Perceptions of cannabis use: What effect does the perceived use and approval among friends, perceived harm of use, and perceived risk of legal consequences have on the intentions to use cannabis?

Turner-McLean, Callum (2019) Perceptions of cannabis use: What effect does the perceived use and approval among friends, perceived harm of use, and perceived risk of legal consequences have on the intentions to use cannabis? Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Cannabis use among young adults is higher than any other age demographic, and research shows that cannabis use increases the risk for adverse mental health, and more so with younger initiation of use. Perceptions of use and approval among friends, and perceptions of harm from use have all been found to predict use. A gap in the research was identified with regards to the effect of the perceived risk of legal consequences on the intentions to use. The present study sought to examine the effect of the perceived risk of arrest and criminal sanctions on the intentions to use cannabis in future and compare this effect with perceived use and approval among friends and perceived harm of cannabis use. A total of 70 young adults aged between 18 and 24 years old completed a questionnaire measuring perceived use and approval among friends, perceived harm of cannabis use, perceived risk of legal consequences, and intentions to use cannabis in the next twelve months. Use and approval among friends, and perceived harm were found to be predictive of intentions to use, perceived risk of legal consequences was not. A multiple regression analysis demonstrated that perceived use and harm were significant predictors, but not approval.