The Relative Impacts of Peer Disapproval, Parental Disapproval, and Perceptions of Risk on Adolescent Marijuana Use

Abstract

Adolescent drug use has consistently been a concern for researchers and policymakers for decades as its early onset and continued use can lead to a variety of negative life outcomes. Concerns related to marijuana use have emerged in recent years as states have begun to change laws regarding recreational cannabis use. The current study uses data from a cohort of students in Massachusetts to understand how these changes may impact marijuana use. Findings from this study suggest that nearly three years after the first recreational marijuana retail center opened, the protective features of parental norms toward marijuana use may no longer be relevant in protecting young people from early experimentation with drugs. Policy implications are discussed.