Young Men's Use of Cannabis: exploring changes in meaning and context over time

Cannabis has been identified in several recent surveys to be the most widely tried illicit drug among young people in the UK. These studies have shown that use increases with age and is also associated with social class. However few in-depth qualitative studies have been undertaken to explore the social context of cannabis use and none has taken a longitudinal perspective. This paper reports the findings of a study which followed up 15-year-old males three times over an 18 month period. Quantitative and qualitative data are drawn on to explore the processes involved in cannabis use. Using detailed case studies, the importance of the friendship group as a locus for contact with cannabis and a means of learning about its use is explored and it is argued that the meanings young men attach to their cannabis use can be understood in the social context of their transitions to adulthood.