Synthetic THC Use Among University Students: An Exploration of Perceived Harm, Ease of Access, and Friends' Use

Abstract

The present study examined perceived harm, ease of access, friends’ use, and extent of lifetime synthetic THC use among (N = 338) university students. Demographics, including sex and grade, also were investigated. Results indicated that students’ who perceived synthetic THC as harmful were less likely to use synthetic THC in their lifetime. Students’ reporting synthetic THC as easy to obtain were more likely to use synthetic THC. Findings indicated that students’ lifetime use was impacted by friends’ use. Although more men and upper classmen reported using synthetic THC, no significant differences for use among sex or grade levels were found.  These findings should be considered when developing synthetic THC prevention and intervention programs for university students.