This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 1557988309340577v1 3/3/265    most recent References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Pujazon-Zazik, M. Articles by Park, M. J. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Pujazon-Zazik, M. Articles by Park, M. J. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Marijuana: Use Among Young Males and Health Outcomes

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California

M. Jane Park, MPH

From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, jane.park{at}uscs.edu

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents and young adults, with more males than females reporting marijuana use. The adolescent and young adult years represent a critical period for interventions to prevent marijuana use and abuse. This article reviews relevant literature, including trends in young males’ marijuana use and health effects of marijuana use. By most measures, there has been little net change in marijuana use among 12th graders and young adults since the 1990s. Despite males’ greater use, little research has examined gender differences in areas such as metabolism of marijuana and long-term impact of marijuana use. In many areas, including dental health, fertility, and respiratory function, research is either sparse or has yielded conflicting results. Similarly, research on marijuana’s carcinogenic effects has yielded conflicting results; however, a small but consistent literature indicates that marijuana use is linked to cancers unique to males. A stronger literature has identified an association between marijuana use and psychiatric problems. Clinical and program interventions for adolescents have potential to prevent marijuana use, as well as screen for and treat marijuana abuse. Improved research is needed, such as research with greater consistency in defining levels of use and greater emphasis on gender differences. Such research would help clinical and program interventions focus on those most at risk for adverse outcomes.

Key Words: Marijuana • adolescent • male • substance use

This version was published on September 1, 2009

American Journal of Men's Health, Vol. 3, No. 3, 265-274 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1557988309340577


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?