Cannabis is a commonly used drug on college campuses and its use has been increasing in recent years. Cannabis use has been associated with a variety of adverse effects including lower academic achievement, cognitive impairment, disrupted social behavior, mental health issues, and cannabis use disorder (CUD). The rate of cannabis use disorder among college students is 8.6% while the rate in the general population is 2.6%. Cannabis may also serve as a gateway to use of other substance including tobacco and stimulants. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened stress and disrupted well-being for many college students which could have impacted substance use behaviors. This study examines the impact of negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic on cannabis use among college students with CUD.
The study’s sample consisted of 150 college students from a large, public Midwestern University who met criteria for CUD. Participants were asked to report differences in cannabis consumption, consumption of other substances, methods/modes of cannabis use, and mental health concerns before the pandemic versus during the time of the pandemic. The Brief Marijuana Consequences Questionnaire was used to measure cannabis use-related consequences during the past 5 months. Scales were also used to determine satisfaction with life and social connectedness. Lastly, a questionnaire was used to determine participants’ confidence in their ability to refuse cannabis and coping motives for cannabis use. Data was analyzed using independent and paired-sample t-tests.
Results of the data analysis showed that participants reported increased cannabis use during the first phase of the pandemic when stay-at-home orders were enacted. This increase in cannabis use was significantly associated with greater number of CUD symptoms and negative consequences. Participants reported an increase in feelings of loneliness (53%), stress (68%), anxiety (66%), and depression (52%) during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who reported feeling more depressed experienced decreased satisfaction with life and social connectedness, an increase of cannabis coping motives, and an increase in cannabis use consequences. Those who reported greater levels of anxiety experienced decreased levels of cannabis refusal and social connectedness and increased use of cannabis coping motives and cannabis use consequences.
Takeaway: Negative emotions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted cannabis use and associated negative consequences among college students