Marijuana Policy Project

GRAPEVINE — Early results of Grapevine-Colleyville's random drug-testing program this year mirror last year's results: The number of students testing positive for use of illegal drugs continues to decline.

Random tests were conducted Oct. 4 at Colleyville Heritage High School and Oct. 5 at Grapevine High.

At Colleyville Heritage, 30 students were tested. One student refused to be tested, therefore being treated as a positive test result. None of the other 29 tested positive. Five students were also tested for use of anabolic steroids; none tested positive.

At Grapevine High, 32 students were tested. One tested positive for use of marijuana. One student reported taking prescribed medication. Five students were screened for steroids, with no positive results.

The district began testing in 2005 after nine student athletes acknowledged using steroids the previous spring. The district tests high school students who participate in competitive extracurricular activities including band, choir, drill team, UIL academic contests, speech, debate, drama, journalism and athletics.

Students who test positive or refuse to be tested are banned from extracurricular activities for 30 days and must attend counseling. A second positive result brings a 90-day suspension from activities. After a third positive result, students are banned from participation in activities for the rest of their enrollment in the school district.

In the first year of testing, of 403 students tested, five students refused, eight tested positive for marijuana and one for cocaine.

Last school year, 561 students were tested. One student refused. Four students tested positive for marijuana, two for cocaine and one for anti-anxiety drugs.