Brief Report: Characterization of Marijuana Use in US College Students by State Marijuana Legalization Status as Reported to an Online Survey. Issue 4 (22nd March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, George Sam; Haynes, Colleen; Besharat, Andrea; Lait, Marie‐Claire Le; Green, Jody L.; Dart, Richard C.; Roosevelt, Genie
• Is Part Of: American journal on addictions. Volume 28:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2019-03-22
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12870
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0496

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Objective: US college student marijuana use is the highest since 1980. The objective was to investigate use characteristics among college students. Methods: The RADARS® System College Survey Program surveyed individuals in a university, technical or online school. This was a secondary analysis of existing data. Results: Seven thousand one hundred five students were enrolled, <30% of students' perceived marijuana use a health risk. Students in medical states were more likely to use marijuana compared to non‐legal states. ( p < .001) Smoking and edibles were common methods of use. Conclusions: Higher reports of college student use were observed in medical states without differences in risk perception. Scientific Significance: This study further demonstrates the public health impact of marijuana legalization by comparing college study use of marijuana by state legalization status, and demonstrating high rates of use of concentrated products. These findings should be factored when determining regulations and preventative measures when legalizing marijuana. (Am J Addict 2019;28:266–269)