Cannabis

Most ASU students do not use cannabis.

Facts

80.6% of ASU students do not use cannabis.

Yet, 86.8% of ASU students believe that typical ASU student has used cannabis in the past 30 days.

Please note: Cannabis in any form is NOT allowed anywhere on ASU campuses – even with a medical cannabis card.

Cannabis impacts academic performance and overall health:

Impairs memory, concentration and judgement
Compromises learning skills, balance and coordination
Produces psychotic episodes with high doses

Cannabis use can result in lower grade point average.

No amount of cannabis use is known to be safe for people below age 25 or females who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Source: American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Arizona State University Spring 2019. Balitmore: American College Health Association; Spring 2019 (n=2,096).

Basic Information

Did you know?

Cannabis impacts academic performance and overall health:
- Impairs memory, concentration, and judgement
- Compromises learning skills, balance and coordination
- Produces psychotic episodes with high doses
- Effects depend on frequency of use and THC concentration
No amount of cannabis use is known to be safe for people below age 25 or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Factors influencing this effect include the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis, how often it is used, the age of first use, route of use, and whether other substances are used at the same time.
Cannabis is available in multiple forms. It can be eaten, drunk, smoked, vaped, or dabbed.
Eating or drinking cannabis delays absorption into the blood system up to 1 hour. This delayed effect, may lead to over consumption which can lead to toxic levels and/or serious injury.
Cannabis potency (level of THC) has increased over time. The higher the THC level, the greater the potency. THC concentration changes:
- 1970's - Average cannabis potency was 7-8% THC
- Today - Average cannabis potency is 55% THC
- Today - Some forms of cannabis potency is reaching 97-97% THC
Chronic users of cannabis are at risk of developing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which is marked by sever cycles of nausea and vomiting.
Source: Adams, Jerome. U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Cannabis Use and the Developing Brain. US Department of Health Services. August 29, 2019. Retrieved from URL: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/addiction-and-substance-misuse/advisory-on-marijuana-use-and-developing-brain/index.html

Is Cannabis Use Allowed at ASU?

Cannabis use and possession is NOT permitted on any properties owned or leased by ASU. Students with a medical card CANNOT use cannabis on campus or in ASU residence halls. Those caught using cannabis at ASU are subject to disciplinary action and arrest.

Self-Evaluation

Concerned about your cannabis use?

Dependence to cannabis is a real possibility. Do you recognize signs of cannabis misuse in yourself?

Common behavior changes associated with cannabis substance use disorder:

Spending too much time getting high
Choosing friends based on their cannabis use
Getting high despite known consequences
Trying to cut down unsuccessfully
Decreased interest in taking care of responsibilities
Losing interest in personal appearance, hobbies, interests
Family history of drug misuse

Examine your cannabis use by taking the following online assessment:

ScreenU Cannabis - A confidential and anonymous screening tool designed to help students understand immediate and long-term risk of cannabis.
Marijuana e-Checkup - A brief cannabis-specific assessment and feedback tool designed to reduce cannabis use among college students.

ASU provides help and support for students who would like to examine and reduce their cannabis use.

How To Help a Friend

Concerned about a friend's cannabis use?

Dependence to cannabis is a real possibility. To help a friend you must first recognize the signs associated with cannabis misuse.

Common behavior changes associated with cannabis misuse:

Spending too much time getting high
Choosing friends based on their marijuana use
Getting high despite known consequences
Trying to cut down unsuccessfully
Decreased interest in taking care of responsibilities
Losing interest in personal appearance, hobbies, interests
Family history of drug abuse

Encourage your friend to examine their cannabis use by taking one of the following online assessment:

ASU provides help and support for students who would like to examine and reduce their cannabis use.

StepUp! ASU is an online education video aimed to educate students to be active participants in helping others to reduce risk and prevent harm. Attend this training to learn how to step up when others are in need or become a Set Up trainer.