Citation

Palamar JJ, Fenstermaker M, Kamboukos D, Ompad DC, Cleland CM, Weitzman M. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abuse 2014; 40(6): 438-446.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/00952990.2014.943371

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: There is debate about whether marijuana (cannabis) use is more dangerous than alcohol use. Although difficult to make objective comparisons, research is needed to compare relative dangers in order to help inform preventive efforts and policy.

METHODS: Data were analyzed from a nationally representative sample of high school seniors in the Monitoring the Future study (2007-2011; Weighted n=7437; modal age: 18) who reported lifetime use of alcohol or marijuana. Students were asked to indicate whether they experienced various adverse psychosocial outcomes resulting from use of each substance. We examined which outcomes were more prevalent for each substance.

RESULTS: Compared to alcohol use, marijuana use was more commonly reported to compromise relationships with teachers or supervisors, result in less energy or interest, and result in lower school or job performance. Compared to marijuana use, alcohol was more commonly reported to compromise relationships with friends and significant others; it was also reported to lead to more regret (particularly among females), and driving unsafely. Marijuana users were more likely to report no adverse outcomes. Females and white students were more likely to report various adverse outcomes and higher frequency use of each substance also increased occurrences of reported adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Marijuana and alcohol are associated with unique adverse psychosocial outcomes. Outcomes differ by sex and race/ethnicity, and perception or experience of outcomes may also be related to legal status and associated stigma. Public health interventions may be more effective by focusing on harm reduction strategies for these drug-specific outcomes. © 2014 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Cannabis impaired driving; DUID; Ethanol impaired driving

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent; Humans; Female; Male; Students; United States; adolescent; adult; human; Alcohol Drinking; social interaction; student; Adolescents; Sex Factors; epidemiology; Alcohol; female; male; Prevalence; Marijuana; prevalence; Automobile Driving; European Continental Ancestry Group; Cannabis; adverse effects; car driving; cannabis smoking; drinking behavior; Marijuana Smoking; major clinical study; social psychology; job performance; sex difference; driving ability; statistics and numerical data; alcohol consumption; Caucasian; Data Collection; Article; cannabis use; psychology; comparative study; academic achievement; adverse outcome; Adverse outcomes; high school student; information processing