CANNABIS CONSUMPTION, SOCIAL CONTROLS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Abstract

This study was conducted in São Lourenço da Mata, between the years of 2018 and 2019. It is based on semi-structured interviews with recreational cannabis consumers and aims to present a comparative study, based on internal diversification, among low income users. Throughout the data analysis (thematic analysis), it was perceived that the variable “schooling” was the one that generated a great distinction among the respondents. Thus, the interviews were organized into two sets: Set A, consisting of interviews with university students or graduates; and Set B, consisting of interviews with people who had completed at most upper secondary education. The consumers' profiles were analyzed, as well as the consumption profiles and social regulation of the activity by families, neighbours, individuals in general and the State. Among the consumers in Set B, it was noted a higher intensity of consumption, less parental control, less concern towards the neighbours and low or no strategies in regards to the police. As for Set A, on the other hand, the practice was shown to be more cautious. Regarding police violence  the most vulnerable individuals were the preferred targets.