14 Jun College Binge Drinkers Also Smoking More Pot In States Where Marijuana Legal
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Kerr
David Kerr PhD
Associate professor in the School of Psychological Science
College of Liberal Arts
Ohio State University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Oregon legalized sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes and the part of the law (regarding use) took effect in July 2015. However, there have been no controlled studies of which we’re aware of the possible effects of the Oregon law that take into account the trends toward increased marijuana use across the country and differences in use rates between states that predated the law.
We used survey data on college students in Oregon and in 6 states without recreational legalization to examine the issue.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Rates of college students’ marijuana use in the past 30 days increased across the institutions we examined from 2012-2016.
Oregon rates in 2016 had increased by more, but only among students who reported recent heavy alcohol use (“binge drinking”).
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Future research should replicate the findings using different methods, examine the nature of any changes in marijuana use (e.g., onset, regular use, dependence), consider the possible effects of these laws on other substance use (e.g., tobacco), and test possible impacts on adverse public health outcomes such as drunk driving and assault.
No disclosures, no conflicts of interest.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation: Addiction
Changes in undergraduates’ marijuana, heavy alcohol, and cigarette use following legalization of recreational marijuana use in Oregon
David C. R. Kerr ,Harold Bae ,Sandi Phibbs and Adam C. Kern2
DOI: 10.1111/add.13906
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on June 14, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD