Most of us would list the factors that influence the decision if and where to go to college as cost, campus amenities, or anticipated income upon completion. A recent paper in an economic policy journal, conducted a study that looks at the impact of legalized adult use marijuana legislation on college applications in that state rather than those more traditional factors.
This unique approach focused on the impact of liberalized policy on college enrollments rather than usage by students. They concluded that colleges and universities experience about a 15% increase in applications after legalization for adult use.
The researchers explained that all U.S. schools show a steady linear college application trend. But states saw a bump in college applications after recreational legalization that continues for about 3 years then tapers off. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics from 2008-2020, the study showed evidence that state and local policies, such as adult-use legalization, influence individual’s decision where to apply to college.
There was no evidence that applicants were weaker students, and the researchers did point out that the study was most relevant to Colorado and Washington given the time frame of the data.
They seemed most excited to provide a way to look at the impact of permissive public policies on this academic data point particularly as policy makers consider removal of federal prohibition. The study is cited below.
Blake, C.D., Thomas, D.K. and Hess, J., 2024. Higher education: The impact of recreational marijuana on college applications. Contemporary Economic Policy, 42(2), pp.259-277.
