The bliss of having a joint : exploring the career path of recreational Marijuana users in Malta : a study among emerging adults

Abstract

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. Many researchers argue that marijuana can be considered recreational, as long as there is control over the use, and is used in specific circumstances and environments, (Parker 2005). However, on the other hand there are researchers who suggest that marijuana is a harmful drug and can lead to problematic use as well as to other health problems, (DuPoint, 1997). This research seeks to examine the differences between recreational use and problematic use according to users, the motivations and contingencies for recreational use and of most importance the drug using career path of current recreational users. This research uses the sequential transformative strategy, it has two distinct data collection phases, it uses the quantitative and the qualitative research techniques. The first phase comprises the quantitative research aspect, were participants where asked to undergo a screener, The Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test – Revised, (Adamson, et, al., 2010). This screener enabled the researcher to classify respondents as recreational users. Nine interviews were held with randomly selected participants who participated in the said screener and also self-identified as recreational users. The qualitative research maps the contingencies associated with the marijuana using career path and identifies contingencies for onset, escalation, commitment and desistance. The qualitative interviews concluded that a main contingency to engage in recreational marijuana use and progress through the drug using career path was relaxation. Participants noted that there were various contingencies as to how their use initiated, escalated, deescalated, desisted for some time and then started again. Participants noted that when they noticed that their use was getting problematic, they desisted from their use. They either cut down or stopped their use in order to regain control. It was also noted that participants made conscience decisions regarding their consumption and also ensured that their consumption did not interfere with their day to day life. Therefore, the young people that participated in this research made subjective decisions and maintained self control over their marijuana use.