Date of Award

Spring 5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Program/Concentration

Health Psychology

Committee Director

Abby L. Braitman

Committee Member

Cathy Lau-Barraco

Committee Member

Michelle L. Kelley

Abstract

Cannabis and alcohol use are pervasive among college students. Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (commonly referred to as simultaneous alcohol and marijuana [SAM]) use (i.e., effects overlap) is more prevalent than concurrent alcohol and cannabis (commonly referred to as concurrent alcohol and marijuana [CAM]) use (i.e., effects do not overlap). Consequences of SAM use are often greater than CAM or single substance use. Research has explored cognitions (motives, expectancies) and contexts (environmental, social) as predictors of SAM use among adolescents, young adults, and adults; however, research is needed among college students specifically. Limited research has examined type of alcohol and route of cannabis administration for separate use, but not CAM or SAM use. The current study, a 21-day daily diary among college students, addressed these gaps via three aims. Aim 1 identified the most common type of alcohol was consuming multiple types of alcohol and the most common route of cannabis administration was plant. Additionally, there was an association between quantity of alcohol consumed, such that more alcohol was consumed on days when shots (liquor) or caffeinated mixed drinks were consumed. There was not an association between route of cannabis administration and quantity consumed. Aim 2 examined if consequences, cognitions, contexts, and quantity of alcohol and cannabis used varies across SAM versus CAM days. Results showed that participants reported fewer consequences on CAM versus SAM use days. Aim 3 examined if SAM-specific consequences, cognitions, and contexts vary across type of alcohol and route of cannabis administration and found that on SAM use days when shots (liquor) are consumed, compared to multiple types of alcohol, participants reported experiencing more SAM expectancies. However, all results should be interpreted with caution due to the low sample size, possibly increasing Type II error. In addition, the small sample precluded the examination of some study aims, such as if there is an association between type of alcohol/route of cannabis administration and type of day (SAM, CAM, or separate use; part of Aim 1). In conclusion, the current study replicated and expanded the research on co-use of alcohol and cannabis in a college student sample.

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DOI

10.25777/5mdk-7y25

ISBN

9798819394625

ORCID

0000-0002-5203-4486

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