Motivation for Marihuana Use: A Correlate of Adverse Reaction

Abstract

Curiosity and conformity were cited as the principal reasons for initial marihuana use by 54 users interviewed. Twenty-six of the 40 who became regular users sought an experience combining tension relief with mild stimulation of thought. Fourteen of the 40 continuing users desired some type of psychotomimetic experience. Desire for psychotomimetic experience was correlated with higher dosage and higher incidence of psychopathology.