Individual latent growth curves in the development of marijuana use from childhood to young adulthood

The present study was designed to examine the relationship between unconven tionality and marijuana use over rime. The sample for this proper consisted of 532 male and female participants interviewed during early adolescence, late adolescence their early twenties, and their late twenties. Latent grow th modeling was used. The findings indicated that (I) the influence of init ial unconventionality (T2) on initial marijuana use (T2) was stronger for m ales, (2) unconventionality at T2 was not significantly related to overall rate of growth in marijuana use, and (3) change in unconventionality was re lated to overall growth rate of marijuana use. The implications of the find ings for prevention and treatment are discussed.