Holy highs: Exploring the intersection of cannabis use and religiosity amongst Jewish Orthodox university and college students

Abstract

This research studied use of cannabis by Jewish Orthodox college/university students (N=227) and whether their use was correlated with their level of religiosity. The method used was a cross-sectional quantitative study comprised of thirty-three quantitative questions. Individuals were given a survey tool using a Likert scale to explore their use or nonuse of substances. Cannabis use was measured using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test - Revised (CUDIT-R), and self-identifying level of religiosity was investigated via The Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS). Data was analyzed utilizing Microsoft Excel as well as Stata statistical analysis software. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed as well as Cronbach’s alpha computed. Our analysis found the CUDIT-R to have a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87, and the CRS was found to have a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91. These results confirmed good internal univariate structure and high internal validity for each respective tool. CFA for the CUDIT-R and as well as the CRS suggest that these tools are a good fit for our sample population. Inter-tool CFA returned a negative correlation between the latent factors of the CRS and the latent factor of the CUDIT-R. This finding confirmed the study hypothesis that higher levels of religiosity correlate negatively with cannabis use. Understanding the prevalence of and attitude towards use of cannabis within this distinct population may help guide policy, education, and the formulation of interventions in a culturally competent fashion.