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Cannabis use motivations: a study of young adults in Nigeria

Abstract Drug-related problems are growing in Nigeria. Yet, there is a paucity of research on the motives for using cannabis and its contribution to drug-related problems. Understanding the underlying motives for taking cannabis from users’ perspectives would facilitate the provision of harm reduction policies/interventions. Using normalization framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young adults who use cannabis in a city located in Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. Data were analysed thematically. Participants shared extensive personal experiences of how cannabis was used for social, conformity, and enhancement motives. Cannabis served as a social lubricant and was taken when they meet for drug-related leisure. Social cannabis use facilitated enacting new friendships and fostering existing relationships. Taking cannabis in friendship networks cushioned the effects of discrimination and enhanced trust-building, which was essential for sharing secrets among drug-users. Cannabis use within friendship networks was normalised and seemingly compulsory; thus, interviewees conformed to group norms, without which peers would not accept them. Conforming to masculinity norms to avoid shaming necessitated excessive cannabis use among men, but women strategically used excuses to escape using large quantities. Academic enhancements also motivated cannabis use. Inspiration, alertness and assimilation, and enhancing better performance in oral and written examinations motivated cannabis use. Findings indicate that gender and the motives for taking cannabis determined the quantities participants used, thus, supporting differentiated normalization. More research is needed to understand better whether or not the strategy women employed to avoid excess cannabis use will help policy interventions.