The Effects of Marijuana Use on Student’s Academic Performance: A Case Study of Pakistan ()
1. Introduction
In Pakistani society, marijuana is arguably one of the most widely used, hazardous, and still illegal drugs [1]. It is also becoming more and more banned [2]. This growing element is especially concerning because marijuana may serve as a “gateway” drug. Commonly, marijuana use can be emotionally and physically damaging [3]. It is also linked to a number of other behavioral and social issues, including loneliness, poor academic performance, impaired coordination and focus, memory issues, violence, and criminal activity. One of the most serious issues affecting students’ health is marijuana abuse [4] [5].
According to [6], marijuana usage is linked to a number of detrimental effects, including poorer academic performance, vision loss, and lack of interest in studies, and, most importantly, behavior that negatively impacts the user [7]. While marijuana usage is linked to low academic performance, long-term marijuana use may have a direct impact on college students’ academic performance by impairing their long-term memory and problem-solving skills [8]. Long-term marijuana usage may directly result in a diminished capacity to manage the stress that frequently accompanies academic success and personal development. However, marijuana usage is associated with more time spent at parties and with friends, less time spent studying, and a disregard for religion and volunteer work. Furthermore, marijuana users have the same values as the general population [9].
Compared to lower-class adults, middle- and upper-class adults are assumed to have been exposed to more negative sentiments about marijuana [10]. The lower-class adult or student has more often relied on the observations of friends, family, and neighbors to form his opinions on the effects and actual use of marijuana. However, in recent years, middle-class or upper-class adults may also be aware of marijuana users among their friends, family, coworkers, and young people [11].
However, there is less chance that these people will try with marijuana unless they are viewed as social equals or better and there are little or no obvious negative effects from their use [12]. Conventional ideas about the effects of marijuana are viewed as ignorant and “outsider” perspectives if the user is a member of a group and actually feels more like an “insider” as a result of using the drug [13]. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that in 2004, more than 1.25 million people were arrested for drug addiction offences. Poor decision-making, such as breaching the law, engaging in sexual abuse, getting into fights, etc., can result from alcohol and drug usage [14].
Adults can purchase the drugs on the open market and use them at any frequency, according to [15]. He needs a supply, which he can get from friends or acquaintances. That adult’s ability to maintain his “cool”, as well as his reliability, must impress people who might provide him with marijuana [16]. The ease of obtaining marijuana, where and how it is typically gotten, sources that are not easily accessible, the percentage of friends and acquaintances that use marijuana, and the customary precautions used when using it will all be questions that the subjects will be asked [17].
According to [18], academic performance is the result of education and indicates how well a student, instructor, or institution has met their learning objectives. Exams and ongoing assessments are frequently used to gauge academic success, but opinions on the most effective ways to measure it and the most crucial components—declarative knowledge or procedural knowledge like skills—differ. According to [19], marijuana and drug addiction have a significant impact on students’ academic performance [20]. It is concluded that marijuana addiction and use harm the country’s socioeconomic development and intellectual progress [21].
According to [22], marijuana use can impact a student’s ability to focus and, consequently, their interest in extracurricular activities and college [23]. Dropout rates and absenteeism rise as a result. The majority of psychoactive substances have an impact on pupils’ ability to make decisions, think creatively, and develop the social and life skills they need. Additionally, marijuana disrupts a person’s desire in their professional progress by making them less conscious of their own potential [24].
Some research shows that heavy marijuana use and drug use are associated with poorer academic performance. Consistent with these findings, frequent marijuana use has been linked to poor academic performance by decreasing study time [25].
According to the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), marijuana misuse is a significant issue in all nations’ institutions, universities, and schools [26]. Since students learn from and emulate their peers, the majority of these pupils’ behaviors are closely related to peer culture [27]. Among other behaviors, eating disorders, alcohol usage, marijuana use, nicotine and drug use, tanning, unsafe sex practices, and vulnerability to harm are all influenced by adolescents’ desire to appear more appealing to others. Substance-abusing students usually perform worse academically [28]. By influencing attitudes towards alcohol and serving as role models, parents and classmates have an impact on students’ drinking habits [29]. However, parental deprivation brought on by divorce, separation, death, or strife has also been highly linked to marijuana and other drug misuse, according to [30].
The most widely held belief was that marijuana use would negatively impact students’ cognitive capacities, such as impairing their capacity for concentration [31]. In terms of the indirect routes, using drugs and marijuana, for example, may be the cause of people diverting their resources away from universities [32]. Additionally, it may hinder students’ achievement by decreasing their likelihood of attending classes and maintaining their academic progress. Lastly, sociologists and psychologists contend that excessive drinking may cause people to have lower expectations for their academic achievement [33].
When pupils use marijuana abusively, their peers may change, which could have this effect. Adolescent pupils shamefully rely on drugs in one way or another for a variety of everyday tasks, including moral, political, social, and educational ones [34]. These substances include marijuana, tobacco, Indian hemp, cocaine, morphine, heroin, alcohol, ephedrine, caffeine, glue, barbiturates, and more [35]. It has been determined that dependence and addiction are among the main effects of marijuana abuse, and that compulsive marijuana or other drug craving seeking behavior is a sign of use that continues despite negative outcomes [36].
1.1. Statement of the Problem
Long-term marijuana usage may directly result in a diminished capacity to manage the stress that frequently accompanies academic success and personal development. However, marijuana usage is associated with more time spent at parties and with friends, less time spent studying, and a disregard for religion and volunteer work. Furthermore, marijuana users have the same values as the general population.
1.2. Significance of the Study
Addiction to marijuana and other drugs has a significant impact on pupils’ academic performance. It is concluded that marijuana addiction and use harm the country’s socioeconomic development and intellectual progress.
In every nation, marijuana usage is a serious issue in schools, colleges, and universities. Since students learn from and emulate their peers, the majority of these pupils’ behaviors are closely related to peer culture. Among other behaviors, eating disorders, alcohol usage, marijuana use, nicotine and drug use, tanning, unsafe sex practices, and vulnerability to harm are all influenced by adolescents’ desire to appear more appealing to others. Substance-abusing students usually perform worse academically. By influencing attitudes towards alcohol and serving as role models, parents and classmates have an impact on students’ drinking habits.
In particular, the study’s importance lies in eliminating the problems and issues mentioned in colleges that negatively impact students’ behavior and academic performance while the use of substance generally finds out in inter level colleges in city Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
1.3. Objectives of the Study
To see the effects of Marijuana use on student’s grades and class performance in Pakistan.
1.4. Research Methodology
In research activities, research methodology is extremely important. Research methodology tells the reader about the researcher’s goal and includes the steps taken to conduct the study and the data gathering technology employed.
1.5. Social Science Research
The broad research plan known as the methodology specifies how research is to be conducted and, among other things, which methods will be employed. These techniques, which are detailed in the methodology, specify the ways in which data is to be gathered or, occasionally, how a particular outcome is to be computed [37]. Although a lot of focus is placed on the types of processes that must be followed in a certain procedure or to achieve a goal, methodology does not identify specific methods [38].
Such processes form a constructive generic framework when appropriate for methodology research, and as such, they can be divided into smaller processes, integrated, or rearranged in order.
1.6. Nature of the Study
The nature of the study was quantitative, and the quantitative approach is also known as the statistical method. This approach supplies the study’s input, and as a result, the results’ validity and quality are entirely dependent on it. This approach typically steers clear of subjectivity, appropriately arranges data, and draws sound conclusions on how marijuana usage affects students’ academic performance. It also covers measuring, collection, and a variety of information.
In order to investigate and measure the degree of variation in a phenomenon, quantitative research—which has its roots in the philosophy of rationalism—follows a strict, structured, and preset set of methods [39].
2. Methodology
Methodology is the overall process from start to end (problem identification to report writing) in the whole research activity (See Figure 1).
Figure 1. Research design flow chart.
2.1. Sampling and Sample Size
Sample is a smaller representation of the whole population. It is very difficult for the researcher to study the whole target population. In a need to determine how marijuana use affects students’ academic performance [40]. Therefore, for the convenience and easiness, sampling method was adopted and sample size was taken by using the simple random sampling technique. In which each and every member of the target population can be selected for data collection.
Sample size is number of individuals or groups or respondents which are being studied. In quantitative research sample size is large as compared to qualitative research. The individual in sample size reflected the characteristics of whole population. “Sample size is the number of observation in a sample”. A random sample of 40 respondents (aged 15 - 21 years) was taken at targeted area.
2.2. Sampling Techniques and Tool/Instrument for Data Collection
For the convenience researcher has adopted the simple random sampling technique for such study. Since the conclusions derived from the study’s findings are dependent on the data gathered, the validity, reliability, and quality of the research instrument are crucial. The validity and reliability of the research tools are necessary for the interferences derived from the study to be legitimate [41].
The level of attention with which data was gathered determines the success of the study. The instrument and procedure used for data collecting has a major impact on the research’s validity. A questionnaire was used to collect the data for this investigation. A formalized list of questions intended to be obtained from responders is called a questionnaire. In order to ensure that the data is internally consistent and coherent for analysis, a questionnaire is the average of standardized methods.
Closed-ended questions were made up for the questionnaire, and following categorization and coding, descriptive statistics was used for analysis. For the current study, a questionnaire was employed as the research tool. Research tools such as questionnaires, interview guides, schedules, and observations, among all other classified tools.
2.3. Universe of the Study
This study examines how marijuana use affects students’ academic performance at eight public and private intermediate boys’ colleges in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The second-biggest city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is Mardan. There are several public and private colleges in Mardan for students at the intermediate level, but this research was conducted in eight College.
3. Results and Discussion over Primary Data Analysis
The analysis and interpretation of the information gathered by questionnaires are covered in this section. These are the most crucial phases in scientific inquiry because without them, the ultimate goal of the discipline—making generalizations and predictions—cannot be achieved. Based on the traits and dispositions of the respondents, generalizations and judgements are made. Frequency distribution tables were used to display the data analysis results. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) in order to derive conclusions.
Table 1. Division of respondent’s by age, gender, education and parental occupation.
1) Age of the respondents |
S. No |
Statement |
Frequency |
Percentage |
i. |
15 - 18 years |
36 |
90 |
ii. |
19 - 21 years |
4 |
10 |
2) Gender of the respondents |
i. |
Male |
40 |
100 |
3) Education level of the respondents |
i. |
Intermediate |
40 |
100 |
4) Father occupation of the respondents |
i. |
Government servant |
6 |
15.0 |
ii. |
Business man |
13 |
32.5 |
iii. |
Shop keeper |
7 |
17.5 |
iv. |
Farmer |
9 |
22.5 |
v. |
Any other work |
5 |
12.5 |
Source: Field Survey, 2025.
Table 1 indicates the general information regarding respondents that, age wise distribution of which 36 (i.e. 90%) respondents were in the age group of (15 - 18 years), while the remaining 4 (i.e. 10%) were in the age group of (19 - 21 years). It is extracted that majority of the respondents (i.e. 90%) were from the age group of (15 - 18 years). Only male respondents were selected for such study while for the researchers male students from intermediate colleges were the targeted task, and in city Mardan have separate colleges for male and female students, that’s why female were excluded from the study.
Table 1 first further explains the parental occupation of the respondents in which 6 (i.e. 15.0%) were the government servants, 13 (i.e. 32.5%) were business men, 7 (i.e. 17.5%) were shopkeepers, 9 (i.e. 22.5%) were farmers and 5 (i.e. 12.5%) were having any others occupation. The data testifies that majority of the respondents (i.e. 32.5%) parental occupation was business.
Just because of the research area’s location, only male students were contacted for this investigation. Because of its conservative and orthodox population, this study was carried out in boy’s colleges. It is important to take into account the limitations of our study, only men were included in this study, our findings do not accurately reflect the female population because women are difficult to reach due to cultural norms and particularly do not comply when asked about taboo subjects like marijuana usage.
Furthermore, young guys made up the majority of the participants. According to our research, boys knew more about drug usage than girls did. Boys experience higher amounts of stress, and studies conducted throughout the world have found that male students are more susceptible to using recreational drugs due to peer pressure, curiosity, experimentation, stress, anxiety, and sadness.
About two million of the nine million drug users in Pakistan are between the ages of 15 and 25. Of these, nine million have developed an addiction. According to [42], the growing number of these individuals, particularly among college-aged and university-aged youth, has had detrimental effects on society and health.
Our study’s primary goal was to ascertain the rising rates of marijuana use among college students as well as the contributing variables and causes of their abuse. The majority of students who used these drugs were between the ages of 15 and 18. According to the study, these young kids begin smoking cigarettes and then turn to marijuana use without realizing the harm to their bodies and minds [43]. Because of factors like lack of confidence, boredom, escape and self-medication, rebellion, fast pleasure, disinformation, and media influence, the 15 - 18 age group was the most susceptible to developing an addiction to this unfortunate event. According to our research, friends were the primary source of initial drug offers.
Table 2. Respondent’s opinion about marijuana user that how they come to class being drugged.
1) Comes to class being addicted |
S. No |
Statement |
Frequency |
Percentage |
i. |
Agree |
16 |
40 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
8 |
20 |
iii. |
Disagree |
16 |
40 |
2) Overall class disturbed |
i. |
Agree |
17 |
42.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
12 |
30.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
11 |
27.5 |
3) Takes no interest in the class |
i. |
Agree |
28 |
70.0 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
6 |
15.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
6 |
15.0 |
4) Remains mentally absent in the class |
i. |
Agree |
29 |
72.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
2 |
5.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
9 |
20.5 |
5) Show aggressive behavior in class |
i. |
Agree |
18 |
45.0 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
14 |
35.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
8 |
20.0 |
6) Do not follow class decorum |
i. |
Agree |
23 |
57.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
7 |
17.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
10 |
25.0 |
7) Do not understand lectures |
i. |
Agree |
22 |
55.0 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
11 |
27.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
7 |
17.5 |
8) Relation is not good among students |
i. |
Agree |
13 |
32.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
13 |
32.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
14 |
35.0 |
Source: Field Survey, 2025.
Table 2 exhibits the respondents opinion about marijuana user that they are come to class being drugged, 16 respondents (i.e. 40.0%) were agreed that they come to class being high drugged, 8 (i.e. 20.0%) replied as uncertain while the remaining 16 (i.e. 40.0%) were disagreed that students do not come to class being high drugged. It is extracted that (i.e. 40.0%) respondents were both agreed and disagreed in majority.
Table 2 further explained that these addicted students disturb the class and its activities. The data demonstrates that 17 (i.e. 42.5%) were agreed that addicted students disturb the class and its activities and 12 respondents (i.e. 30.0%) replied to uncertain while remaining 11 (i.e. 27.5%) were disagreed that addicted students does not disturb the class and its activities. Moreover the majority of the respondents (i.e. 42.5%) were agreed that marijuana addicted students disturb the class and its activities.
Table 2 further included that 28 (i.e. 70.0%) respondents were agreed that marijuana addicted students does not took interest in class, 6 (i.e. 15.0%) replied with uncertain while remaining 6 (i.e. 15.0%) were disagreed about the statement that addicted students take interest in class. Majority of the respondents (i.e. 70.0%) does not take interest in class.
Table 2 explained that 29 (i.e. 72.5%) respondents were agreed that the marijuana addicted students are mentally absent in class, 2 (i.e. 5.0%) were mark as uncertain while remaining 9 (i.e. 22.5%) were disagreed that addicted students are not mentally absent in class. It is verifies that majority of the respondents (i.e. 72.5%) were agreed that marijuana user students are mentally absent in class.
Table 2 explains that 18 (i.e. 45.0%) respondents were agreed that marijuana drugged students shows aggressive behavior in class, 14 (i.e. 35.0%) were uncertain about the statement while remaining 8 (i.e. 20.0%) were disagreed that marijuana drugged students does not show aggressive behavior in class. Majority (i.e. 45.0%) were agreed that marijuana user shows an aggressive behavior in class.
Table 2 also shows that 23 (i.e. 57.5%) respondents were agreed that addicted students does not follow the class decorum, 7 (i.e. 17.5%) replied as uncertain while remaining 10 (i.e. 25.0%) were disagreed that they are following the class decorum. Majority (i.e. 57.5%) were agreed with statement that marijuana users do not follow the class decorum.
Table 2 further confirms that 22 (i.e. 55.0%) were agreed that the drugged students does not understand lecture very well, 11 (i.e. 27.5%) agreed with uncertain while remaining 7 (17.5%) were disagreed that drugged students understand the lectures. It proved that majority (i.e. 55.0%) were agreed with statement that marijuana user do not understand lectures in class.
At last, Table 2 demonstrates that 13 (i.e. 32.5%) were agreed that marijuana addicted students having not good relation with friends, 13 (i.e. 32.5%) replied as uncertain while remaining 14 (i.e. 35.0%) were disagreed that marijuana addicted students having good relation with teachers. Finally, it extracted the majority (i.e. 35.0%) were agreed regarding marijuana user’s relation is not good among other students.
Realizing that there is a problem is the first step towards taking control of the situation. It is important to acknowledge that, in spite of Pakistan’s laws prohibiting its use, marijuana is nevertheless widely consumed by the populace, including by students at universities. We must put in place more targeted and efficient measures to reduce marijuana use after this obstacle is overcome.
According to the current study, parents of drug users had less influence over their parenting approaches. Drug abuse results in dependency, which encourages the employment of illegal methods and criminal activity such as theft, robbery, fraud, and burglary. You can’t stop doing this once you start, and it will ultimately cost you dearly in every aspect of your life. The availability of drugs at relatively inexpensive pricing is one of the primary causes of this concerning rise in drug misuse in Pakistan.
Drug use in schools has also been linked to poor academic outcomes, such as declining interest, subpar performance, and dropout rates [44]. Similarly, drug use is associated with criminal tendencies that hurt people physically, psychologically, and socially. Excessive drug usage is also seen to be a major contributing factor to young suicides at educational institutions. According to statistics, drug use results in a certain number of deaths each year [45].
Drug use has increased in Pakistani society’s educational institutions in recent years as well. The widespread and massive use of marijuana drugs at educational institutions was regularly covered by print and electronic media. Addiction to drugs in young people has also been linked to peer groups or unfavorable company.
Table 3. Respondent’s opinion about marijuana users regarding exams.
1) Exams are disturbed |
S. No |
Statement |
Frequency |
Percentage |
i. |
Agree |
24 |
60.0 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
8 |
20.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
8 |
20.0 |
2) Do not focus on the study |
i. |
Agree |
25 |
62.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
11 |
27.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
4 |
10.0 |
3) No preparation for the exams |
i. |
Agree |
21 |
52.3 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
10 |
25.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
8 |
20.0 |
4) Attempts papers being addict |
i. |
Agree |
19 |
47.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
11 |
27.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
10 |
25.0 |
5) Do not get good marks |
i. |
Agree |
25 |
62.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
9 |
22.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
6 |
15.0 |
6) Other students are disturbed |
i. |
Agree |
17 |
42.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
11 |
27.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
12 |
30.0 |
7) Cheating habits becomes common |
i. |
Agree |
21 |
52.5 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
9 |
22.5 |
iii. |
Disagree |
10 |
25 |
8) Unfair mean cases (UFM) are common |
i. |
Agree |
14 |
35.0 |
ii. |
Uncertain |
16 |
40.0 |
iii. |
Disagree |
10 |
25.0 |
Source: Field Survey, 2025.
Table 3 interprets that 24 (i.e. 60%) respondents were agreed with statement that marijuana addicted students exams are disturbed, 8 (i.e. 20.0%) were replied as uncertain while remaining 8 (i.e. 20.0%) were disagreed that addicted students exams are not disturbed. Majority (i.e. 60.0%) respondents were agreed that due to marijuana use students exams are disturbed.
Table 3 further certifies that 25 (i.e. 62.5%) respondents were agreed that addicted students do not focus on study, 11 (i.e. 27.5%) replied as uncertain while remaining 4 (i.e. 10.0%) were disagreed that they focus on study. Majority (i.e. 62.5%) were agreed that marijuana user do not focus on their study.
Table 3 also demonstrates that 21 (i.e. 52.5%) respondents were agreed that marijuana user students have no preparation for exams, 10 (i.e. 25.0%) replied as uncertain while remaining 8 (i.e. 20.0%) were disagreed that marijuana user students have proper preparation for exams. Majority (i.e. 52.5%) respondents were agreed that marijuana user students having no preparation for exams.
Table 3 further corroborates that 19 (i.e. 47.5%) were agreed that marijuana users attempt the paper being addicted, 11 (i.e. 27.5%) replied with uncertain while remaining 10 (i.e. 25.0%) were disagreed that marijuana addicted students do not attempts paper being addicted. It clearly indicates that majority of the respondents (i.e. 47.5%) were agreed that marijuana users attempts papers being addicted.
Table 3 also represents that 25 (i.e. 62.5%) respondents were agreed that marijuana user students do not get good marks in exams, 9 (i.e. 22.5%) were replied with uncertain while remaining 6 (i.e. 15.0%) were disagreed that marijuana user students get good marks in exams. From Table 3, it is extracted that majority (i.e. 62.5%) respondents were agreed that marijuana smokers do not get good marks in exams.
The present Table 3 demonstrates that 17 (i.e. 42.5%) respondents were agreed that due to marijuana addicted students other students are disturbed, 11 (i.e. 27.5%) were marked to uncertain while remaining 12 (i.e. 30.0%) were disagreed regarding statement. It shows the majority (i.e. 42.5%) of the respondents were agreed that due to marijuana user’s activities other students are become disturbed.
Table 3 also inculcate that 21 (i.e. 52.5%) were agreed that among the marijuana users cheating materials are common habit, and 9 (i.e. 22.5%) were show their responses with uncertain while remaining 10 (i.e. 25.0%) were disagreed that cheating materials are not the common habit of marijuana addicted. Majority (i.e. 52.5%) of the respondents were agreed that cheating habits are common among marijuana users.
Table 3 finally explains that 14 (i.e. 35.0%) respondents were agreed that among the marijuana user unfair mean-UFM are common, 16 (i.e. 40.0%) answered as an uncertain while remaining 10 (i.e. 25.0%) were disagreed that UFM are not common among the marijuana addicted students while it proved that majority (i.e. 40.0%) of the respondents were replied as an uncertain that among marijuana users unfair means-UFM cases are common.
Drug availability at relatively low rates and the implicit encouragement of powerful, wealthy, and influential individuals are the primary causes of this concerning rise in drug misuse in Pakistan. You can’t help but use this substance every day if you’re around people like this.
Addiction to drugs is strongly associated with mental illness and psychological problems. It may result in serious health problems, difficulties in school, less job chances, family disintegration, and a rise in violent crimes. When a drug addict reaches that point, they are unable to stop using drugs even though they are aware that doing so could seriously harm their own health as well as the health of those close to them.
4. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations
Following extensive research and data analysis, this study comes to the conclusion that, although it adds to the controversy, marijuana is the most commonly used substance among students and has been linked to lower motivation, which can have an impact on one’s performance at school or at work. Marijuana use has been linked to lower productivity at work and more absenteeism. Additionally, there are more workplace accidents, which raise the number of workers’ compensation claims. According to [4], marijuana is the most illegal and harmful drug that has a poor impact on students’ learning, attention, memory, and academic performance, even after the short-term effects of the drug subside and their absences grow. Similar to this, researchers have looked at the idea that marijuana is a gateway drug based on their findings and overall study. According to the study’s conclusion, marijuana users have the highest rate of dependence or abuse from the previous year among all illegal drug users, and the number of students using marijuana is rising daily as a result of the drug’s easy access to the market. Additionally, the researcher discovered that frequent marijuana usage may cause students to experience a range of social issues, such as disputes with friends, instructors, and college officials, as well as mental health issues and a lack of enthusiasm in their studies. The study also found that marijuana use impairs a student’s perception, coordination, and decision-making, all of which have an immediate effect on academic pursuits. As a result, students may become angry in class and struggle to grasp lectures. Students under the influence of marijuana are unable to concentrate properly on their studies, prepare poorly for lectures, and are ill-prepared for exams. Ultimately, marijuana impacts students’ exam scores, making them ineligible for further education. Sadly, they viewed cheating as a legitimate exam source, which is why students who smoke marijuana frequently have an unfair mean (UFM).
The primary recommendations in the current study were teachers’ strictness on college property, the provision of jobs, and the regulation of the marijuana trade through stringent procedures with a supportive atmosphere at the family and peer group levels. As a society, we would be well advised to recognize the harmful effects of marijuana. It is a strong, highly addictive narcotic that can lead to the abuse of other controlled substances. Marijuana use finances in large part, the activities of gangs and drug dealers. It is by far the most widely used illegal substance in Pakistan, and its use is closely linked to violence and crime in our neighborhoods.
Parent education—The main instructors of right and wrong are parents. The home must be the first place where people learn about drug use and misuse. Since parents can only teach their children what they know, it is vital that parents be prepared with the skills and knowledge that are required for teaching children about drug use and misuse.
Stiffer penalties—Some contend that the minimal punishments meted out to marijuana offenders do not serve as a deterrence. The courts do not adequately penalize those found guilty of marijuana usage, therefore the law does not serve as a deterrent. When it comes to marijuana, it must be illegal to sell it to children.
According to researchers, marijuana is the most harmful substance in Pakistan for all of these reasons. We must acknowledge the danger it poses and keep up our efforts to keep it under control, stop our children and students from using it, and provide adequate treatment to those who have developed an addiction.
Several research has shown a considerable correlation between parenting practices and teenage smoking behavior [46]. Additionally, studies have shown that when examining teen substance use, the kind and strength of the parent-child bond is a significant consideration. Compared to authoritative parents, parents that adopt an authoritarian parenting style report their kids using drugs more frequently [47].
Research shows that views of parental warmth, control, and parenting style are strongly linked to substance use. The first and most important factor influencing how teenagers interact with others is their family [48]. Parents have a significant influence on adolescents’ substance use since they constitute the foundation of a family [49]. Adolescents who have a closer bond with their parents are less likely to take drugs [50].
Drug addiction among Pakistan’s youth has been thought to be on the rise, which is concerning. Simply put, drug addiction poses a serious risk to our nation’s youth, which is its most valuable resource and future. Parents, in particular can accomplish this by spending time with their children, fostering conversation, assisting in the development of strong friendships, and offering guidance on right and wrong.
More comprehensive initiatives are required to counteract the phenomena by relevant authorities and civic society. Campaigns to raise awareness through print and electronic media must be started right away. At the Tehsil and town levels, the government must set up Drug Addiction and Rehabilitation Centers. Young people who are addicted to drugs should receive counselling services from medical social workers to help them understand and be inspired that they are their own best resource for overcoming drug-related problems.
This study is important because it will give college’s important information for creating focused preventive initiatives that would eventually lower substance usage in these establishments and create a healthier learning environment. Therefore, we advise that the government make a significant effort to raise knowledge about marijuana usage and its effects on mental health and education. In order to start the much-needed conversation on marijuana’s effects on health and education, it is equally critical to educate people about how the drug is used and consumed globally, and its effects on human health.
The government and college administration must also devote attention to lowering drug misuse among its students. A curriculum should be created to educate the pupils about the serious repercussions of drug abuse. Students should refrain from engaging in such offensive acts and be aware of their own value and family reputation. According to the survey, drug addiction and misbehavior among teenagers in Mardan, Pakistan, are rapidly rising. If all parties involved, including social scientists, researchers, and especially parents and schools, take real action, there are effective and powerful ways to prevent teenagers from engaging in such potentially fatal behaviors.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.