Having cannabis shops close to schools is worrying because it might affect students’ safety and learning. It’s important to tackle these issues to keep schools as safe places for kids to grow and learn.

The rapid growth of cannabis dispensaries in recent years has raised urgent questions about their proximity to schools and the impact on young people. Schools should be safe spaces for learning and development, yet having dispensaries nearby can create challenges that hinder students’ education, health, and future success. It’s essential to examine the risks posed by such outlets and take steps to safeguard children and teenagers from exposure to harmful influences.

Increased Discipline Referrals in Schools

Studies from Oregon, USA, following the legalisation of recreational cannabis in 2015, revealed that schools located within a 1-mile radius of cannabis dispensaries faced significant increases in substance-related behavioural issues. Middle schools near dispensaries experienced a 44% rise in office discipline referrals for substance use. Although these cases are still relatively uncommon, the data highlights how dispensaries near educational institutions contribute to higher rates of student drug use.

Disciplinary referrals disrupt the students involved and take away valuable instructional time. A student sent to the office loses crucial hours of learning, which can have lasting repercussions on their academic progress. These trends underline the need for attention to how the environment around schools affects student behaviour.

Risks to Young Minds and Futures

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and cannabis use during this time can have long-term consequences. Evidence shows that adolescents who use cannabis are at higher risk of impaired cognitive functioning and may struggle with memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Over time, they are also more likely to develop mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and substance dependency.

Students who use cannabis are significantly less likely to complete high school or pursue further education. Early use of this drug can set students on a path of academic underachievement, limiting their future prospects and increasing the likelihood of long-term social and economic struggles. These risks extend beyond individuals, affecting families and entire communities.

Proximity and Promotion Lead to Normalisation

Cannabis dispensaries operating close to schools provide easier access to the substance but also expose students to regular marketing efforts. Advertisements, signage, and other promotional activities normalise the presence of cannabis in daily life. This exposure makes it more likely for young people to downplay or ignore the health risks associated with cannabis use.

While legally they cannot sell cannabis to minors, dispensaries’ proximity makes it easier for adolescents to obtain the product through older peers or strangers. This mix of easy access and more advertising makes it easier for young people to try out drugs.

The Role of Schools and Communities

Schools and communities must adopt a proactive approach to protect young people from the influence of drugs. While some advocate harm reduction, fostering environments that actively discourage substance use is a stronger and more effective means of keeping students safe in the long run.

School staff can identify patterns in student behaviour and increase supervision in areas where substance use might occur, such as playgrounds, corridors, and bathrooms. Communities, on the other hand, can enforce zoning regulations to ensure cannabis dispensaries are situated far from schools, reducing exposure and accessibility for students. Promoting healthy habits and teaching young people to make positive decisions are also key steps in building resilience against substance use.

Protecting the Next Generation

Young people deserve the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives free from the risks of drug use. Ensuring schools remain free from external influences linked to cannabis or other harmful substances is a vital step in protecting their future. Communities must create environments where children and teenagers feel supported and can focus on their education, growth, and potential.

The presence of cannabis dispensaries near schools in Oregon, USA, highlights a larger issue about protecting young minds from harmful influences. To truly support students, we must take firm, decisive action to address these challenges, prioritising their safety and well-being. Together, we can build a future where children are shielded from the dangers of drugs and have every opportunity to thrive.

Source: The Conversation