Adolescent THC Usage in Virginia: Post-Legalization Challenges and Strategies for Schools

Authors

David Naff, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Meg Sheriff, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Jill Flynn, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Marzia Farhana, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Kris Herakovich-Curtis, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Gerron Scott, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Fred Gatty, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Priyadarshini Pattath, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Diane Williams, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Kiana Bradford, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Reena Desai, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Lauren Powell, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Lisa Gwyn, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

2023

Date of Submission

October 2023

Abstract

Recreational marijuana was legalized for anyone over the age of 21 in Virginia in 2021. This research and policy brief explores evidence of the impact of such legalization on Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) usage in PK-12 aged youth, including smoking, vaping, edibles, and dabbing. It addresses the following questions: 1) What are the recent trends in marijuana usage among PK-12 aged youth? 2) What are the impacts of THC usage in schools, particularly after legalization? 3) How can schools and school systems effectively respond to THC usage? 4) What are relevant federal, state, and school division policies that guide responses to youth THC usage in the MERC region? It concludes with a series of key takeaways and recommendations for curbing THC usage in schools.

Recommended Citation

Naff, D., Sheriff, M., Flynn, J., Farhana, M., Herakovich Curtis, K., Scott, G., Gatty, F., Pattath, P., Williams, D., Bradford, K., Desai, R., Powell, L., & Gwyn, L. (2023). Adolescent THC Usage in Virginia: Post-Legalization Challenges and Strategies for Schools. Richmond, VA: Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium.

Is Part Of

VCU MERC Publications