PII-044 - KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND AWARENESS TOWARD MARIJUANA USE AT HISTORICALLY BLACK UNIVERSITY

K. Hasan, T. Vasaitis; University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD, USA.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness toward marijuana use among individuals at Historically Black University.

Methods: This study included faculty, staff, and students. The survey focused on participants' beliefs, attitudes, and awareness about marijuana use. Participants were asked to complete the anonymous survey to explore knowledge, attitudes, and awareness toward marijuana use. Data analysis utilized Stat-View 5.0, comparing variations based on participants' ethnic backgrounds using Chi-Square tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The data presents diverse marijuana usage patterns across ethnicities, analyzed from a sample of 454 participants. Groups include Blacks/African American (61%), whites (24%), Asian (4%), Native American (1%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and "Prefer not to answer" (7%). Marijuana use is acknowledged by 61%, lower among Asians (26%, p=0.03).
Regarding usage frequency, Black/AA daily usage (20%) surpasses Whites (11%) and Hispanic/Latino (0%); Native Americans show distinct behavior (33%). Monthly usage is significant among Hispanic/Latino (75%), nondisclosure (16%), and Black/AA (13%) (p=0.001).
About 70% believe that marijuana is safe, especially among Native Americans (100%), while 73% of Asians disagree (p=0.04). Comparing marijuana with tobacco and alcohol, respondents rate it less harmful (6% vs. 82% for tobacco). All Native Americans believe tobacco is more harmful (100%). Similar trends appear for alcohol (p=0.04).
60% favor full marijuana legalization, 32% for medical use; only 1% back recreational. Asian opinions vary (42% both, 53% medical, p < 0.2). 66% see it as addictive, especially Native Americans (100%) and most Hispanic/Latinos (83%). Others show minor differences (68%, p < 0.13). Most respondents (88-100%) believe marijuana is unsafe during pregnancy (p=0.51).

Conclusion: This research reveals commonalities and distinctions among ethnic groups. While most acknowledge pregnancy risks and support medical use, disparities arise in perceptions of safety, addiction, and recreational legalization.