Perceived risk of cannabis use and cannabis use among Swedish youth : A quantitative study from a public health perspective

Abstract: Background: Risk perception has been studied concerning the use of marijuana and it impacts the intention to use that specific substance. Aim: The aim was to study the association between the perceived risk of cannabis use and cannabis use among Swedish youth after controlling for gender, age, and education. The aim was also to study whether the association between the perceived risk of cannabis use and cannabis use was different according to gender. Method: The thesis project was based on data from the Flash Eurobarometer 330 - Youth Attitudes on Drugs. Results: When age and education were controlled for, both among Swedish youth and among male participants, the perceived risk had an association with cannabis use - higher risk perception entailed a lower use. Discussion: The association between the perceived risk of cannabis use and cannabis use appears to be due to the impact of risk perception on behaviour. Conclusion: By preserving the risk perception that Swedish youth have of cannabis, it may be possible to protect them from the potential harm that cannabis use cause.