University belonging and college cannabis use at a northeast university: The role of depression and anxiety symptoms

<b>Objective</b>: Cannabis use is escalating among college students. Lack of university belonging is associated with substance use, yet limited research explores its role in cannabis use, precluding tailored intervention. This study examines college cannabis use and a potential indirect pathway involving university belonging and depression/anxiety symptoms. <b>Methods</b>: Cross-sectional online survey data was collected from 327 college students (<i>M</i>_age=19.03 ± 1.39 years; 53% female; 84% White) in a rural northeastern state. <b>Results</b>: ∼50% endorsed past-month cannabis use. Lack of university belongingness was associated with depression/anxiety symptoms, which were associated with higher cannabis use frequency. University belonging had no direct effect on cannabis after accounting for depression/anxiety symptoms. <b>Conclusions</b>: Findings highlight lack of university belonging as one potential risk factor for cannabis use, although longitudinal replication is needed. Preliminary cross-sectional findings may inform future research and intervention development. University belonging is contextualized within rurality, including future directions to clarify generalizability across rural-urban environments.