The College Student and Marijuana: Research Findings concerning Adverse Biological and Psychological Effects

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Abstract
Next to alcohol, marijuana is the most widely used drug among college students. Recent surveys of high reliability indicate that within the college age group approximately 21 million have smoked marijuana, and several millions smoke it daily. Research findings document clearly that marijuana has distinct adverse biological and psychological effects, even when smoked in moderate doses, and for short periods of time. The short-term and long-term adverse effects of the drug have important implications for the college community—especially the effects on short-term memory and learning, on psychomotor coordination, on behavior, and on reproduction. Moderate doses of marijuana impair intellectual functioning in several areas including the ability to read with comprehension, to acquire, to store and to recall information, and to communicate clearly. Moderate doses also impair motor coordination—especially driving skills, concentration, and judgment—a significant finding in light of the high incidence of auto fatalities among the college age group. The long-term effects of marijuana on sperm, on the menstrual cycle, and on the human fetus also have relevance to this young age group. A detailed knowledge of these adverse effects of marijuana will prove helpful to all those who work within college health facilities.

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