Association of Frequent Cannabis Use and Symptoms of Depression among Black College Students.

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.