Association of Frequent Cannabis Use and Symptoms of Depression among Black College Students
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21645802 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Leah J Floyd (Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 930-937 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-12 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Substance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10826084.2025.2586251 |
| PMID | 41261895 |
| OpenAlex | W4416402223 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 76 |
Background: Cannabis use and depression among emerging adult college students are major public health concerns. Objectives: Given the high rates of frequent cannabis use and low rates of mental health services utilization found among emerging adult Black/African Americans, this cross-sectional study examined the relationship between symptoms of depression and frequent cannabis use in a sample of 221 African American students attending an HBCU. Results: After providing informed consent, participants completed a self-administered survey. The sample was 70% female (Mage = 20.3 years; SD = 1.97). Thirty percent of participants reported frequent cannabis use and their depressive symptomology scores ranged from 0 to 6 (M = 1.3, SD = 1.48). Sex did not moderate the cannabis use-depression association. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between depression and frequent cannabis use (AOR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.02–1.58). Compared to participants whose mothers did not earn a college degree, those whose mothers earned a graduate degree were more likely to report frequent cannabis use (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.06–5.39; p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Black/African American emerging adult students experiencing low levels of depression may be at increased risk for frequent cannabis use. Better understanding the cannabis use and depression relationship in Black/African American emerging adults has implications for designing tailored cannabis use prevention and treatment interventions for a group that is disproportionately affected by cannabis use disorder. Also, findings suggest the potential need for HBCUs to invest in cannabis use prevention campaigns and bolster mental health services
Cannabis · Logistic regression · Mental health · Odds ratio · Psychological intervention · Public health · Suicide prevention · Young adult · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · Sleep and related disorders · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
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| Highly cited | No |
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