Cannabis use disorder uniquely predicts educational impairment in college students over and above other mental health disorders.

Objective

The impact of cannabis use disorder (CUD) on education functioning and GPA was examined within the context of co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Participants

Undergraduates (N = 210) who reported using cannabis within the past six months were recruited.

Methods

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to determine whether CUD symptom severity and presence of probable CUD diagnosis predicted educational impairment and current GPA, over and above other mental health conditions.

Results

CUD symptom severity, but not probable CUD, significantly predicted greater educational impairment, over and above probable PTSD and MDD, which were also significant predictors. CUD symptom severity, but not probable CUD, significantly predicted lower GPA.

Conclusion

In addition to other common mental health conditions, CUD may be an important area of assessment and intervention for university counseling centers to foster student academic success.