Cannabis Use in Muslim Youth

Abstract

Cannabis is the most used illicit drug in the world. It causes impaired executive functioning, psychosis, and schizophrenia, among other impairments. It also affects reaction time, awareness, and motivation. These side effects can lead to decreased academic performance as well as social setbacks. Variance in the interpretation of whether cannabis is forbidden fuels the ongoing debate on the religious stance of cannabis use among Muslim communities across the globe. Stigma is the biggest barrier for open discussion about cannabis usage and also acts as a barrier to the implementation of harm-reductive programs in the Islamic world. There is clear evidence that due to stigma, religious beliefs, and social factors, Muslim youth are at a higher risk than their adult counterparts and that they feel unable to seek help with regard to cannabis and other drug abuse. By reviewing studies on the harmful effects of cannabis use and comparing them against notions of what is considered forbidden in the Islamic tradition and other communities, this paper explores the best ways to reduce harm from cannabis usage in the global Muslim community.

The prevalence and treatment utilization of substance use disorders among Muslims in the United States: A national epidemiological survey

“…The slightly lower prevalence of cannabis use disorder in our sample may be explained by the higher mean age of the Muslim group (40.7‐year‐old). Nassif et al 24 indicated that Muslim youth are at a greater risk of substance use than adults. This study sample recruited individuals who are only 18‐year‐old and older and, therefore, it might have missed adolescents meeting criteria for cannabis use disorder.…”

“…23 The slightly lower prevalence of cannabis use disorder in our sample may be explained by the higher mean age of the Muslim group (40.7-year-old). Nassif et al 24…”