Exploring the Socioeconomic Impact of Marijuana Use Among Co

Marijuana use among college age adults in the United States has a damning effect on the social and economic status of these individuals. Although drug use has declined in the last six years, an estimated 12 million Americans admitted to using marijuana in the last thirty days (“Info Facts”, 2003). Moreover, one-third of all Americans twelve and older reported using marijuana at least once in their lives (“National Household Survey”, 1998). The health and mental effects crossover into the socioeconomic realm of a user’s life. Health ailments such as; lung cancer and other respiratory disease, temporary increased heart rate, decreased cognitive skills, and changes in a users mood all contribute to diminished social and economic gains.

Previous research on marijuana use among college age adults has focused on the mental state and consequence of marijuana use. One study has examined the correlation of marijuana use and anger in undergraduates (Stoner, 2001). Other studies have concentrated on the consequence of marijuana use (Kowalski, 2003). There have been few studies that link ei

Kathiann Kowalski (2003) points out that teens are often tempted into trying cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana before they are aware of the consequences. The use of any of these substances can lead to addiction and health problems. She also maintains that there is substantial evidence that teens who try these drugs are more apt to try “stronger” drugs. Kowalski argues that the use of these substances can lead to alienation from family and friends, expulsion from school, loss of job, even incarceration.

Proposal for Data Collection and Analysis

The instrument will come in the form of a questionnaire to be administered by the colleges’ web site in nine state colleges. Those colleges are; 1. Miles College (Birmingham, Alabama), 2. Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach Florida), 3. North Carolina Central University (Durham, North Carolina), 4. University of Illinois (Springfield, Illinois), 5. Maine College of Art (Portland, Maine), 6. Iowa Wesleyan College (Mt. Pleasant, Iowa), 7. University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah), 8. Antioch University (Seattle, Washington), 9. Fresno Pacific University (Fresno, California).

Gfroefer, Greenblatt, and Wright (1996) examined the substance use in the college age population. They found that substance abuse poses concerns over health and educational concerns. Their study compared rates of use among college students and non-students (including high school dropouts), from a single data source. Results from their study concluded that educational status and living arrangements were significant predictors of substance use. Use of illegal drugs (including marijuana) were highest among high school dropouts who did not live in their pa

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