Study: College Marijuana Use Growing

BOSTON (AP) - Northeastern University junior Robert Devaney says many
of his fellow students have trouble buying beer at nearby bars - but
no problem getting marijuana.

"It's the alternative to drinking,'' Devaney said Monday. ``To get
alcohol, someone is going to make sure you're of age, whereas
marijuana is easily available. I would definitely say it's a big
problem on campus.''

Marijuana use among college students rose 22 percent between 1993 and
1999, according to a study released this week by the Harvard School of
Public Health.

Seven years ago, 12.9 percent of students claimed to have used
marijuana in the previous month. Last year, the figure was 15.7 percent.

The research was based on the responses of more that 14,000 students
selected randomly from 119 four-year colleges in 40 states.

``I think it shows the need for colleges to approach this problem, but
it also shows the need to beef up the programs earlier - in high
schools and even middle schools,'' said Dr. Henry Wechsler, who headed
the study.

The increase was reported among all races and types of students,
though the study found that marijuana users are typically single and
white. Marijuana use was higher among students who participate in
other high-risk behaviors, such as binge drinking, cigarette smoking
and having multiple sexual partners, the study found.

Marijuana use was highest at colleges in the Northeast and lowest in
Southern colleges. It was also highest at colleges classified as
``very competitive,'' and lowest at those considered ``not
competitive.''