Marijuana Prevention on College Campuses in a Changing Environment

Marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug among college students. The co-morbid use of marijuana and alcohol (the most common drug of abuse) among college students is a high-risk factor for multiple acute and chronic problems, including drugged driving, academic failure, mental health problems, and substance abuse disorders.

In addition, very few students report marijuana use exclusively—most marijuana users are also users of other illicit substances or are regular heavy drinkers. Studies also indicate that using marijuana in combination with other substances increases the likelihood of negative consequences and more problems on campus.

At a time when we know very little about effective approaches to prevent marijuana use and its attendant problems, marijuana laws have been degraded in numerous states through voter-approved medical marijuana laws. Although federal law still prohibits marijuana use, there is a trend toward liberalization of marijuana laws.

This situation presents some important challenges to college prevention professionals. First, we have little research telling us what works to prevent marijuana use. Second, medical marijuana laws have great potential to increase the availability of the drug on college campuses (some states allow a medical marijuana card holder to have up to a pound of the drug at any one time). Third, from a policy standpoint, students with a medical marijuana card or prescription present a unique problem given that they have the legal right to use the substance in their state, but such use is in conflict with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Finally, campuses already struggle to address drunk driving and the needs of students with substance use disorders. A spike in marijuana use—especially co-morbid use with alcohol—may well increase impaired driving deaths and the number of students in need of substance use treatment.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this 90-minute Webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Learn about the prevalence of marijuana use among college students and how it affects student health, safety, academic success, and retention.
2. Understand the current research on specific harms, including physical health and disease, mental health, traffic safety and injury, and addiction.
3. Discover comprehensive prevention strategies and bolstering motivational approaches.
4. Access Higher Education Center resources and technical assistance.

Like all Center services, Webinars are provided free of charge.