University of Virginia Library

Marijuana Smokers Aim High

A recent survey appealing in The
Chronicle of Higher Education shows that
students who smoke marijuana are more
likely to have higher goals and grades
than those who do not smoke.

The survey of over 5,000 students
students on 38 campuses also shows that
those who use marijuana are more likely
to attend elite institutions. It was found
that twice as many smokers as
non-smokers plan careers as lawyers, doctors,
scientists, and educators.

The study, conducted by psychologists
Kenneth and Mary Gorgens of Swarthmore
College, shows that 48 per cent of those who
smoke maintained a grade point average of B or
better, compared to 44 per cent of the
non-smokers.

The findings indicated a connection between
the use of marijuana and feelings toward the
war in Indochina. Almost 80 per cent of those
who use marijuana said they felt increased
worry, depression, and anger due to the war.
Only 50 per cent of those who did not smoke
felt depressed about the war.

Marijuana users demonstrated more social
activism than non-users and less commitment to
mainstream politics. Over 70 per cent of the
group who smoked had joined anit-war
demonstrations, and 45 percentages are about
three times those for the group that did not
smoke.