Cannabis, identity and the male teenage friendship group
Jonathan Lamb
May 27, 2026 DOI: 10.83056/mmu.32434806 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Population | Male teenagers and men in their late twenties |
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Keywords | Friendship Context archaeology Identity music Ethnography Social identity theory Developmental psychology Social group Grounded theory Qualitative research |
| Key findings | Cannabis use among teenage males is primarily a social activity that facilitates identity exploration within non-contingent peer groups, with users viewing it as a temporary phase before adult responsibilities. |
Abstract
Cannabis continues to be the most widely used illicit drug, usually used recreationally without significant problems occurring. Concerns remain over long term health of users and the possibility of associations with mental illness. Surveys suggest regular use remains common amongst teenage males, taking place concurrently with the period when teenagers are engaged in identity development and making the transition to adult life. The thesis is based on qualitative interviews and ethnographic observation of two cohorts of male teenagers and interviews with a group in their late twenties reflecting on their teenage use. Methods and analysis draw pragmatically on ethnography and grounded theory, developing interpretations inductively before moving to relate the concepts generated to existing theory. Cannabis was smoked predominantly in the context of an extended social group. While the majority reported enjoying the effects of cannabis, smoking with this group was particularly valued for the social contexts it facilitated and maintained. Within these groups three orientations to use were observed differentiated by individuals level of commitment to cannabis, and their understanding of the functions of use. The teenagers saw cannabis use as a transitory phase which they expected to cease as adult roles were acquired, though this was considered a difficult and potentially protracted process. Adapting to an unchosen extended adolescence involved maintaining proxy roles, in which nascent aspects of identities could be expressed and developed. Social roles and relationships acted as a containers for the display and reflection of aspects of identity. The group provided a non-contingent context allowing for identity exploration, play and development. The contingency of closer ongoing familial and social roles limited opportunities for such exploration. Previous identity research has stressed close contingent relationships, the analysis suggests several mechanisms relating cannabis use to the importance of non-contingent relationships in times of identity transition.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive substances as a last resort—a qualitative study of self-treatment of migraine and cluster headaches Users of online forums discussing cluster headache and migraine treatments | 2017 | Qualitative thematic analysis | |
| Psychoactive drug or mystical incense? Overview of the online available information on Spice products Web pages related to Spice products | 2009 | Qualitative study | n = 200 |
| Patterns, Trends, and Meanings of Drug Use by Dance-drug Users in Edinburgh, Scotland Clubbers in clubs and pre-club bars | 2004 | Cross-sectional survey with focus groups | n = 124 |
| Fascination and Social Togetherness-Discussions about Spice Smoking on a Swedish Internet Forum. Swedish internet forum users who posted reports about Spice intoxication | 2013 | Qualitative study | n = 40 |
| Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. Participants recruited from seven online communities, median age 33, 81% male | 2020 | Mixed methods (qualitative interviews and quantitative survey) | n = 319 |