Cannabis Use and Academic Performance in College Students: The Role of Procrastination

Abstract

Objective: The current study investigated procrastination as a potential moderator of the association between cannabis use and college grade point average (GPA). Participants: 220 college students (ages 18-24; 71.8% female) in the Northwestern U.S. who were registered for classes in Fall 2021. Methods: Demographic questions, substance use history, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and a Procrastination scale were completed via an online survey. Official term and cumulative GPA records were also collected. Results: A regression model indicated that procrastination moderated the association between lifetime cannabis use and cumulative college GPA, whereas this moderation was not present when examining the relationship between past month cannabis use and term GPA. Conclusion: The current study identifies a putatively modifiable factor that may be related to academic performance for students who use cannabis. These results may help inform future interventions designed to help students using cannabis succeed academically.