The EVOLUTION Magazine JUNE 2024 | Page 40

Higher Education

Can Medical Marijuana Benefit College Students Too ?

by Tristynn Clark , contributing writer

Medical marijuana has always been a big part of my life . It has helped me with pain and mental relief as I am diagnosed with bipolar ( II ) disorder , depression , anxiety , and ADHD , along with Scoliosis , which causes back pain . As an advocate for medical marijuana and students , my goal is to inform patients of the benefits of medical marijuana for college students .

In recent years , the conversation about medical marijuana has shifted dramatically . The conversations have gone from taboo and filled with stigma to conversations about its potential medical benefits . Among those having said conversations are college students . College students ( over 21 ) are turning to medical marijuana to address several mental and physical disorders that are causing disruptions in their education .
College life is notorious for its stressful environment . Balancing schoolwork , organizations , and social obligations can take a toll on students ’ mental and physical well-being . Medical marijuana offers a natural alternative for stress relief and anxiety management .
Marijuana is made up of CBD ( cannabidiol ) and THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol ). Evidence shows these compounds might have calming effects on the brain , according to webmd . com . For students , incorporating medical marijuana into their self-care routine could provide much-needed relief associated with the stress from college overall .
The “ Monitoring the Future Study ,” by monitoringthefuture . org , has studied college and non-college adults , ages 19-22 , since 1980 . 1 The researchers conducted another survey in 2020 , surveying 1,550 young
40 June 2024