Final answer:
The perception that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol increases the likelihood of students reporting previous use of marijuana.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the provided information, there has been a shift in public attitudes towards marijuana, leading to its legalization in many states. The belief that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol has played a significant role in this change. Students who view marijuana as less harmful than alcohol are more than nine times as likely to report having smoked pot in the past. This suggests that the perception of marijuana as a relatively safe substance influences its use among students.