Cannabis use at universities increases with decreasing alcohol consumption

Marijuana use among college students is on the rise. Alcohol consumption is falling. This is according to a recent study by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. Jack Reid is investigating why.

As students return to campus around the world, the National Institute on Drug Addiction reports that student marijuana use has increased 6 percent while alcohol use has decreased by the same amount!

In the heart of Los Angeles, many USC students feel that this trend is particularly reflected here. There are many students who smoke weed, says Gabby Ellis, a business student.

GABBY ELLIS: There's a lot of encouragement here to use it as a stress reliever or just something to do, like before a party, before a game or something.

DIEGO JOSE: I've never seen pressure from anyone ... the people who do it stay on their track and respect other people who don't.

This is the film production student Diego Jose.

DIEGO JOSE: I'm from Mexico, and it's not legal there and all that. The first week I saw a bunch of people I made, who smoked and stuff and that surprised me.

Recreational marijuana is now legal in California, and of course, it's easier to get hold of than ever. But business graduate Gabby Ellis mentions another reason why marijuana use is increasing while alcohol use is falling somewhat in popularity.

GABBY ELLIS: I think marijuana could be a healthier alternative.

It might even be healthier in the long run. Professor Antonio Damasio teaches psychology, philosophy and neurology at USC.

ANTONIO DAMASIO: Those who consume marijuana not only tend to have fewer long-term effects, but are probably also less dependent on alcohol.

Damasio says the need to escape or somehow get by ... has increased dramatically during the COVID pandemic.

ANTONIO DAMASIO: So we are dealing with an enormous cause of trauma, an enormous cause of suffering. Every time a person suffers, be it in the middle of a crisis or in normal life, one tends to medicate oneself, end quote. And whether this medication is in the form of sedatives, alcohol or marijuana makes no difference.

COVID has complicated our lives, increased isolation and disrupted our social life. But Professor Damasio says that whatever method one prefers to try to cope with, one shouldn't forget about the following:

ANTONIO DAMASIO: It is still a human being who tries to alleviate suffering.