The Influence of Information Sources and Grade Level on the Diffusion and Adoption of Marihuana

Interviews were conducted with 300 randomly selected fifth-, seventh- and eleventh-grade students and it was determined that there was a significant shift in sources of information about marihuana as the students progressed from elementary to secondary schools. Fifth-grade students receive much of their information from socially approved sources (e.g. parents, TV). Seventh graders appear to be in a transition stage between socially approved information sources and the “private” sources (e.g. friends) used by eleventh-grade students. Most important was the indication that students may be largely unaware of the personal influence process which seems to effect decisions to use marihuana. A description of the diffusion-adoption process surrounding various marihuana information sources at different ages is presented. Suggestions are included for future experimental research and drug treatment programs.