Perception of Marijuana Usage Among Youths in Ilishan Community, Ogun State

The use of marijuana is increasing, and new ways of consuming it are emerging, which can have serious and various health effects. Smoking marijuana, which is the most common method of marijuana usage, exposes the lungs to toxic combustion substances, which can cause various respiratory problems such as asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This gap in knowledge and different perceptions can lead to misconceptions that normalize its use, particularly in communities where access to marijuana is relatively easy. Educational efforts are crucial in addressing these gaps, as misinformation can contribute to increased usage, addiction, and associated health problems among youths. However, perceptions vary widely, influenced by education, peer pressure, socioeconomic status, and exposure to drug-related information. The study therefore determined the knowledge, perception, and prevalence of marijuana usage among youths in the Ilishan community, Ogun State. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 163 participants. Data collection was conducted using a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Perception was measured on a 30-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, applying descriptive statistics (frequency tables, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation test) to analyze research questions and hypotheses. Findings revealed that 38.7% of respondents were aged 15–19 years. The majority (73.6%) were male, while 81.6% were single. Nearly half (46.6%) had completed secondary education. About 32.5% were self-employed, and 66.9% cited "other" sources of income. Additionally, 41.1% lived with their parents or guardians. Overall, their perception of marijuana use was generally good, with a mean score of 22.34 ± 6.54. In conclusion, the study highlights the complexity of marijuana perception and use among youths. While a significant proportion of respondents acknowledge its risks, a combination of misinformation, psychological dependency, and social reinforcement contributes to continued use. To sum up, the prevalence of marijuana use among youths in Ilishan is exceptionally high. Therefore, public health education programs and regular awareness campaigns supported by governmental and non-governmental organizations through electronic and non-electronic media are recommended to give young people, particularly those in the Ilishan community, up-to-date information on the health consequences of substance use. Also, appropriate bodies in Ilishan should enforce laws to combat the open use of marijuana in the community.