18. Prevalence of students using marijuana*

The use of drugs at school may cause disruptions in the learning environment. The consumption of these substances, such as marijuana, can lead to a school environment that is harmful to students, teachers, and school administrators.

• In all years, a greater number of students in grades 9 through 12 reported using marijuana anywhere¹² than reported using marijuana on school property during the last 30 days (figure 18.1 and table 18.1). In 1999, 27 percent of students reported using marijuana anywhere whereas 7 percent of students reported using marijuana on school property.
• There was an increase in students' use of marijuana anywhere and on school property between 1993 and 1995 (figure 18.1 and table 18). In both 1997 and 1999, the percentage of students using marijuana anywhere and on school property were similar to the percentage in 1995.
• Males were more likely than females to have used marijuana in every survey year both anywhere and on school property (figure 18.1 and table 18.1).
• In 1993, 1995, and 1999, students in lower grades were generally less likely than students in higher grades to report using marijuana anywhere (figure 18.2 and table 18.1). In 1997, this difference was not apparent, with students in lower grades about as likely to report using marijuana anywhere as students in higher grades. Students' grade in school was not associated with their use of marijuana on school property.
• In 1999, Asian students were less likely than students from other racial/ethnic backgrounds to report using marijuana anywhere (table 18.1). However, regarding marijuana use at school, there were generally no differences across racial/ethnic groups.