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Marijuana: Where Do We Go From Here?

A better understanding of specific areas of marijuana research may help to predict and prevent future increases in the popularity of marijuana use. The areas needing more research are ethnicity and marijuana use, driving under the influence of marijuana, marijuana as the illicit drug of choice among populations at risk for substance abuse problems, federal and state legislation regarding marijuana use, marijuana use and interpersonal violence, and media exposure to information about marijuana use.

Other research findings on marijuana include the following:

• Marijuana is the most prevalent illicit drug used by youth and young adults in high-risk environments; youth in continuation school programs have an increased risk for marijuana use.
• Some studies have shown that marijuana use is more prevalent and attitudes toward use more positive among Latinos. Continued research on ethnicity as a predictor of marijuana use may lower the overall level of marijuana use.
• There has been an increase in drug use among youth as the number of anti-drug public service announcements and articles about substance abuse has decreased. Also, some say the association of marijuana with celebrities and glamorous images may increase use.

Research shows that marijuana has an adverse effect on successful functioning in daily life; however, some prevention programs are effective in reversing behavior among youth who have used marijuana or are at risk for substance use. It appears that life skills curriculum material and extensive booster programming during high school are effective.

Source: Adapted by CSAP from "Marijuana Use: Current Issues and New Research Directions," Sussman, S.; Stacy, A.; Dent, C.; Simon, T.; Johnson, C.; Journal of Drug Issues, Vol. 26(4): 695--733, 1996.

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