Maine Kids Score High in National Test Scores and Marijuana Use

Thanks to a recent study and the release of test scores, we're learning more about students in Maine.

Apparently, they're wicked smart and like pot.

The results for the National Assessment of Educational Progress test were released Wednesday according to Central Maine News. Maine students performed higher than the national average in both reading and mathematics.

2% more of Maine 4th graders scored at or above proficiency in mathematics and reading than the national average.

8th graders in Maine scored an average of 1 point higher than the national average for math and 3 points higher than the national average for reading.

Central Maine News also notes that there is a significant difference in scores between students who receive free or discounted lunch and those who do not. 4th graders who don't receive free or discounted lunch scored, on average, 21 points higher in math and 22 points higher in reading than those who do receive free or discounted lunch.

In completely different news, according to News Center Maine, Maine students between the ages of 12 and 17 rank 3rd in the nation for marijuana use at 9.89%. Those between 18 and 25 years of age also hold the 3rd spot at 34.85%.

According to WGME, one substance abuse facility in Maine reports that 100% of kids they see actively use marijuana. Counselors are also noting that they're noticing more side effects in kids from marijuana use such as anxiety and depression.

Counselors and school administrators note that marijuana use is becoming more normalized and openly discussed amongst students. Doctors are noting kids are smoking with their parents.

The study showed that there is an increase in Mainers between the ages of 12 and 17 using from month to month by 17.3% and 31.6% for those between 18 and 25.

It is legal for those over the age of 21 to use marijuana recreationally in Maine.

So what do marijuana use and standardized testing have in common? Absolutely nothing! But it will be interesting to see how these trends will continue to progress in the years to come.