Är cannabis den nya folkölen?
Unga cannabisanvändares tal om cannabis
CannabisYoung adultsAttitudesNormalizationStigmaSocial identityCognitive dissonanceCannabisUnga vuxnaAttityderNormaliseringStigmaSocial identitetKognitiv dissonans
The aim of this study was to examine young adult cannabis users? attitudes towards cannabis and their perception of the normalization of cannabis. The purpose was also to explore how their views of cannabis correspond with norms regarding cannabis. This study is based on interviews with five young adult cannabis users. The theoretical framework is based on Parker?s normalization thesis, Goffman?s notion of stigma, Becker?s definition of outsiders and the definition of social identity developed by Stone. The theory of cognitive dissonance was also used to analyze the empirics. The result shows that the interviewees experience a normalization of cannabis, although a process of stigmatization cannot be disregarded. The result also indicates that the respondent?s views of cannabis do not conform to society. The main conclusions are that cannabis is normalized in certain groups, which creates a discrepancy between the attitudes of cannabis users and Swedish society. The reasons for using cannabis are individual and one recurrent explanation is that the respondents experience less negative consequences of cannabis, compared to the effects of alcohol. These findings are supported by earlier research. In order to develop a constructive dialogue about cannabis, the understanding of these attitudes is important for social work.