Marijuana use among Miami's adolescents, 1992

This analysis examines the use of marijuana by 458 adolescents in Dade County, Florida public schools in 1992. Statistically significant factors which tended to increase the probability of marijuana use by adolescents include: the fact that their peers were using marijuana, the fact that they were white, male, and their ready access to the substance. Although not statistically significant, adolescents were less likely to use marijuana if they knew of the risks associated with marijuana use. The only statistically significant variables which inhibited marijuana use by Miami adolescents was the fact that religion was an important part of their lives, that their fathers resided with them, and that they were "good" students (receiving mostly "A's" and "B's"). Not significantly related to marijuana use were a number of other variables, including family-related variables (whether adolescents lived with their mothers or alone); and whether someone in the family had a problem with drugs or alcohol. Similarly, early cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption did not serve as gateways to later marijuana use. Extracurricular school activities (athletics, music, school clubs, and other activities) were all unrelated to the use of marijuana by adolescents. Marijuana users tended to be in higher grades (9 through 12), though this was not significant.