ERIC Number: EJ1448481
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
In Harm's Way: Do College Students' Beliefs about Cannabis Put Them at Risk for Use?
Malinda H. Kennedy; Brittany A. Bugbee; Kathryn B. Vincent; Samantha A. Smith; Amelia M. Arria
Journal of American College Health, v72 n8 p2588-2596 2024
Objective: This study describes beliefs held by college students about cannabis use and examines the association between three specific cannabis beliefs and likelihood of use. Participants: 3,720 undergraduate students ages 18 to 25 attending ten colleges in one state. Methods: Data were gathered via online survey. Results: The majority (80%) of the sample was unsure or believed that cannabis was an effective way to reduce stress; 67% were unsure or believed that cannabis was not related to an increased risk for mental health problems; and 62% were unsure or believed that students who use cannabis are not more academically disengaged. Holding these beliefs, which are not supported by scientific evidence, was associated with a greater likelihood of cannabis use, even after statistically adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: These findings suggest that beliefs unsupported by scientific evidence are widespread among college students. Dispelling misinformation about cannabis might hold promise for reducing use.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Marijuana, At Risk Persons, Stress Management, Mental Health, Learner Engagement, Probability, Drug Use, Parent Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (DHHS/PHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: R01DA014845