Lack of university belonging was linked to more cannabis use among college students, but the connection was explained by depression and anxiety symptoms rather than being a direct effect.
University health professionals, student affairs administrators, and college students.
50% of students reported past-month cannabis use
What the researchers found
About 50% of college students reported past-month cannabis use. Lack of university belonging was associated with higher depression/anxiety symptoms, which in turn were associated with more frequent cannabis use. University belonging had no direct effect on cannabis use after accounting for mental health symptoms.
Why it matters
This suggests that campus cannabis use may be better addressed through mental health support and building social connections than through drug-focused interventions alone. Improving students' sense of belonging could reduce both mental health symptoms and associated cannabis use.
The numbers in context
327 students surveyed. ~50% reported past-month cannabis use. Mean age 19.03. University belonging predicted depression/anxiety, which predicted cannabis frequency. Direct path from belonging to cannabis was not significant.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional online survey of 327 college students (mean age 19, 53% female, 84% White) at a rural northeastern university.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Predominantly White sample from a single rural university limits generalizability. Self-report measures may be biased. The mediation model cannot rule out reverse causation.
How to read the evidence
Small cross-sectional sample from a single university with limited demographic diversity.
When this study was published
2026 study.
The bigger picture
As cannabis legalization expands and campus cannabis use rises, understanding the psychological drivers of use becomes more important for universities. This finding aligns with broader research showing that social connectedness protects against substance use.
Questions still open
- Would interventions that improve university belonging actually reduce cannabis use? Do these patterns differ at urban universities or more racially diverse campuses?
Common questions
Why do college students use cannabis?
Is campus cannabis use increasing?
Read the original research
University belonging and college cannabis use at a northeast university: The role of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 1-10
Citation
Rathod, K; Wagner, A; Broadaway, T; Tesi, A; Goodhines, P A. (2026). University belonging and college cannabis use at a northeast university: The role of depression and anxiety symptoms.. Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2026.2626144
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