AbstractsSociology

Getting Stoned: Marijuana Use among UniversityStudents

by Leah C Butler




Institution: Ohio University
Department:
Year: 2016
Keywords: Sociology; Marijuana; College Students; Social Constructionist
Posted: 02/05/2017
Record ID: 2065596
Full text PDF: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1460203414


Abstract

While previous scholarly research on marijuana use among university students has done well to estimate how many college students use marijuana and to identify the potential harms of use, nothing is known about the ways in which college marijuana users define their use and manage these potential harms. The present study replicates Vander Ven’s (2011) study of the college drinking scene with the focus now turned to marijuana. Using survey and interview data, this study investigates college marijuana use as a social process with special attention to the manner in which users and co-users work together to accomplish marijuana use and to manage its effects. The data suggest student marijuana users do not perceive law enforcement detection as a significant risk. The data also reveal patterns in students’ descriptions of the etiquette rules of sharing marijuana with co-users. Limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed. Advisors/Committee Members: Vander Ven, Thomas (Committee Chair).