NCJ Number
231969
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 40 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2010 Pages: 263-294
Date Published
2010
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This study explored patterns of youth participation in cannabis cultivation.
Abstract
The current study examines the patterns of youth participation in cannabis cultivation by developing a typology among a sample of young offenders (n=175) in a rural region of Quebec, Canada known for its extensive outdoor cultivation industry. A hierarchical cluster analysis approach is used to group participants on various dimensions: motivation, substance use, delinquency and type of participation in cannabis cultivation. The study also explored the role that criminal networks have in structuring the nature of youth involvement in the cultivation industry. Two general categories of participants emerged: participants for which cultivations mainly a money generating activity (Entrepreneurs and Generalists), and participants who grow for personal use and intangible rewards (Hobbyists). Further, the authors found another group, "the helpers" who qualify as participants to the cultivation industry, but now as "growers" per se. For generalists, anticipation to the cultivation industry is found among a portfolio of other crimes, while entrepreneurs tend to specialize in cultivation and are rewarded by achieving a higher level of success. The results also suggest a correlation between the intensity of involvement in cultivation and the size of a youth's criminal record. Tables, notes, appendix, and references (Published Abstract)