Ungdomars förhållningssätt till cannabis - En kvalitativ studie med fokusgruppsintervjuer i en västsvensk kommun
AttityderCannabisFokusgruppsintervjuerKunskapUngdomarAdolescentsAttitudesCannabisFocus group interviewsKnowledge
Introduction: The current research shows that cannabis use is increasing, while alcohol use is decreasing in many countries. The reason for the increase is considered to be the increased availability and that adolescents attitudes towards cannabis has become more liberal. Aim: This qualitative study aimed to examine adolescents attitudes and knowledge about cannabis. Methods: Data has been collected from focus group interviews with adolescents aged 15-18 years, in a west Swedish municipality. Participants were recruited through visits to secondary and upper secondary schools. The interviews were taped, intercepted, transcribed and anonymised. In order to analyze the material, the authors used a manifest content analysis. Results: From the focus group interviews three main categories were revealed. Circumstances and experiences towards use of cannabis, adolescents attitudes towards cannabis use and the surrounding society´s significance for adolescents attitudes towards cannabis. The adolescents believed that the approach towards cannabis is influenced by many different factors. Family and conditions during childhood had a great importance in the early teenage years, but the impact diminishes with age and is replaced by factors of youth culture as norms, social inherence, friends and peer pressure. Other factors that may impact adolescents approach are media, adults' behaviour and school programs towards drug prevention. Discussion: The family and the childhood were described as significant factors when making decisions about testing or not testing cannabis. All factors interact and may lead to an ambivalent attitude towards cannabis. Both participants of the study and research suggest that adolescents? attitudes towards cannabis in general has changed and become more liberal. Conclusion: The participants? experiences indicate that cannabis is common among adolescents and a relatively easily accessible drug. The increased availability of cannabis can be seen as a clear sign that the preventive public health interventions should be intensified.