The culture and context of adolescent marijuana use

Over the past decade there has been a shift in the public discourse related to marijuana; it is a drug that is increasingly seen as socially acceptable. Research has demonstrated the harmful social and health effects of marijuana use and there is increasing evidence that some individuals become dependent on marijuana. Despite these consequences many youth continue to believe that marijuana is a natural product that is less harmful than cigarettes. This study is directed at increasing our understanding of marijuana use among youth, focusing particularly on the context and culture of use in three communities in British Columbia. The study also aims to understand how youth frame the health and social consequences of frequent marijuana use and understand marijuana dependence. The proposed study uses an ethnographic qualitative approach to describe the culture of regular marijuana use by youth Data will be collected using three approaches: naturalistic observation, focused interviews with stakeholders (teachers, principals, community leaders), and in-depth interviews with youth. The first two strategies will be used to understand community norms and practices related to marijuana use among youth. The third strategy will be used to understand youths perspectives on marijuana use and will rely heavily on narrative techniques. The findings will provide an empirical foundation for developing policies and prevention programming related to marijuana use among adolescents that that is sensitive to the actual lives and experiences of adolescents.