Cannabis Use and its Impact on Mental Health

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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ABSTRACT

The period of young adulthood (i.e. emerging adulthood) is described as the greatest prevalence period for most types of drug use. In this section, young adult cannabis use estimates are given; age group comparisons illustrate the increased substance use burden on young adults. Related correlates are discussed in the context of young adult cannabis use and its disorders, which are the outcomes of interest. Substance abuse is one of the most important issues facing the British youth. Keeping in view its importance, this study highlights the impact of cannabis use on mental health of young people. The first chapter presents a brief introduction to the topic along with purpose, problem statement, and rationale. The second chapter presents a detailed literature review in relation to the subject. The third chapter covers the methodology section, followed by results and findings, which are presented in the fourth chapter. The dissertation concludes with the fifth chapter, while providing implications and suggestions for further research on the topic.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTI

DECLARATIONII

ABSTRACTIII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Introduction to Cannabis1

Background of the Study3

Purpose of the Study4

Problem Statement4

Research Questions5

Rationale of the Study6

Significance of the Study6

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW8

Cannabis Use Patterns in Young Adults15

Related Factors of Young Adult Cannabis Use16

Moderating Effects of Mental Health Services18

Mental Health Services for Adolescents19

Scope of Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health Services19

Implications of Mental Health Services during Adolescence20

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY22

Hypotheses22

Research Design24

Sample24

Measures25

Instrument27

Data Analytic Plan28

Data Preparation28

Data Analyses28

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS30

Data Analyses30

Chi square Analyses32

Young Adult Cannabis Use36

Young Adult Cannabis Co-Occurrence37

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION40

Summary40

Conclusion41

Limitations of the Study43

Implications44

Recommendations44

REFERENCES47

BIBLIOGRAPHY50

APPENDIX A56

APPENDIX B60

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Introduction to Cannabis

Scientific inquiry into cannabis dates back to approximately 2737 BC (Bovasso, 2007), though archaeological records show its cultivation and use in Central Asia as far back as 4000 BC. The cannabis plant, which spread internationally to ancient civilizations across the continents of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, has been considered to have therapeutic (e.g., medical) uses throughout its history. It is only until recent advances in cannabinoid science, however, that new frontiers in cannabis research have been pursued: including both medical and experimental ventures (Borowsky, 2001). According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, cannabis is defined as “any of the preparations (as marijuana or hashish) or chemicals (as THC) that are derived from the hemp and are psychoactive”.

This definition serves the aim of this dissertation, as any peculiarities or distinctions between types of cannabis plant constitute a separate and detailed discussion in itself. While there are debates over the possibility of different species of cannabis as opposed to the ...