Perceived Norms and Marijuana Use at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the extent of marijuana use and related risk‐taking behavior by college students on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Undergraduate students (N = 212) from an HBCU in the southern region of the United States completed anonymous questionnaires that assessed their marijuana‐related behaviors and perceptions. Logistic regression analysis revealed risk factor profiles that provide college counselors with greater insight into prevention and treatment on HBCU campuses.

HBCUs Matter: A Review of Behavioral Health at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

“…While marijuana use inquiry among the general population has increased since the wave of cannabis legalization policies, only one study within the past decade focused particularly on collegiate student marijuana use and related peer perceptions. Lewis and Wahesh (2015) examined marijuana use in relation with risk-taking behaviors, surveying 212 students attending a southern HBCU over the course of 3 years. Marijuana use in the past 30 days was best predicted by drinking and driving within the past 30 days, perception of peer marijuana use, and age of first marijuana use, with perception of peer marijuana use having the greatest impact on marijuana-impaired driving (Lewis & Wahesh, 2015).…”

“…Lewis and Wahesh (2015) examined marijuana use in relation with risk-taking behaviors, surveying 212 students attending a southern HBCU over the course of 3 years. Marijuana use in the past 30 days was best predicted by drinking and driving within the past 30 days, perception of peer marijuana use, and age of first marijuana use, with perception of peer marijuana use having the greatest impact on marijuana-impaired driving (Lewis & Wahesh, 2015). These finding indicate the relationship between risk-taking behaviors, such as driving while impaired from either alcohol or marijuana, and marijuana use.…”

“…These finding indicate the relationship between risk-taking behaviors, such as driving while impaired from either alcohol or marijuana, and marijuana use. Overall, perception of peer and social norms appear to have significant impact on marijuana use, indicating college counselors should identify positive influences and increase refusal skills to best facilitate behavior change (Lewis & Wahesh, 2015).…”