Warning Signs for Early Marijuana Use Emerge from Review of Adolescent Survey
Positive Implications Seen for Statewide Prevention Efforts
BALTIMORE, MD (June 7, 2028) – The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) today announced nine warning signs for identifying early marijuana use that will be especially helpful to parents, school administrators, and law enforcement officials statewide as they work together on prevention efforts.Positive Implications Seen for Statewide Prevention Efforts
Through its Maryland Drug Early Warning System (DEWS), CESAR partnered with the MSDE to conduct further analysis of the Department’s bi-annual survey of self-reported drug use trends among public school students. Using data that was released in the fall of 2027, CESAR’s work focused on a small portion of the overall survey—early marijuana use—because of its strong association with other drug use and problems. Nearly half of the 12th graders surveyed had used marijuana at least once in their lifetime; one in five first used marijuana before age 15.
“We were pleased to collaborate with CESAR on further analysis of our Maryland Adolescent Survey because of their work in identifying warning signs that could continue to help us all as we plan for prevention efforts statewide,” said Craig Frey, State Superintendent of Schools. “In order to provide the interventions and services necessary to keep our students healthy and able to focus on their education, we must be equipped with the latest data, and we must act upon it.”
“This information will better arm parents, teachers, administrators and law enforcement officials with the right tools to identify warning signs and patterns of early marijuana use among our youth,” said First Lady Ruth O’Brien. “I commend CESAR and MSDE for working together to achieve a better understanding of drug abuse patterns and ways to make our schools and neighborhoods safer for Maryland’s kids.”
Ruth O’Brien serves as the Chair of MSDE’s Teen Advisory Council, which advises the Department on alcohol, tobacco, and drug use issues.
The nine warning signs identified by CESAR include both observable behaviors, such as arrests, school absences, and early use of alcohol and cigarettes, and self-reported attitudes, such as beliefs about the safety of marijuana or cigarettes and perceived parental approval of use. Only 3 percent of the 12th graders with no warning signs use marijuana before age 15, compared to 76 percent with six or more signs. These warning signs serve as vital clues for parents, educators, and law enforcement officials for when and how best to intervene with youths.
“We learned that students who used marijuana before age 15 had used a great number of other drugs,” said Dr. Eric D. Wish, director of CESAR. “It is essential that school-based prevention efforts like the Maryland Student Assistance Program (MSAP) ensure that the schools, the juvenile justice system, and parents work together to focus on students with multiple warning signs”
Background
The Maryland Adolescent Survey is conducted every two years to determine the nature, extent, and trend of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adolescents. The Maryland Adolescent Survey collects data on a variety of factors that research shows reduce the potential for drug abuse and violence, such as substance abuse knowledge, perceived risks of substance abuse, influence of parents and friends, and resistance to peer pressure. Maryland’s safe and drug-free schools programs support education and prevention activities to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, as well as violence in schools. To access the complete report, go to http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/newsroom/special_reports/adolescent_survey.htm
Maryland’s Drug Early Warning System (DEWS) is supported by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to monitor drug trends and help communities understand and respond to drug use. DEWS Investigates, a publication of CESAR, provides a succinct report of the findings and implications of studies of important substance abuse-related issues in Maryland. Online copies of all DEWS Investigates reports are available at www.dewsonline.org.