Why Some University Students Might Use Marijuana More Than Others

A recent study looked at how common marijuana use is among health science students in eastern Brazil. Out of over 500 students surveyed, nearly one in five admitted to trying marijuana at some point. The research didn’t just count users—it dug deeper to find out who was more likely to use it. Students who didn’t identify as white, for example, were less likely to have tried it. Living situation mattered too: those in dorms, sharing apartments, or living alone were more than twice as likely to use marijuana compared to students living with family. Family relationships played a role as well. Students with poor or no contact with their fathers were nearly two and a half times more likely to use. And surprisingly, students without a religious affiliation were six times more likely to try marijuana than those who identified with a faith.

The study used surveys to gather this information. First, students answered basic questions about themselves—like age, gender, and race. Then, they answered more detailed questions about their habits, including whether they’d ever used tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. The data was crunched using statistical tools to see which factors lined up with marijuana use. The results suggest that where you live, who you live with, family dynamics, and personal beliefs aren’t just background details—they might influence whether someone experiments with marijuana. This isn’t just about numbers. The findings hint at groups that might need more support or education around drug use. Students who feel disconnected from family or don’t have strong community ties through religion could be at higher risk. The study doesn’t say why these factors matter—just that they do. So instead of guessing, the research points to real differences in how students experience life and how that might connect to their choices.

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