The Cultural/Subcultural Contexts of Marijuana Use at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century

Book excerpt: Learn why marijuana use has increased in the new millennium According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. The Cultural/Subcultural Contexts of Marijuana Use at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century takes a close look at present cannabis use trends in the new millennium by providing the latest research findings and most current case studies. Age and ethnographic data are presented in detail always with a constant focus on the unique subcultural contexts in today’s society. This examination explores the most pressing issues in marijuana use, including the increased popularity of blunt smoking, the social ramifications of marijuana use in gangs and Southeast Asian youth, and alternative delivery systems for medical marijuana. The Cultural/Subcultural Contexts of Marijuana Use at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century discusses various aspects of marijuana being the drug of choice in today’s culture, including the different subgroups of age, economic status, and ethnic background. The book provides a comprehensive view of the people, reasons for use, varied ways of ingesting the drug, and marijuana use “rituals.” Extensive references, charts, tables, and figures are included to enhance clarification of research findings. The Cultural/Subcultural Contexts of Marijuana Use at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century discusses the latest research findings on: the growth of marijuana use in different social groups during the 1990s medical marijuana blunt smoking and marijuana use rituals as settings for informal social controls marijuana use among minorities marijuana use in youths and young adults marijuana use among gang members adult use production, distribution, and administration of non-smokable marijuana The Cultural/Subcultural Contexts of Marijuana Use at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century is insightful, valuable, and is certain to become a reference source for researchers, educators, students, and policy advocates.