Perceptions and Attitudes of University and College Students Towards Cannabis Use

Cannabis use is common among post-secondary students. As cannabis use becomes a normalized activity, there is potential for cultural change in post-secondary campuses. Exploring students’ attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives can provide a better understanding of the evolution and cultural transformation of cannabis use on campus. This study took a meta-ethnographic approach to explore students’ perception and attitudes about cannabis use. A database search and quality appraisal were used to identify relevant papers. Using the procedures of Noblit and Hare (1988), nine qualitative studies were synthesized to identify themes. Five themes emerged: “differences between users and non-users is negligible,” “expectations of cannabis use are gendered,” “cannabis use is influenced by sociocultural networks,” “cannabis can be used responsibly or irresponsibly,” and “perceived mediating factors in the relationship between students and cannabis use.” The findings create an integral understanding of factors influencing students’ cannabis use behaviors, informing future research on cannabis legalization.