Determinants of Marijuana Use

Marijuana is a popular and universal drug. It is easily accessible to most people and is the number one illicit drug used in North America. Although the availability and knowledge of this drug is fairly equal for all people in North America, marijuana tends to be more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. Maisto, Galizio, and Conners (2004) reported that "use of marijuana [in young people] was 8.0% among those aged 12-17; 16% among those aged 18-25," as compared to "6.8% among those aged 26-34; and 2.4% among those 35 and older." People of all ages, races, and religions use marijuana and have their own reasons to use it. Young people first try marijuana because of some common reasons. Some teenagers feel pressured by their peers to experiment with this drug and fear alienation if they do not. Others are curious about marijuana and see it as a safe way to experiment with illicit drugs. There are also some young people who want to rebel, usually against their parents and authority figures, and view marijuana as a sufficient way to do that.

Peer pressure is one of the main reasons teenagers and young adults in North America decide to experiment and try new things. This kind of pressure often leads young people to use different types of drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, and very frequently, marijuana. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) believe that "one of the results of this widespread marijuana use is that many teens have friends who are making some unhealthy choices" (Monitor Your Child's Activities, 2004). Trying to fit in and be accepted, teenagers feel they have to coincide with the crowd. It is a common belief for young people that if you go against what your peers are doing then you will not be liked. Adolescence can be a very difficult and confusing time; this stage of life can make people weak and vulnerable to the influences around them. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) gathered evidence that "22 percent of eighth graders" and even more prevalent later on with "nearly half of twelfth graders surveyed reported that they have tried marijuana" (NIDA Notes, 1999). With this high percentage of students using marijuana and the availability of the drug being so vast, teenagers find it hard to stay away from this substance.

As some teenagers are pressured in to using marijuana, others are interested in experimentation. Many young people who are curious about drugs tend to try marijuana because it is viewed as the "safest" illicit drug. The popularity of the drug, talk of legalization, and media all contribute to marijuana being seen as a safe drug. Aforementioned, many young people use this highly accessible drug. People begin to think that if everyone else is doing it without harm, then they can too. It is well known that marijuana alone has never lead to death and has only been associated with fatal accidents when combined with alcohol or other drugs. These unthreatening ideas of marijuana combined with the constant debate about legalizing or decriminalizing the drug, persuade people to believe that it is safe and will not do them any harm. The most significant way this idea is developing is through the media. Although there are many anti-drug commercials and campaigns, the amount of television shows, movies and songs involving marijuana outweigh them all. In an article about marijuana in the media, Gary Oetjen, assistant Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, says that television is "glamorizing the usage of [marijuana] and these young kids believe they can get away with it," adding "it portrays a positive aspect when it should be nothing but negative. They're allowing [kids] to believe they can get away with this and cause no harm" (Television.., 2005). The glamorization of marijuana in the media is especially a problem among younger people because they are so influenced by celebrities and their lifestyles. Some of these celebrities are role models for teenagers and seeing them use marijuana or talking about the drug may sway some to believe it is perfectly safe and will not harm them.

A sense of independence is what many young people strive for. With adolescence comes the need for a life