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As Nebraskans decide on legalizing medical marijuana this election season, it is important to know what marijuana is, why college students may use it, and what that may mean for the future.
Marijuana is a mind altering drug that can cause dizziness and nausea, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The main ingredient, THC, is what causes the psychedelic effects that are experienced when taking in marijuana.
Medical marijuana has been shown to be helpful in treating certain cases of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss, chronic pain and other conditions, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Since Colorado and Washington have legalized the use of marijuana in 2012, many states have followed, with the general consensus amongst adults to a clip of 88% that marijuana should be legalized nationwide.
According to a research poll from 2020-2023 by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for all incoming first year students across the state, 19% of first year students had used marijuana in their life, and 12% used it within the last year.
“I like using weed because it helps me relax and calm down,” an anonymous student said. “School and life as a whole can be very stressful, so being able to take a little bit of time and something to help me relax after a stressful day really helps me in the long run.”
That number goes up to 29% when including the entire student body, according to another study done this year by the university. Despite this, that same study suggests that the average student believes over 90% of their peers use marijuana, when in reality that number is much lower.
“As with alcohol, students vastly overestimate how many of their peers use marijuana,” Assistant Director of Alcohol and Drug Education Jon Gayer said.
In the same study by the medical center, researchers found that 43% of first time users were “more open to new experiences.”
“If you are going to do this, please don’t go out and do this without being informed,” Gayer added. “Talk to myself, talk to a peer educator. If you are doing it with a group, let’s sit down and talk as a group. Do your homework. There’s so much more that goes into how your body will react than a quick Google search.”
While it is unclear what campus policy would be if Initiative 437 passes in the state of Nebraska, which would allow the use of medical marijuana, a good indicator would be to look at surrounding states like Colorado and Missouri, as it is likely Lincoln would follow suit.
Consistent with federal law, the University of Colorado and the University of Missouri have outlined in its student handbook that marijuana is an illegal substance if found or consumed on campus, regardless of if a student has a prescription.
The University Health Center is available to answer any questions students have regarding marijuana use. Students can get in touch here.
Due to the sensitive nature of drug use, our student sources have chosen to remain anonymous. For questions about source anonymity, contact the news desk.
”}]] As Nebraskans decide on legalizing medical marijuana this election season, UNL takes a look at marijuana use among students and what campus policy would be if Initiative 437 is passed. Read More