Among young adults in the United States, mental health and substance use are two significant public health concerns. Specifically, college students are at risk for anxiety-related problems as well as increased substance use. Because of this, a recent study investigated the relationship between marijuana use and anxiety among college students.
In this study, 3,477 college students completed The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment. This assessment measured students’ anxiety and marijuana use. It also collected data on students’ current anxiety treatment if applicable, and their GPA.
The results of this study showed that unlike previous research, anxiety did not have any relationship with student marijuana use. However, students with anxiety without any formal treatment who reported use of marijuana were more likely to have a lower GPA. This indicates that marijuana use may not be effective in self-medicating anxiety and may lead to students not reaching potential academic success. Overall, this study suggests that college students’ anxiety levels play a role in how marijuana use can impact academic outcomes.
Take Away: College students who use marijuana and experience anxiety symptoms but do not receive formal treatment are more likely to have a lower GPA.
Wallis, A.L., Gretz, D.P., Rings, J.A., Eberle, K.M. (2019). Assessing Marijuana Use, Anxiety, and Academic Performance Among College Students. Journal of College Counseling. doi.org/10.1002/jocc.12125.