Not a Surprise

LiveScience certainly didn't have to guess at this one:

Teens who listen to music that mentions marijuana are significantly more likely to use the drug, a new study finds.

The research was based on surveys with 959 ninth-graders.

"Students who listen to music with the most references to marijuana are almost twice as likely to have used the drug than their peers whose musical tastes favor songs less focused on substance use," said University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researcher Dr. Brian Primack, who led the study.

"Interestingly, we also found that exposure to marijuana in music was not associated with other high-risk behaviors, such as excessive alcohol consumption," Primack said. "This suggests that there is a real link between the marijuana lyrics and marijuana use."

It reminded me of a situation a number of years ago now. In one of my confirmation classes I asked the youth (all 7th graders) to name their favorite music. One in particular, with a look of defiance or something resembling knowingness, looked me straight in the eye and said in a solid, confident voice:

Bob Marley.

It was clear what he was telling me. I didn't miss the message. Before any big Bob Marley/Reggae fans take offense, I have a great deal of respect for Marley's music, creativity, and power! However, I have a hunch he is an acquired taste and many 7th graders are not in that class.

And for any 7th graders who are not marijuana smokers and like Bob Marley- just don't get any ideas. In the long run it is not worth it to start. Just enjoy Redemption Song or Buffalo Soldiers for their message and practice the diversity tolerance Marley was preaching.