by Lauren Norton
staff writer
Marijuana use by college students nationwide increased nearly 22 percent from 1993 to 1999, according to a report by Harvard University’s School of Public Health. The report also states that use of other illicit drugs saw a similar increase in the same period.
Researchers conducted a survey in 1993, 1997 and 1999 examining over 14,000 students from randomly selected colleges nationwide. The study focused on the number of students who have recently used marijuana. The results of the participants using the drug in the 30 days prior to the survey rose from 12.9 percent in 1993 to 15.7 percent in 1999. Students reported using marijuana within a one-year period climbed to 26.4 percent from 24 percent.
The use of illicit drugs other than marijuana rose nearly 21 percent among college students from 1993 to 1999. Such drugs include amphetamines, barbituates, cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, opiates and tranquilizers.
The reasoning behind this drastic increase is said to have resulted from the rise of drug use among young adolescents in the early 1990s. These individuals are now entering college and have brought their habits with them. Therefore, it is quite different from the drug epidemic in the 1960s and 1970s, where the drug use seemed to start in college and trickle down to younger students.
Cabrini’s disciplinary policy for those involved with the manufacture of drugs and the possession or use of drug paraphernalia are violations of the college.
Persons involved in this type of activity, either on or off campus, are subject to disciplinary action. Drugs and paraphernalia found are turned over to the proper authorities, without questions.
Also, in a situation where the illegal or unauthorized possession or use of alcohol or drugs exists, everyone in that particular area can be charged with “constructive possession” and all the individuals are liable unless those individuals personally responsible are clearly identified.
When asked if this is fair, Kathryn Hackett, a junior, said, “The policy seems to be backwards, the students are guilty until proven innocent, which does not seem to be fair.”
Facts About Marijuana
Marijuana has been known to trigger attacks of mental illness
20 percent of marijuana users go on to use cocaine.
Marijuana smoke produces airway injury, acute and chronic bronchitis and lung inflammation.
Babies born to mothers who use marijuana have 11 times the risk of developing leukemia.
information obtained from drugwatch.org
