As a proud graduate of Cassville High School, and now an assistant principal for our district, I feel a deep and personal responsibility for the wellbeing of our students and their families.

Cassville is my hometown. Our students are the children of people I grew up with, and the future of the community I love.

That is why I feel compelled to write this article. What we are facing within the walls of Cassville High School is not a minor disciplinary issue nor a passing trend. It is a growing epidemic involving THC vape products — an epidemic threatening the health, safety, and future success of our students. My hope is that by shedding light on what we are seeing daily, I can help families recognize the seriousness of this issue and gain the knowledge needed to protect their children.

The halls of Cassville High School are facing a challenge unlike anything we’ve seen before, and it’s threatening the future of our students. Since the legalization of marijuana and the opening of multiple local businesses selling marijuana products, the rise in THC and marijuana incidents in our building has been nothing short of explosive. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. It is the substance responsible for producing the “high” that affects perception, mood, memory, coordination, and judgment. In modern vape products, THC is often concentrated to extremely potent levels, far stronger than the marijuana products of decades past.

The data is alarming. Over the last two school years combined, Cassville High School recorded 22 suspensions for THC violations. Compare that to the current 2025–2026 school year: we have already issued 15 long-term suspensions for THC or marijuana use since the first bell rang, and we have yet to hit the halfway point. This rapid acceleration in incidents demonstrates the immediate, negative impact of increased access on our student body.

The penalty for a first offense is severe but necessary: suspension from school grounds for upwards of 40 school days. Think about that — two full months of missed instruction, missed lessons, missed labs, missed collaborative projects. For a student, this often becomes an insurmountable gap that leads to failing grades and prevents graduation. Not to mention, students are forced to sit out of social and extracurricular events that are important components of the high school experience. As educators, our primary goal is student success, yet these incidents force us into an action that is fundamentally punitive and prevents learning.

The legalization in our state and community was supposed to be a measured step, yet it has created a perfect storm of ease of access for minors. While sales are legally restricted, the overall saturation and presence of these products have made it easier than ever for students to acquire them, often through older friends or third-party sources.

This article has been written from a place of genuine care and concern for the young people of Cassville. As an educator and someone who once walked these same halls as a student, I want our families to be fully aware of the challenges our children are facing. The intent of sharing this information is not to shame, blame or frighten — it is to awaken our community to a growing problem that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.

My hope is that this message encourages parents, guardians, and families to learn how to recognize the signs of THC vape use, to engage in honest conversations with their children, and to remain vigilant and informed.

Together, as a united community, we can protect our students, safeguard their futures, and ensure Cassville remains a place where our young people can thrive.

Jody Cavness is the assistant principal at Cassville High School. He may be reached at 417-847-3137 or jcavness@
cassville.k12.mo.us.