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FSS 1150 [A]: Success & Well-Being in Social Science

Prof. Darcy Santor

Negative Impact of Smoking Weed on Students

Paper
November 1st, 2023
Topic
The topic I would like to write my paper on is “Why smoking weed is damaging to students.” In
this paper, I will research how smoking weed negatively affects sleeping, learning/memory, and
physical and mental health. Students often think that smoking weed “relaxes” them or aids their
stress/anxiety, but I would argue that it is far more damaging than beneficial.

Introduction:
Many students often use smoking marijuana to unwind or reduce stress and anxiety, believing it
to be a harmless pastime. However, when examining existing research, a much different reality is
revealed. This paper will explore the effects of marijuana on students by drawing from evidence
found in various studies that marijuana use among students has consequences. As this paper will
demonstrate, using marijuana is closely linked to outcomes such as compromised academic
performance, adverse long-term effects on learning and well-being, as well as negative impacts
on mental health. Notably, cannabis use was linked to a 50% higher risk of suicidal ideation and
a 246% higher risk of suicide attempts. (JAMA) This paper aims to debunk misunderstandings
about marijuana use among students and emphasizes the importance of making informed choices
regarding substance abuse.

State your objective

In this paper, I will review the research on marijuana among students, introducing several
criticisms of the studies that have already been conducted. I will also discuss several implications
for how we understand, investigate, and address marijuana’s impact on student’s academic
performance, mental health and well-being.

State your thesis

In this paper, it will be argued that smoking weed Is more damaging than beneficial to students,
as supported by a critical review of research findings. While the evidence demonstrates that
marijuana use is closely associated with compromised academic performance, longterm negative
impacts on learning and well being, and negative effects on mental health, it is still important to
address limitations and criticisms. By criticizing exisiting research, a more nuanced
understanding is gained, we can better inform substance abuse prevention strategies and
emphasize the importance of informed choices among students.

Summaries
Article 1
There is more than enough evidence that links students who smoke marijuana to worse
educational outcomes than those who don’t smoke. For example, an analysis of 48 studies
concluded that marijuana use is associated with reduced chances of graduating. Additionally, in
Australia and New Zealand, a recent review using data from three studies concluded that
students who use marijuana daily were far less likely than their peers to finish their high school
degree. Furthermore, those who used daily were found to have a much higher chance of
becoming dependent, starting to use other drugs and suicidal thoughts. Finally, multiple studies
have equally linked heavy marijuana use to lower income, unemployment, criminal behaviour
and lower life satisfaction. (NIDA, 2020)
Article 2
A study from the University of Waterloo reveals that students who regularly use marijuana are
more likely to experience negative academic outcomes and reduced aspirations for higher
education. The study found that students who began using marijuana once a month were
significantly prone to skipping classes, dismissing homework, devaluing grades, and lower
academic performance than non-users. Additionally, those who started smoking marijuana daily
were approximately 50% less likely to express ambitions to pursue a university education than
non-users. (University of Waterloo)

Article 3
This article discusses the varied effects of cannabis on learning and development, highlighting
factors that influence these effects, including consumption method, frequency age, and prior
experience with cannabis. While cannabis can have short term and long term effects, such as
impaired memory and learning, it is also increasingly used for medical purposes, including pain
relief, anger-management, and helping with ADHD/ADD. (Carleton)

Article 4
A study from the University of Queensland has concluded that regular cannabis use has harmful
consequences regardless of when a person starts using it. The study compared individuals who
began regular cannabis use in highschool or their early 20s with non-users and tracked their
outcomes up to age 35. The study revealed that regular cannabis users, particularly those who
started in adolescence, were more likely to engage in high-risk alcohol consumption, smoke
tobacco, use other illicit drugs, experience depression, remain unmarried, and have difficulty
finding paid employment. (University of Queensland)

Meta-Analysis summary
This meta-analysis examined the link between adolescent cannabis use and the following mental
health outcomes in young adulthood. It analyzed data from 11 studies involving 23 317 students
and found that cannabis use during those pivotal years was associated with a 37% increased risk
of developing depression in young adulthood and 18% with anxiety. Cannabis use was linked to
a 50% higher risk of suicidal ideation and a 246% higher risk of suicide attempts. Despite
relatively moderate individual-level risk, the widespread use of cannabis among adolescents
raises public health concerns. (JAMA Network)

Article 6
College students using marijuana are more likely to be white, male, non-religious, cigarette
smokers, and heavy episodic drinkers. Early initiation of marijuana is linked to continue use in
college and an increased risk of problems like depression and dependence. The chronic effects of
marijuana use in students encompass impaired driving, risky behavuor and lower mental
functioning, impacting academic performance. This study emphasizes the immediate academic
consequences of marijuana use, such as dropping out of college, lower GPA’s, and reduced class
attendance. By analyzing the frequency of marijuana use throughout the college years, this
research underscored the need for effective preventive and intervention measures to mitigate
these adverse effects on students’ academic outcomes (ScienceDirect)

Article 7
This study explored the connections between marijuana use, negative consequences resulting
from its use, well-being and personality traits among 570 undergraduate students. The findings
revealed higher rates of marijuana use than previously reported, with males using it more
frequently and in larger quantities than females. The frequency of use didn’t directly correlate
with well being. However, negative consequences stemming from drug use were linked to lower
levels of well-being and higher levels of negative well being. Individuals with lower levels of
conscientiousness were more likely to use marijuana and experience said consequences. When
accounting for personality, negative consequences didn’t significantly explain further variations
in positive well-being. Additionally, the study highlighted that after marijuana, other commonly
used drugs included cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, oxycontin, etc, and their relationships with
well-being varied based on the specific drug. However, stimulants consistently exhibited links to
both well-being and negative consequences, with marijuana use being the primary contributor
(SpringerLink)

Criticisms
Article 1:
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/references
- This paper does not clearly describe how concepts were defined and measured.
- This paper does mention the outcome of one study but does not provide the
characteristics of the study participants or whether the sample was representative of a
broader population
Article 2
https://uwaterloo.ca/news/news/marijuana-use-tied-poorer-school-performance
- This study defines concepts such as marijuana use frequency, academic engagement, and
education aspirations
- Through self-reported data. Academic engagement and aspirations were assessed through
survey questions, where students reported their behaviours related to class attendance,
homework completion and educational goals.
- The study did not investigate the reasons why students use marijuana.
- The study briefly mentions the effects of alcohol use but does not explore other potential
influencing factors
- This study relies on self-reported data, which may have limitations related to honesty.
- It does not discuss the representativeness of the sample concerning the broader
population
Article 4
https://students.carleton.ca/log/how-cannabis-affects-your-learning/
- This paper finds various concepts related to cannabis use, including factors affecting its
impact (method, frequency), the distinction between cannibinoids like THC and CBD,
short term and long term effects, and harm reduction.
 - Provides explanations and descriptions of these concepts rather than employing specific
measurement techniques.
- The study does not conduct empirical research with data collection but rather information
and insights on the topic of cannabis use and its effects.
- It does not examine specific groups or subgroups
- Does not explore clear influences or variables in depth.
- It does not provide a comprehensive analysis of potential factors

Article 5 (Meta-analysis)
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2723657 - :~:text=Findings In this
systematic review,was no association with anxiety.
- This paper defines concepts such as cannabis use during adolescence, mood disorders
(depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviour), and the criteria used to diagnose these
disorders.
- Cannabis use in most studies was measured with self-reporting questionnaires, often
assessing the frequency of service in the last six months.
- The study did not establish a causal relationship between cannabis use and mood
disorders, as it acknowledges that causation cannot be determined from observational
studies.

Implications
University of Waterloo study
Q1 (Theory): Whether using cannabis or other drugs, we should reframe our view of substance
use by considering the possible long-term effects on a range of well-being factors such as mental
health, academic achievement and beating the forgetting curve. This calls for a more nuanced
approach that takes into consideration age, frequency, quantity, and individual variability in
substance use.

Q2 (Method): More thorough research methods should be used, considering many aspects such
as substance use frequency, potency, and mode. This would help us comprehend the causal
association between substance use and unfavourable outcomes better. A mix of objective
measurements, longitudinal research, and self-report data should be used to get more precise
results.

Q3 (Policy): Public policies should change to address the possible risks of substance use among
students. Stronger laws are required, in addition to more general health initiatives that emphasize
knowledge and prevention. Policies should promote responsible use and consider the effects of
substance use, mental health, academic achievement and beating the forgetting curve. Workplace
and school policies may need to include drug testing to maintain safety.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this research highlights the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of the
repercussions of marijuana use among students. Empirical research has cast doubt on the widely
held belief that cannabis can be used as a tool for stress relief and relaxation, presenting a very
different picture of the situation. The data backs up the claim that marijuana use has more
negative effects on students than positive ones, ranging from impaired academic performance to
long-term implications for learning, well-being and mental health. In addition to identifying
potential long-term effects on well-being through research methodologies, a comprehensive
strategy that considers variables like usage frequency, potency and administration methods is
required to address this issue effectively. This paper presents a policy argument for a change in
public policies and interventions regarding drug use among students – especially those in their
teens – to be implemented. It demands more strict laws, active public health campaigns and
programs promoting responsible use. Emphasis is placed on the importance of policies that
consider the broader effects of substance use on a range of outcomes, such as mental health,
academic performance, and general well-being. It might be necessary to amend workplace and
school policies to include drug testing as a safety precaution. Ultimately, this paper highlights the
possible long-term effects on students' well-being and calls on students to make informed
decisions and encourage others.
References
Bennett, Emily. “How Cannabis Affects Your Learning.” Current Students : Current Students,
students.carleton.ca/log/how-cannabis-affects-your-learning/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2023.

Gobbi, Gabriella, and Tobias Atkin. “Association of Cannabis Use in Adolescence and Risk of
Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in Young Adulthood.” Jama Network,
jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2723657#:~:text=Findings%20In%20this
%20systematic%20review,was%20no%20association%20with%20anxiety. Accessed 1 Nov.
2023.

“How Does Marijuana Use Affect School, Work, and Social Life?” National Institutes of Health,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17 Apr. 2023,
nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/how-does-marijuana-use-affect-school-
work-social-life.

“Long-Term Study Reveals Harm in Regular Cannabis Use.” UQ News, 27 Jan. 2021,
www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2021/01/long-term-study-reveals-harm-regular-cannabis-use.

Relations, Media. “Marijuana Use Tied to Poorer School Performance.” Waterloo News, 11 Nov.
2021, uwaterloo.ca/news/news/marijuana-use-tied-poorer-school-performance.

Suerken, Cynthia K., et al. “Marijuana Use Trajectories and Academic Outcomes among
College Students.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Elsevier, 19 Mar. 2016,
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037687161600140X?
casa_token=weCrekOS7JkAAAAA%3AG7zuyG7-
xz67SntnR05yDNpcLSxq4vaEWXIoVbT3b0lge4jAafJ_YCjnQka2yhFzlXHLXtoLVVk.

Allen, Jadie, and Mark D. Holder. “Marijuana Use and Well-Being in University Students -
Journal of Happiness Studies.” SpringerLink, Springer Netherlands, 27 Feb. 2013,
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-013-9423-1.