As the COVID-19 pandemic closed college campuses in March of 2020, the lives of many college students were disrupted. Many students were required to move off of campus and find alternative housing or live with their parents. The pandemic also had significant effects on the stress and mental health of individuals. Researchers have hypothesized that the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may have changed substance use patterns within college students. Social isolation during this time period may have also impacted rates of substance use. This study examines changes in cannabis use within college students pre and post-campus departure associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study’s sample consisted of 223 college students from three state universities who participated in a larger study assessing simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use in college students. The participants were asked to complete a survey in May 2020 (pre-closure, post-closure-1) and September 2020 (post-closure-2). During the May 2020 survey students were asked to reflect on pre-pandemic cannabis use and cannabis use at the current time. The surveys assessed cannabis use, form of cannabis use, number of days per week in which cannabis was used, and living situation. Participants were also asked if they perceived that their cannabis use had changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and potential reasons for that change. Data was analyzed using hierarchical linear models (HLMs) for binomial outcomes (cannabis formulation and cannabis use) and SAS PROC GLIMMIX for ordinal outcomes (number of days of cannabis use per week).
Results of the data analysis showed that days of cannabis use per week did not significantly change on average. Students who lived dependently or moved from independent to dependent living during the pandemic reported reduced cannabis use from pre-closure to post-closure-1. Regardless of living situation, there was no change in prevalence of cannabis use between post-closure-1 and post-closure-2. Use of leaf formulation also declined from pre- to post-closure-1 regardless of living situation. Students reported potential reasons for reduced cannabis use as lack of social opportunities, limited access, and not being allowed to have it within their home. Students who reported increased cannabis use cited reasons such as greater access, coping mechanism, boredom, and more time for relaxation.
Takeaway: The COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on student living situations may have impacted cannabis use in college students.