Approximately one in ten college students meet criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Cannabis use disorder is associated with a variety of adverse educational outcomes such as lower grade point average, greater number of skipped classes, and increased risk of dropping out of college. These outcomes may be due to the impact of cannabis on both acute cognitive impairment and motivation/reward pathways. In addition, CUD often co-occurs with alcohol misuse and other mental health disorders which can also negatively impact educational outcomes. This study examines the impact of CUD on educational impairment and GPA within the context of co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The study’s sample consisted of 210 undergraduate college students who reported cannabis use during the past six months. Participants completed surveys that assessed problematic alcohol use, problematic cannabis use, and severity of depression symptoms. Students were also assessed for exposure to potentially traumatic events and PTSD symptoms. Lastly, educational impairment and GPA were measured. Data was analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses to determine associations of CUD versus other diagnoses on educational outcomes.
Results of the data analysis showed around 37% of the sample met criteria for probable CUD. Probable MDD and PTSD were significant predictors of educational impairment, with more severe symptoms associated with greater impairment. CUD symptom severity negatively predicted educational impairment even when accounting for probable AUD, MDD, and PTSD. However, probable CUD was not a significant predictor of educational impairment. Lastly, CUD symptom severity was the only significant predictor of GPA.
Takeaway: Cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptom severity may negatively predict educational impairment and GPA among college student.