Green ReLEAF: The value in normalizing cannabis to alleviate college stress and support mental health
Before delving into the content of the article, it is important to note that the use of marijuana by anyone under the age of 21 is not permitted, and each state has its own stance on the legal uses for marijuana, if they deem any use legal at all. Cannabis usage and/or possession is not permitted on the SUNY Geneseo campus. Always remember to consume responsibly and be mindful of the law.
In recent years, the discourse surrounding cannabis has evolved significantly: What used to be a heavily stigmatized and demonized substance is now being re-examined through a more nuanced lens, especially in the context of mental health and its potential benefits on the body. Using marijuana as a tool for alleviating mental health issues and the pressures of academia could be pivotal for some college students.
College life can be a crucible of stress, anxiety, and depression for the average student; the demands of coursework, the transition to adulthood, the discomfort of a new place and reconstructing your social life, and for some, battling the financial burdens that come along with obtaining higher education can leave many students feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. For some of these students, I would argue, the use of cannabis or even a cannabidiol oil can be an effective way to mitigate some of these negative feelings.
One of the key advantages of using marijuana for mental health is its relative safety compared to other substances used in the college setting. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is a cannabinoid found in marijuana that has the ability to decrease anxiety even in lower doses by affecting the 5-HT1A receptors in the brain. These are a type of serotonin receptor, which when triggered, allow the brain to calm the feelings of anxiety and depression. On the other end of the spectrum, marijuana could lead to an uneasy, paranoid feeling if consumed in higher doses.
When your brain receives more cannabinoids than usual, the amygdala may overstimulate, causing paranoia and anxiety. When bringing cannabis into a space where it has less surrounding stigma and thus the ability to address benefits and concerns, those who chose to partake can create a safer environment through larger degrees of comprehension from the scientific level to the personal and explore its benefits. This includes ensuring proper education about responsible usage and its potential risks. Universities and mental health professionals can be vital in educating students and providing evidence-based information and support.
Normalization around the college campus should go hand in hand with rigorous regulation and quality control. Ensuring that cannabis products are safe, accurately labeled, and free from harmful contaminants, like fentanyl, is critical. Additionally, legalizing, decriminalizing, and regulating marijuana allows for a controlled environment that minimizes risks associated with illegal dealing. University police and other vital decision-makers on campus could collaborate to make guidelines that allow for safe, fair usage around college grounds.
With all this said, it is important to acknowledge that drug abuse is a commonality far too familiar on college campuses. Allowing for a much safer option than what some students currently use to treat anxiety, depression, and stress will provide an outlet for many students looking to stay away from the potential harm of amphetamines and illegal substances to battle some of the same root issues. While cannabis itself is not technically addictive, it is habit-forming, so being aware of the relationship one might have with the substance, if any, is vital in making sure it is being used in an appropriate manner.
As we witness the gradual societal acceptance of cannabis, it is time to acknowledge its potential role in addressing mental health challenges, particularly among college students. Normalizing weed is not about promoting indiscriminate use, but about recognizing it as a legitimate option for those seeking relief from the burdens of anxiety, depression, and stress, while also understanding the systemic reasons for its perceived stigma and its roots in racist rhetoric against the Black community. By fostering open conversations and providing responsible guidance, we can pave the way for a more compassionate and supportive approach to mental health in our universities and beyond.
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