The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on various aspects of life, including the habits of college students. During the lockdowns and restrictions between 2020 and 2022, students experienced disruptions in their social lives, classes, and mental health, leading to changes in their use of alcohol and cannabis.
This period provided researchers with unique insights into substance consumption trends among students, including the shift from traditional alcohol use to more cannabis consumption. Below is an overview of the research and statistics on alcohol and cannabis consumption during this period.
Alcohol Consumption During the Pandemic
Historically, alcohol has been the most commonly used substance among college students. However, the lockdowns in 2020 significantly altered drinking patterns. Without social events, parties, and in-person gatherings, many students reduced their alcohol intake.
A study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) noted that while heavy drinking in social settings decreased, solitary drinking increased as students coped with isolation, stress, and uncertainty. Interestingly, male students reported a 20% decrease in alcohol consumption during the pandemic, while female students saw a slight increase, driven by stress-related drinking.
Source: NIAAA Report
Cannabis Consumption: A Steady Rise
While alcohol consumption decreased in some areas, cannabis use among students rose. According to a study conducted by Monitoring the Future, which examined the behaviors of young adults during the pandemic, cannabis consumption saw a sharp increase from 2020 to 2022.
One of the key reasons for this shift was the increased focus on mental health during lockdowns. Cannabis, particularly CBD products, was viewed as a way to relieve stress and anxiety. Many students opted for edibles, vaping, and cannabis tinctures over alcohol, seeing these methods as healthier and less harmful. The target age group for this study was 18 to 22 years old, with a significant rise in cannabis use observed among both male and female students.
Male students saw an increase in THC consumption, particularly in states where cannabis is legal, while female students showed a preference for CBD-dominant products aimed at stress relief.
Source: Monitoring the Future
Male vs. Female Consumption Patterns
Between 2020 and 2022, research showed distinct differences in consumption patterns between male and female students.
- Males tended to use both alcohol and cannabis more frequently than females. However, their alcohol consumption decreased significantly during the pandemic, while cannabis use increased by 12%.
- Females, on the other hand, exhibited a small increase in alcohol use, particularly solitary drinking. For cannabis, female students generally leaned towards CBD rather than THC, reflecting a focus on mental health and stress reduction over recreational use.
Why the Shift?
The shift from alcohol to cannabis among college students can largely be attributed to the isolation and mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic. Social drinking events like parties and gatherings were virtually non-existent, and many students turned to cannabis for its therapeutic effects. Additionally, cannabis legalization in certain states made it easier for students to access the substance legally.
To Date
The pandemic significantly altered substance consumption patterns in college and university students, with alcohol use declining and cannabis use rising between 2020 and 2022. These shifts were influenced by mental health struggles, isolation, and the changing social landscape. Research indicates that cannabis, particularly CBD, was increasingly viewed as a means to alleviate stress, especially among female students.
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