Daily Use of Marijuana among Non-College Young Adults at all Time High

A recent survey produced by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has analysed trends in substance use between young adults, aged 19-22, attending college and not attending college in the US. 

Results show that the prevalence of cigarette smoking and use of marijuana is greater in the group of young adults not attending college compared to that of their college-attending peers, with 13.2 percent disclosing use of marijuana on a near daily basis. Likewise, it was found that use of both nicotine and marijuana vaping devices appeared to be higher amongst the non-college group. It was also found that there was a higher prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones use over the past year within the non-college group, compared to their college-attending peers. 

In terms of alcohol consumption however, results show that it is the college-attenders who consume the greatest quantities of alcohol compared to non college-attenders, and it was also more likely that college attenders would mix their alcohol with energy drinks, which can have adverse physiological effects.

The purpose of the study was to help uncover risk and protective factors for drug use amongst particular populations, and to analyse how attitudes towards drug use shift over time. It allows us to see the influence of particular social roles and contexts. Additionally through the analysis of trends, predictions, which are invaluable to the policy, prevention, and treatment communities, can be made about drug use within particular populations.