Relationship between Marijuana Use and Academic Performance

Relationship between Marijuana Use and Academic Performance

The use of stimulants like coffee and marijuana is common among college students in the United States.  According to a research study carried out by Pearson et al. (2018) demonstrated that one in every four American had used at least one type of stimulant while in college or the university. These stimulants are used for various reasons, including; recreational purposes, medicinal value, stress reliever, or as an academic enhancer. The high prevalence uses of stimulants in the United States have been associated with the legislative actions to eliminate or relax legal penalties of either use or possession of these substances, especially marijuana. Numerous debates have been centered on the impact of stimulants on the health and academic performance of students.

Research question

The research question for this study explores whether marijuana has a better effect than coffee on the academic performance of students. Numerous studies have been conducted on this topic, and different academic scholars have continuously come up with divergent opinions on the subject matter. Some academic scholars have argued that the use of marijuana has more negative effects on the academic performance of students. These scholars have argued that students who use marijuana are more likely to skip classes or less likely to complete their homework, thus recording low grades in their test results. However, other scholars have also argued that marijuana increases the academic performance of students more than coffee. These scholars have argued that marijuana, unlike coffee, is a more potent stimulant that increases the concentration levels of students while performing academic tasks, thus improving their overall academic performance.

Literature review

So-far explored literature on the impact of coffee and marijuana has been carried out by Miguel, Tiffany, and Christopher. In their research study conducted on high school senior students, the researchers demonstrated that alcohol and cigarette use often precede marijuana use, which in turn precedes hard drug use like cocaine and heroin (Miguel, Tiffany, and Christopher (2003). That is, cigarette and alcohol use are the primary gateways for substance abuse among students. Miguel, Tiffany, and Christopher (2003) also demonstrated a relationship between marijuana use with school popularity, academic performance, and depression. The research study found out that students with low academic performance and high self-rating of popularity and depression were more likely to use marijuana. The study also demonstrated that marijuana abuse was associated with problems at school, truancy, psychological distress, depression, and delinquency (Miguel, Tiffany, and Christopher, 2003). The present research study will provide an extension to this literature by exploring how increased concentration resulting from marijuana use may positively affect the academic performance of students. Besides, the current research study will also explore how marijuana use among students reduces anxiety during exam periods, thus improving students’ grades.

Another research study on the subject matter has been carried out by Katlyn Elizabeth (2016), to determine the relationship between academic procrastination and stimulating substance (coffee, prescribed drugs, and energy drink) use among students. The research demonstrated that the most popular stimulating substance among undergraduate students is caffeinated beverages like coffee. Students believed that they felt mentally and physically energetic after consumption of beverages like coffee. These products were used by students to stay energetic, alert, and awake trough out the day or part of the night.  The research by Katlyn Elizabeth (2016) also found out that the level of academic procrastination was higher among students who use caffeinated beverages like coffee. Besides, the research indicated that the use of stimulants among students directly increased with age, and male students were more likely to use stimulants than females. The present research study will provide an extension to the existing literature by exploring the relationship between academic procrastination and marijuana use.

References

Katlyn Elizabeth. (2006). Academic Procrastination And Stimulating Substance Use Among College Undergraduates. https://file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/20200331213237academic_procrastination_and_s__1_.pdf

Miguel A. Diego, Tiffany M. Field, and Christopher E. Sanders. (2003). Academic Performance, Popularity, And Depression Predict Adolescent Substance Abuse. https://file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/20200331215927academic_performance__populari.pdf

Pearson, M. R., Hustad, J. T., Neighbors, C., Conner, B. T., Bravo, A. J., & Marijuana Outcomes Study Team. (2018). Personality, marijuana norms, and marijuana outcomes among college students. Addictive behaviors, 76, 291-297.