Characteristics of Marijuana Users Compared to Multiple Drug Users
This study examines drug use behavior in a self-described sample of users. Comparisons are made between subjects whose only illicit drug use is marijuana and those who use both marijuana and other drugs. Data are from the DRUGNET study (1996, 1998, 1999), a multi-panel study conducted over the internet from 1996 - 1998. This sample was predominately white, male, young, and college educated. The majority of respondents were employed with incomes in the $50,000 - $60,000 (USD) range. A subset of respondents to the DRUGNET survey was selected for this analysis. Respondents had to be at least 18 years of age, a US citizen and report marijuana drug use (n = 283). The major finding from this study is that there were no significant differences between the two groups on any variable measured other than gender, household income and the age of onset of marijuana use. Women are more likely to report using marijuana alone while males are more likely to report using marijuana and other drugs. The individuals having low and middle class household income were more likely to report the use of marijuana and other drugs compared to the upper middles class income groups who were more likely to report the use of marijuana alone. After Bonferroni's adjustment was done, it was observed that the mean age of onset for the group who used marijuana alone was greater in comparison to the group who used marijuana along with other drugs. While this study is the first one to make this comparison and may have implications for drug education, policy, and treatment. The result obtained from this study may be an artifact of the study design and/or sample.
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