Understanding adolescent cannabis use, a stress process model application

grantor: University of TorontoCannabis use remains an unresolved social problem in Canada. Widespread adolescent cannabis use is a particularly troublesome reality both in terms of criminal labelling and possible adverse health effects. The empirical focus of this research is to develop an understanding of factors that predict differential levels of cannabis use. Particular attention is devoted to adolescents who use cannabis at problem levels. This research is set in the context of the criminal and health related consequences associated with cannabis use. The historical background of cannabis prohibition is reviewed and the literatures on social, health and legal impacts are summarized. Within this backdrop, the conceptual framework is guided by the stress process model situating a criminalized behaviour within a health oriented framework. In addition to estimating the effects of individual family and school stressors this research evaluates the effects of cumulative stressors on cannabis use. While much attention has been given to the association between formal social control and cannabis use, the influence of various social relationships (informal social control) on this behaviour remain largely unexplored. A particular contribution of this research is evaluating the extent to which informal social control influences cannabis use patterns among adolescents. Finally, policy implications and future research directions are discussed.Ph.D