropsychological deficits.

Together, parents and teachers can lay the foundation for raising
healthy, drug-free students. Prevention First provides preventative
educational programs for parents and teachers with tools that will
help children make healthy, responsible decisions. For more
information about how marijuana use affects the development of the
teen brain or to learn about the signs and symptoms of use, visit
www.preventionfirst.net, or call (732) 663-1800.

Mary Pat Angelini

Executive Director

Prevention First