Motivations for marijuana use: use and associated negative consequences

Marijuana use has increased significantly among adolescents and young adults. It is important for prevention scientists to understand youth motivations for marijuana use in order to refine and/or create intervention to limit harm. The current study surveyed 114 marijuana using college students (67% women; 78% White) on their motivations for using marijuana, frequency of use and associated negative consequences, and theoretical and empirical influences on motivations and use. Results indicated that students most frequently endorsed enjoyment, sleep, and low-risk motivations for use. Variables associated with the Theory of Planned Behavior and Strain Theory were associated with a variety of motivations for use. Motivations, perceived behavioral control regarding marijuana, and parental active tracking were associated with frequency of use, while negative consequences were predicted by frequency of use and attitudes regarding marijuana. Researchers seeking to develop programs to prevent marijuana-related harm may benefit from focusing on the differential motivations for use observed.