Why Do Students Smoke Weed? Exploring the Reasons Behind Cannabis Use

Marijuana use among college students is a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from social pressures and personal motivations to changing legal landscapes and perceptions of risk. Understanding why students smoke weed is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind cannabis use among students, drawing on recent research and surveys to provide a comprehensive overview.

Rising Trends in Cannabis Use Among College Students

In recent years, marijuana use among college students has been on the rise, with a notable surge coinciding with the pandemic. According to research from Monitoring the Future, cannabis use among college students in 2020 reached levels not seen since the 1980s. While these statistics highlight an increasing trend, it's important to note that over half of college students do not report any cannabis use in the past year, and about three-quarters do not report use in the past month. This suggests that abstaining from marijuana is still the most common behavior among this demographic.

Motivations for Marijuana Use: A Complex Web

Research consistently indicates that people use marijuana for various reasons, including:

Experiencing the "high": Seeking the euphoric and altered state of consciousness associated with THC.
Enhanced Feelings: To amplify sensory experiences, such as listening to music or enjoying food.
Social Connections: To facilitate social interactions and bonding with peers.
Coping with Feelings and Moods: To alleviate stress, anxiety, or boredom.

During the early stages of the pandemic, there were slight increases in motivations for using marijuana due to boredom, possibly influenced by physical distancing mandates and stay-at-home orders. However, the primary motivations, both before and during the pandemic, remained the feelings of enjoyment or the "high" associated with cannabis use.

A study involving recent high school graduates explored self-generated reasons for marijuana use. The most frequently reported reasons included enjoyment/fun, conformity, experimentation, social enhancement, boredom, and relaxation. This suggests that various factors, from peer influence to stress relief, play a role in students' decisions to use marijuana.

The Social Context of Marijuana Use

The social environment plays a significant role in marijuana use among students. College can be a time of significant transition, with many students living away from home for the first time and seeking to form new friendships. In such cases, marijuana may be used as a social facilitator, helping students to connect with their peers. A study examining marijuana use among undergraduates found that social facilitation was the main reason given for using marijuana or alcohol.

Shifting Reasons for Use Over Time

The reasons for marijuana use among adolescents have shifted over time. A study analyzing data from 1976 to 2016 found that social/recreational reasons for marijuana use (e.g., boredom, feeling good/getting high, experimentation, fitting in) generally declined in prevalence. In contrast, coping with negative affect reasons (e.g., anger/frustration, escaping problems, relaxing, getting through the day) approximately doubled across the 40-year period. This suggests that students are increasingly turning to marijuana as a way to cope with stress and emotional difficulties.

Perceived Risks and the Impact of Legalization

As more states legalize cannabis for recreational purposes, access to marijuana has increased, particularly for college students over 21. This increased accessibility, coupled with changing perceptions of risk, may contribute to the rising rates of marijuana use among students. Many students perceive marijuana as "safe," "natural," or "just weed," which can downplay the potential risks associated with its use.

However, research tells a different story about the potential risks of marijuana use. Studies have shown that frequent cannabis use among college students is associated with lower GPAs, increased class skipping, and longer time to graduation. Marijuana use can also impair attention and memory, directly impacting academic performance. Fortunately, cognitive performance can improve with abstinence from marijuana, although it may take up to 28 days.

Potential Negative Consequences of Marijuana Use

While some students may view marijuana as harmless, it's essential to recognize the potential negative consequences associated with its use. These can include:

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Academic Performance: Impaired attention, memory, and cognitive function can negatively impact academic performance.
Mental Health: Cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Addiction: Regular marijuana use can lead to addiction or cannabis use disorder, characterized by cravings and difficulty stopping use despite negative consequences.
Physical Health: Marijuana use can have negative effects on heart and lung health.
Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and illegal.

The Importance of Open Communication and Education

Given the rising rates of marijuana use among college students and the potential risks involved, open communication and education are crucial. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should engage in honest and open conversations with students about marijuana, addressing both the perceived benefits and the potential harms. It's also important to dispel common myths and misconceptions about marijuana and provide accurate information about its effects on the brain and body.

Parents can help their children learn about the harmful effects of marijuana use by talking to them at an early age. These discussions may help to discourage and prevent marijuana use or, at least, delay a first-time experience.

Addressing the Issue: Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Understanding the motivations behind marijuana use is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. These strategies may include:

Promoting Substance-Free Activities: Encouraging students to engage in enjoyable activities that do not involve substance use.
Developing Coping Mechanisms: Helping students develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
Providing Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the potential risks and consequences of marijuana use.
Offering Support and Treatment: Providing access to support and treatment services for students struggling with cannabis use disorder.

The Role of High Potency Cannabis

Science has to catch up on the cannabis products being sold today. Among the many cannabinoids in cannabis, THC, the psychoactive component typically associated with the “high” from marijuana, is arguably the most well studied. Today, especially in legal markets, we are seeing even higher concentrations. For example, in Washington state, flower products - that is, marijuana that is smoked - commonly exceed 20% THC. “High potency” cannabis is considered to be anything over 10% THC.

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