Marijuana Use and Social Relationships among University Students and Recent Graduates: A Qualitative Study of District Lahore

Abstract

Marijuana use among university students is a complex social and behavioral issue that may influence peer relationships, intimate relationships, emotional well-being and everyday university life. The present qualitative study explores the relationship between marijuana use and social relationships among university students in District Lahore. Data were collected through in-depth, one-to-one interviews with nine participants who had experience of marijuana use. Purposive and snowball sampling were employed to access participants for whom the subject was personal and sensitive. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns within participants' narratives. The findings reveal a dual and context-dependent effect of marijuana on social relationships. Some participants described increased emotional openness, physical comfort and stronger feelings of intimacy, while others reported becoming more introverted, losing interaction with non-using friends and narrowing their social circles. Marijuana was frequently described as a coping mechanism for work stress, study pressure, anxiety, depression, grief and chronic pain. Curiosity and peer influence were important factors in initiation, while perceived relief helped maintain use. Participants also reported physical and sensory effects such as dry mouth, improved appetite, emotional numbness and relief from pain. When marijuana was unavailable, some participants described restlessness, irritability, anxiety, slight paranoia, sleep difficulties, frustration and helplessness. The study concludes that marijuana use among university students should be understood within its wider social, emotional and peer context. University-based interventions should strengthen healthy coping strategies, positive peer influence, mental health support and healthy social relationships.