Marijuana use subtypes in a community sample of young adult women

This study sought to empirically derive marijuana user subtypes based on DSM abuse and dependence criteria and examine demographic and substance abuse distinctions of derived classes.

A community sample of 308 female marijuana users between the ages of 18 and 24 were recruited in the Southern New England region. Latent class analysis was used to derive subgroups based on DSM criteria. The use and demographic characteristics of classes were further analyzed using analysis of variance and the chi-square test.

Based on fit criteria, a three-class solution was selected. Class I (37%)-an "unaffected/mild" group-was characterized by very low endorsement rates of abuse and dependence criteria. This class was also found to have significantly lower rates of other substance use problems. Class II (41.6%)-"moderate problem users"-showed moderate endorsement rates of abuse and dependence criteria. Class III (21.4%)-"severe problem users"-showed the greatest levels of abuse and dependence, with 90% meeting DSM criteria for abuse and 100% meeting diagnostic criteria for marijuana dependence. Class III also showed the greatest levels of other substance use problems.

Three distinct marijuana abuse and dependence subtypes were derived using latent class analysis. Findings may have implications for the development of more targeted treatment and prevention interventions for young women struggling with varying degrees of marijuana abuse and dependence.