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Brief Report: Characterization of Marijuana Use in US College Students by State Marijuana Legalization Status as Reported to an Online Survey
Author(s) -
Wang George Sam,
Haynes Colleen,
Besharat Andrea,
Lait MarieClaire Le,
Green Jody L.,
Dart Richard C.,
Roosevelt Genie
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/ajad.12870
Subject(s) - legalization , psychology , environmental health , public health , medicine , family medicine , medical education , psychiatry , nursing
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)