Introduction
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC as it is more commonly referred to, is a compound found in the marijuana plant. Marijuana is one of the most commonly used addictive drug, after alcohol and tobacco (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Although this drug has been considered illegal for many years, recent times have seen growing calls for discussion on whether it should remain so. Several states within the US, including California and NY have already decriminalized the use of marijuana and it’s component THC. The history of THC has seen it researched and labeled detrimental to the health of individuals. More recent research has shown some of the benefits that it provides for certain conditions. What has not been researched however, is how marijuana is perceived by the communities within which it exists. Perception is key, and in order to understand the use of marijuana and THC within a community, we need to understand the views that the community has about marijuana and THC. Understanding these views will provide gainful information that can be used to guide people towards understanding the pros and cons of this drug. This is the subject of import upon which this research is built. I propose that the perception of marijuana and THC within a community affect its use among people within that community.
Background
Marijuana is a plant that contains the mind-altering chemical THC. Marijuana is one of the most commonly used addictive drug, after alcohol and tobacco. Although the use of marijuana has remained steady over the past year (2018), there has been a rise in the number of teens between the 8th and 10th grade who use the drug daily. With the popularity of vaping, teens have started vaping THC oils directly (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). The CDC estimates that about 18% of Americans used marijuana or THC at least once in 2019. The use of marijuana and THC has been a topic of intense debate from the street levels within the community, to the level of the politicians that govern. Some argue that the drugs are dangerous with effects ranging from short term effects, such as altered senses and mood change, to long term effects which include breathing problems and developmental effects in children. On the other hand, research has also shown that marijuana and THC can be used in medicine as a treatment for cancer patients and persons suffering from dementia.
Method
Ansell, E. B., Laws, H. B., Roche, M. J., & Sinha, R. (2015). Effects of marijuana use on impulsivity and hostility in daily life. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 148, 136–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.12.029
This study investigates the acute effects of THC on the impulses of recreational marijuana users. 37 Healthy men and women participated in three sessions where they were given capsules with a placebo, 7.5mg THC or 15mg THC. These individuals were then made to complete 4 different tasks that measured impulse control. The results show that THC may increase some forms of impulsive behavior while not affecting others. The results of this research can be presented to show the uncertainty that exists in regards to the use of THC. This highlights the conflicting perceptions of the use of THC within communities.
Broers, B., Patà, Z., Mina, A., Wampfler, J., de Saussure, C., & Pautex, S. (2019). Prescription of a THC/CBD-based medication to patients with dementia: A pilot study in Geneva. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 2(1), 56–59. https://doi.org/10.1159/000498924
In this research study, ten female dementia patients with severe behavioral problems were administered oral medications containing 3 different amounts of THC and CBD (cannabinol, another component of marijuana) in quantities ranging from about 7.6 to 9.0 for THC and 13.2 to 18.0 for CBD. At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that the higher THC/ CBD dosages greatly improved the behavior problems, rigidity and daily care of the severely demented patients. This research article portrays one side of the discussion of whether or not marijuana and THC use should be allowed.
Capler, R. (2009). Why people use cannabis. Why People Use Cannabis | Here to Help. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/why-people-use-cannabis.
This website article discusses why people use marijuana and THC. It puts forwards the social uses to include recreation and improving the quality of life of the user. It also makes mentions of medical uses such as physical and mental health problems, and the spiritual uses such as seeking enlightenment and connection. This directly relates to the different perceptions that individuals who use marijuana and THC may hold.
Osborne, G. B., & Fogel, C. (2008). Understanding the motivations for recreational marijuana use among adult Canadians. Substance Use & Misuse, 43(3-4), 539–572. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826080701884911
When considering the discussions being held by policy makers in regards to the recreational use of marijuana and THC, this study ties directly into my proposal. This study highlights the little ethnographic research being done to consider why people use marijuana recreationally. Interviews were conducted with 41 middle class adult Canadian men and women who use marijuana sporadically to regular daily use. The researchers conclude that it is nearly impossible to define a typical marijuana user, and that the drug affects different people in different ways.
Outcome
These articles each provide a different lens through which the use of marijuana and THC is regarded. This highlights my argument that the use of marijuana and THC is dependent on the perception that the persons and by extension, the community holds of the drugs. Therefore, it is with utmost importance that we understand what people think of the drugs. By doing so, we will be able to properly tailor educational material to suite the community. We will be able to provide people with the information that they need, in a manner that they can understand, to make educated decisions as to whether or not, when and how they use marijuana and THC.
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