TOP 10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE SMOKE MARIJUANA?

1. INTRODUCTION

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, or pot, is a widely used drug that has been gaining popularity since the 1960s. A 2017 Gallup poll revealed that 45% of Americans have tried marijuana, and by 2018, about 15% of Americans had used it in the past year. People use marijuana for different reasons, which can be broadly categorized as either medical, recreational or a combination of both. Understanding why people smoke marijuana involves looking at the individuals and their circumstances. Find more about online cannabis delivery

2. MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL USE

According to a study published in 2021, around 11% of adults in the U.S. had used marijuana in the past month. The reasons for using marijuana were divided into three groups: 38% used it for recreational purposes only, 33% for both medical and recreational purposes, and 29% for medical purposes only. Interestingly, people who used marijuana for medical reasons were less likely to smoke it, opting instead for other methods like vaping or edibles.

In states where marijuana is legal, people are more likely to report using it for both recreational and medical reasons, possibly due to more liberal attitudes toward its benefits.

3. REASONS COLLEGE STUDENTS USE MARIJUANA

A study of incoming college students found that many used marijuana for several reasons, including having fun, fitting in with peers, curiosity, social bonding, boredom, and stress relief. The most important reasons reported were curiosity, fun, and peer acceptance. Some of these motives were linked to heavier marijuana use and more serious problems, such as issues with relationships, finances, or schoolwork. For example, using marijuana for enjoyment or altering perceptions was associated with more frequent use, while experimentation was linked to less frequent use and fewer problems.

4. LONG-TERM USERS REASON TO USE MARIJUANA

In a smaller study conducted in Canada, long-term marijuana users shared their reasons for using the drug. The participants, who had used marijuana at least 25 times, were mostly in their 30s, with many using it daily. The top reason cited for using marijuana was relaxation, but other reasons included feeling good, medical benefits, seeking inspiration, coping with anxiety or depression, and improving sleep. Some also mentioned that marijuana helped them enjoy music or movies more, or pass the time when they were bored.

5. THE VARIETY OF REASONS FOR MARIJUANA USE

As we can see, there are many reasons people use marijuana, including social bonding, relaxation, medical needs, and curiosity. No single reason can fully explain why people use marijuana, and the reasons can vary even for the same person at different times. For example, some college students may use marijuana to fit in and make new friends, while others may use it to relieve chronic pain or improve sleep.

Understanding why someone uses marijuana requires looking at their unique situation. Knowing that someone uses marijuana doesn’t tell us much about their reasons for doing so. To truly understand their motives, we need to consider them as individuals and explore the specific factors influencing their behavior.