Cannabis Use in College: Facts for Թ Students
January 20, 2026
Posted by Թ in Student Resources
Cannabis is part of a lot of conversations right now about stress, sleep, mental health and even social life. Whether you use it, are thinking about it or don’t use it at all, having accurate information helps you make choices that support your goals in college and beyond.
Here’s what Թ students should know about cannabis, how it can affect college life and what resources are available if you want support.
What Is Cannabis, Really?
Cannabis is a flowering plant (sometimes called marijuana or hemp) that contains compounds called cannabinoids. The two most talked about are:
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The compound that causes the “high” and mind-altering effects.
- CBD (cannabidiol): Does not cause a high and does not have the same impairing effects as THC.
Cannabis with THC may be called weed, pot, bud or marijuana, and it can be used in different ways:
- Smoking
- Vaping
- Edibles or drinks
- Topical products
Perception vs. Reality: What Are Թ Students Actually Doing?
Most Թ students believe their peers are using cannabis. It’s easy to assume “everyone is using,” but data gathered from Թ students in 2025 reveals a different story. What’s actually happening:
- 73% of Թ students have not used cannabis in the past 12 months
- Only 23% used cannabis in the past 30 days
So if you don’t use cannabis — or only use it occasionally — you’re actually in the majority.
Why Some Students Choose to Use Cannabis
Among Թ students who do use cannabis, the most common reasons are:
- 76% to relax
- 50% to help with anxiety or mental health concerns
- 48% to help with sleep
- 43% to have fun with friends
However, many of these reasons are contrary to what scientific research says about the health impacts of cannabis use. Further, 37% of Թ students who use cannabis say they’re ready to reduce or stop (2025 MACHB survey). That tells us many students are already questioning whether the effects of their use are actually harmful.
How Cannabis Can Affect Your College Success
College is already a balancing act with classes, work, family, finances and mental health. Research shows that frequent cannabis use can make that balance harder.
Academic Impact
Students who use cannabis more frequently are more likely to:
- Have lower GPAs
- Skip more classes
- Feel less motivated
- Take longer to finish a degree or transfer
- Stop out or leave school altogether
Weekly or daily use is especially linked to problems with staying enrolled and completing educational goals.
Effects on Memory, Focus, and Learning
Cannabis doesn’t just affect how you feel in the moment. Research shows that regular use can impact:
- Working memory
- Attention and focus
- Problem-solving and flexibility
Long-term or persistent use has been linked to measurable cognitive decline including learning and memory challenges that can last even after stopping use. For students trying to absorb new information, pass exams or juggle multiple responsibilities, this matters.
Mental Health Risks to Know About
For some people, cannabis can temporarily feel calming — but regular or heavy use increases the risk of:
- Cannabis Use Disorder or Addiction: When someone keeps using a substance even when it causes problems and feels hard to stop.
- Anxiety: Strong worry or fear that lasts a long time and makes daily life harder.
- Depression: Ongoing feelings of sadness or emptiness that affect mood, energy and motivation.
- Psychosis: A condition where someone has trouble knowing what is real, such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
- Schizophrenia: A serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels and understands reality.
The risk is higher with frequent use and high-THC products.
Why Today’s Cannabis Is Different
Cannabis today is far more potent than it used to be:
- Average THC levels increased from about 4% in the 1990s to around 14% by 2019
- Some flower strains now exceed 30% THC
- Concentrates (vapes, wax, shatter, distillates) can reach 90% THC or more
Recent studies show that higher THC = higher risk for addiction, anxiety and psychosis.
What Missouri Law Says (and What It Doesn’t)
In Missouri:
- Adults 21 and over may use cannabis in private residences
- Cannabis use is not allowed:
- On college campuses
- In public places or vehicles
- While driving
- On federal property
- Employers do not have to allow cannabis use
Cannabis is still illegal under federal law and laws vary by state.
What Թ Policy Says
Թ’s Student Code of Conduct prohibits:
- Possessing, using, selling or distributing cannabis or THC products
- Being under the influence on campus or at college-sponsored events
Violations can lead to disciplinary consequences.
Thinking About Cutting Back or Stopping?
You’re not alone and support is available.
Free, confidential resources for students at Թ include:
Community and state resources:
Support is also available if you’re worried about a friend or loved one.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis affects students differently but knowing the facts helps you make choices that align with your goals. Most Թ students aren’t using cannabis, and many who do are reconsidering their use. Whether your focus is grades, mental health, transferring or just getting through a busy semester, informed decisions matter.
If you ever want to talk, ask questions, or explore support options, Թ has resources to help — judgment-free.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About cannabis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know.
Hines, L.A., Freeman, T.P, Gage, S.H., Zammit, S., Hickman,M., Cannon, M., Munafo, M., MacLeod, J., & Heron, J. (2020). Association of high-potency cannabis use with mental health and substance use in adolescence. JAMA Psychiatry, 77, 1044-1051. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.1035.
Angarita, G.A., Emadi, N., Hodges, S., & Morgan, P.T. (2016). Sleep abnormalities associated with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiate use: A comprehensive review. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 11: 9. doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13553
Mullin, Christopher, & Cservenka, Anita. (2024). Cannabis Use and Academic Performance in College Students: The Role of Procrastination. Cannabis, DOI:10.26828/cannabis/2024/000215
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Scott, J. C., Slomiak, S. T., Jones, J. D., Rosen, A. F. G., Moore, T. M., & Gur, R. C. (2018). Association of Cannabis With Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(6), 585-595. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0335
Meier MH, Caspi A, Ambler A, Harrington H, Houts R, Keefe RS, McDonald K, Ward A, Poulton R, Moffitt TE. Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Oct 2;109(40):E2657-64. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1206820109. Epub 2012 Aug 27. PMID: 22927402; PMCID: PMC3479587.
Sanz-Pérez A, Serrano DR, Fraguas-Sánchez AI, Pardo MC, Sánchez de León JMR, Estupiñá FJ, Pérez T, González-Burgos E. Growing Concerns: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of cannabis use and mental health risks in youth. Addict Behav. 2026 Jan;172:108528. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108528. Epub 2025 Oct 24. PMID: 41145103.
Frontiers in public health. (n.d.). A 10-year trend in cannabis potency (2013–2022) in different geographical regions of the United States of America.
Stuyt E. The Problem with the Current High Potency THC Marijuana from the Perspective of an Addiction Psychiatrist. Mo Med. 2018 Nov-Dec;115(6):482-486. PMID: 30643324; PMCID: PMC6312155.
Neuroscience News. (2025). High-THC Cannabis Linked to Psychosis and Addiction.
Scilight Press. (2025). Psychopathology and Psychiatric Risks Linked to High-Potency Cannabis, Crack Cocaine and Novel Psychoactive Substances.
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