An empirical study on the socioeconomic factors affecting for increasing consumption of Cannabis in rural Sri Lanka (Special Reference to Thanamalwila police division in Monaragala district)

Abstract

Cannabis is known for being the most widely cultivated and traded psychoactive drug in the world. In Sri Lanka, the Thanamalwila area is well known for the consumption of Cannabis. The main objective of this research is to answer the research question “what are the socioeconomic factors affecting for increasing consumption of Cannabis in Thanamalwila” and make recommendations to reduce the consumption of Cannabis. In order to answer the above research question, quantitative research approaches were employed. The research area was Thanamalwila Divisional Secretariat, and data was collected in Parakramapura, Vijithapura, Kahakurullan Palassa, Hambegamuwa, Siththarama, Kithulkote, Kudaoya Grama Niladari Divisions. The research sample was 389 and simple random sampling was used to collect data. The dependent variable of the study were factors affecting for increasing Cannabis consumption in Thanamalwila and the independent variables are income, occupation, education and life pattern. The results of the questionnaire present factors affecting for increasing consumption of Cannabis in Thanamalwila and what are the policies have been taken to eradicate this situation. When it comes to the age of participants, the majority of 77 respondents are in 42 –50 age group and minimum age group was 12-28. When considering the education qualification, the majority of respondents live in this area only studied up to grade 11 while 5 people had a degree. 30% respondents in sample consume Cannabis. Moreover, 189 people said that main reason for the plantation of Cannabis in this area was economic difficulties.