A recent study showed that marijuana use is at a 30-year high when it comes to college students.
In 2007, only 30% of full-time college students admitted to using marijuana in the last 12 months, while 17-percent surveyed admitted use in the prior 30 days. Meanwhile, in 2016, the amount of students admitting use in the prior 12 months had jumped to 39%, with 22% noting use in the last 30 days.
These numbers are the highest since surveys conducted in 1987. Students are increasing use in college despite the fact that high school seniors have maintained the same reported level of use for several years.
Increased use at the college level is being attributed to factors like a decreased perception of potential danger related to marijuana use, as well as available time and opportunity. This relates to the statistics showing full-time college students are more likely to use marijuana, compared to those who attend part-time and may work or have other responsibilities.
Regardless of the reason for the increase, the facts are available, and it is time for university officials to take note. Potential efforts to embrace the new acceptance of marijuana are already well-established in Canada.
These efforts include new courses related to production and marketing for marijuana, as well as increasing efforts to make students aware of the potential risks of consuming the drug.
Use of marijuana has been associated with lower grades and even a drop in IQ. Despite this proven correlation, students have credited the use of marijuana with helping them succeed.
This shows that awareness of the dangers should be increased. In some cases, Canadian universities are considering or have implemented bans on smoking cigarettes and marijuana alike. This may seem like a viable option, but in the end may only cause more hassle.
Time will tell how effective the measures will be. Other universities may follow examples already in place, allowing them to capitalize on the successes and mistakes of other institutions.
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