Beyond the bong: Edible marijuana use among college students

Abstract

Marijuana use is a prevalent behavior among college students. Little is known regarding edible marijuana use among this population. Further, limited research on attitudes towards legalization among edible users is available. The present study examines edible marijuana use among college students and attitudes towards use and legalization. A survey instrument was developed by the research team to investigate the study purpose. Participants included a total of 291 students at one Midwestern, urban university. Results indicated that one in four (26.3%) college students reporting using edible marijuana in their lifetime. No significant differences were found based on sex and race/ethnicity. Significant differences were found based on driving behaviors, family use of marijuana, and friends’ use of marijuana. In addition, edible users were significantly more likely than non-users to want marijuana to be legal for recreational and medicinal purposes and were more likely to vote in an upcoming election due to marijuana being on the ballot. Such high rates of edible marijuana use may be a cause for concern for health professionals. Prevention and risk reduction programs may be warranted.

DOI: 10.26828/cannabis.2018.01.003