Positive Mental Health Literacy's effect on Marijuana use for coping

Public project summary

Nowadays, when walking through San Francisco, Seattle, or any major city, you are bound to come across the pungent smell of the drug Marijuana. Marijuana contains active chemicals called cannabinoids that, when ignited and inhaled, cause drug-like effects all through the body. In recent years, 24 states have legalized marijuana, making it easier to access and more prevalent than ever. In turn, there has been a stark increase in the percentage of youth marijuana use and a significant change in attitude about its risks and harms. This has caused a problem with youth using marijuana as a coping mechanism to self-treat mental health issues. This study investigates the relationship between Positive Mental Health Literacy (PMeHL) and teens' marijuana use for coping, aiming to find solutions to this growing issue. An observational approach will be employed, as experimentation is not appropriate. Pre-existing research on PMeHL's role in disrupting teen alcohol use and its connection to mental well-being will be analyzed using an evaluation research method. This methodology assesses the effectiveness of social programs and interventions. This study will identify if increasing education on mental health would prove effective in stopping teens from using marijuana as a coping mechanism.