Student perceptions of cannabis use
Christiana MacDougall, Matthew T.D. Maston
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study explored post-secondary students' perceptions of cannabis use on students' health, academic pursuits, and social lives, and investigated how these issues have been impacted by the legalization of recreational cannabis. 20 undergraduate students at a small liberal arts university in Atlantic Canada participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews were used to learn more about student perceptions of cannabis. Interview transcripts were analyzed using general thematic analysis. Students in this study report using cannabis in thoughtful ways, balancing various considerations in terms of health, social connections, and academics. They were aware that cannabis is not a risk-free drug and took some steps to manage risks. Knowing why young adults believe they use cannabis is information for university professionals who want to develop effective harm reduction campaigns.