Adverse psychosocial outcomes associated with drug use among US high school seniors: a comparison of alcohol and marijuana.

Objectives: There is debate about whether marijuana (cannabis) use is more dangerous than alcohol use. Although difficult to make objective comparisons, research is needed to compare relative dangers in order to help inform preventive efforts and policy.

Methods: Data were analyzed from a nationally representative sample of high school seniors in the Monitoring the Future study (2007-2011; Weighted n = 7437; modal age: 18) who reported lifetime use of alcohol or marijuana.