Marijuana Use among Young Adults: Who Quits and Why?

Objective: In this study, we examined: (1) differences among never, current, and former young adult marijuana users; and (2) reasons for use and cessation. Methods : We conducted interviews with 57 young adults (including 46 marijuana users) enrolled in a longitudinal study of 3418 young adults and a survey in this cohort (N = 2866). Participants reporting former but not current use on the survey (N = 607) completed the Reasons for Marijuana Cessation section. Results: Interview data indicated reasons for initiating (or not initiating) use, continued use, and quitting. The Reasons for Marijuana Cessation scale included 2 factors: (1) Instrumentality and 2) Social/Legal reasons. Conclusions: These findings might inform theoretical frameworks upon which marijuana cessation occurs and direct future intervention studies.