Focus Group Study of Racial Disparities and the Effects of Parental Marijuana Use on Youth Marijuana Use

Marijuana has become one of the most used drugs in the United States. There has been an increase in use among both adults and youth during the past several years. Public health interventions are needed to address marijuana use because of its detrimental effects on youth well-being. Research shows that marijuana can lead to problems with memory, learning, attention, and even depression among youth. Furthermore, marijuana exposure in-utero can lead to developmental issues and problems with other organs such as the lungs. Youth are influenced to start using drugs, like marijuana, for numerous reasons, and parents are one of those influences. The goal of this qualitative study was to understand parents’ opinions on marijuana use among their children, how they would feel if their child/children use the drug, and their own marijuana use. Eight focus groups (4 with African American parents and 4 with Hispanic parents) were conducted via zoom in November of 2024. Thematic analysis was used for data interpretation. The African American participants mainly started using marijuana due to peer pressure, curiosity, and personal relief. Hispanic participants started using marijuana due to peer influence and personal relief, and they also believed in punishing their child for using marijuana. Many similarities were observed. Both groups used marijuana for personal relief mostly within some home environment, but they did not use it in front of their children. Most participants had a no smoking policy for their children in their homes, but also hoped their children would not start using marijuana. Both groups also thought it was best to have open conversations with their children on marijuana and supported full marijuana legalization. The findings in this study can be used to tailor marijuana prevention programs for youth.