Does Dope Make You Dumb?

Research Findings by Ahmed El Fatmaoui

Ahmed El Fatmaoui, a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma, asserts that the answer is “no.” In a May 2024 article published in Economic Inquiry, El Fatmaoui’s research indicates that in states where recreational marijuana is legal, students are more inclined to enroll in college and complete their degrees on time, rather than disengaging from their educational pursuits.

Methodology and Data Sources

Utilizing data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), El Fatmaoui analyzed survey results from the US National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) covering the period from 2009 to 2019. His study aimed to assess how changes in marijuana’s legal status influenced undergraduate enrollment and course completion rates. As of April 2024, nearly half of the states in the United States have either decriminalized or legalized cannabis for recreational use.

Concerns from Parents and Politicians

Since the onset of cannabis legalization, many concerned parents and politicians have voiced their apprehensions. They have argued that marijuana is a substance that could impair judgment, motor skills, and ultimately lead to a lack of motivation.

Impact on Enrollment of Out-of-State Students

Contrary to these fears, El Fatmaoui’s analysis reveals that the situation in states where cannabis is legal is not as alarming as anticipated. His findings demonstrate a 9% increase in enrollment of out-of-state students in states with legalized marijuana, compared to those without. This suggests that the legalization may attract students, either indicating that the state’s policies align with their values or offering a safer environment for those who already use the drug.

In-State College Enrollment Insights

El Fatmaoui’s analysis further indicates that students who grew up with potential access to cannabis did not face negative impacts on their college enrollment rates.

College Completion Rates and Local Dispensaries

By comparing college completion rates in Washington and Colorado—states that have allowed recreational cannabis for some time—El Fatmaoui found no evidence that local dispensaries negatively impacted degree completion or delayed students’ graduation. In fact, the data suggested a slight increase in completion rates, likely attributed to the rise in out-of-state enrollments.

Future Research Directions

It is important to acknowledge that prior studies have suggested recreational marijuana use may adversely affect a student’s numerical capabilities. El Fatmaoui concurs with this concern, emphasizing the need for future research to investigate how marijuana legalization impacts peer dynamics and the selection of academic fields, particularly distinguishing between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and non-STEM disciplines.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are legitimate health concerns surrounding recreational cannabis use, it appears that students exposed to the drug are not significantly disadvantaged in their pursuit of higher education.

References

El Fatmaoui A. From high school to higher education: Is recreational marijuana a consumption amenity for US college students? Economic Inquiry. n/a(n/a). doi:10.1111/ecin.13225
“In Debate Over Legalizing Marijuana, Disagreement Over Drug’s Dangers” Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. April 2015.
Marie O, Zölitz U. “High” Achievers? Cannabis Access and Academic Performance. The Review of Economic Studies. 2017;84(3):1210-1237. doi:10.1093/restud/rdx020