High Times, Higher Stakes: Mental Health Impacts in New Recreational Marijuana Legal Landscape

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

This presentation delves into the societal and mental health consequences arising from the increasing trend of legalizing recreational marijuana. Specifically, we will examine the potential normalization of unconventional behavior among aviation college students, who may grapple with substance use challenges due to stress, sleep difficulties, and the demands of college life. Given the rigorous nature of flight training, prioritizing the mental well-being of pilots becomes imperative. With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio, this presentation integrates insights from Diana Semilia's 2022 study on Kent State Flight Students Ages 19-26. The study's objective was to extract practical recommendations applicable to flight schools nationwide. It sought to identify prevalent mental health conditions and assess the effectiveness of existing support systems. A section of the study delved into the issues of alcohol, substance abuse, and mental health. This discussion explores the varying levels of risk that flight students may encounter in a society accepting recreational marijuana, despite its prohibition in the aviation training environment and Air Transportation sectors. Lastly, the presentation considers potential measures for establishing a supportive aeronautical training environment aimed at mitigating the risks associated with mental health issues and substance abuse among pilots.

Authors

• Lorenzon, Jason T., J.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Pezalla, Chris Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Semilia, Diana Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• legalization
• recreational marijuana
• societal implications
• mental health
• trends
• aviation college students
• deviant behavior
• substance use dilemmas
• stress
• sleep challenges
• college life
• supportive environment