Association of Frequent Cannabis Use and Symptoms of Depression among Black College Students

Background: Cannabis use and depression among emerging adult college students are major public health concerns. Objectives: Given the high rates of frequent cannabis use and low rates of mental health services utilization found among emerging adult Black/African Americans, this cross-sectional study examined the relationship between symptoms of depression and frequent cannabis use in a sample of 221 African American students attending an HBCU. Results: After providing informed consent, participants completed a self-administered survey. The sample was 70% female (M_age = 20.3 years; SD = 1.97). Thirty percent of participants reported frequent cannabis use and their depressive symptomology scores ranged from 0 to 6 (M = 1.3, SD = 1.48). Sex did not moderate the cannabis use-depression association. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between depression and frequent cannabis use (AOR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.02-1.58). Compared to participants whose mothers did not earn a college degree, those whose mothers earned a graduate degree were more likely to report frequent cannabis use (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.06-5.39; p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Black/African American emerging adult students experiencing low levels of depression may be at increased risk for frequent cannabis use. Better understanding the cannabis use and depression relationship in Black/African American emerging adults has implications for designing tailored cannabis use prevention and treatment interventions for a group that is disproportionately affected by cannabis use disorder. Also, findings suggest the potential need for HBCUs to invest in cannabis use prevention campaigns and bolster mental health services.