Differences in internalizing symptoms between those with and without Cannabis Use Disorder among HBCU undergraduate students

Abstract

Objective To determine the differences in internalizing symptoms between those who met criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and those who did not in young adults attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Participants The sample included 619 undergraduate students, with 110 (18%) who met criteria for CUD. Methods Participants completed an online survey, which included demographic, anxious and depressive symptomatology, and substance use assessment. Results Those who met CUD criteria reported more depressive symptoms (M = 22.83 ± 10.74) and anxiety symptoms (M = 45.70 ± 12.82) than their non-CUD counterparts (M = 19.17 ± 10.58; M = 40.57 ± 14.11, respectively). Conclusion Differences between those who met criteria for CUD and those who did not are consistent with previous literature and may aid in characterizing internalizing behaviors in HBCU students with CUD. Future research should examine the subgroups that may cycle through withdrawal symptoms, despite not having severe CUD. This subgroup may be at higher risk for psychopathology than their severe counterparts.