Cannabis use among adolescents: Risk pattern, implications and possible explanatory variables

In contrast to the achievements with other substances, it has not yet been possible to reduce the levels of cannabis use, the most used illegal substance among Spanish adolescents. The objective of this paper consists of updating levels of use (incorporating ages 12 and 13), estimating high-risk use and analyzing possible associated variables. For this purpose, a correlational method was used consisting of the administration of a survey to compulsory secondary school and high school students from the autonomous community of Galicia (Spain) in 2016. Results obtained from a sample of 3,882 Galician adolescents aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.52; SD = 1.72) reveal that the percentage of adolescents currently using tobacco and cannabis is higher than that of those using tobacco alone (12.7% vs 10.5%). This implies not only a higher probability of using other illegal substances, but also of developing rather high-risk use pattern, binge drinking or even experiencing problematic Internet use or cyberbullying. From a preventive perspective, the results reveal that personal variables such as self-esteem, assertiveness, social skills or impulsiveness have really weak explanatory power compared with other variables related to the setting of rules and limits by parents. One of the main conclusions of this paper is the need to adopt a comprehensive prevention approach.