Given the 2018 decriminalization of marijuana in South Africa for personal use and medicinal consumption, the aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of university students regarding the use, impact, legalization, and decriminalization of marijuana. Key findings revealed that a fair number of participants acknowledged using marijuana. When asked about the potential impact of marijuana on users, their families and significant others, they seemed to have a good understanding of the effects of the drug. However, while some participants were aware of the addictive nature of marijuana, others were not aware of the risk of addiction from smoking or ingesting this substance. However, they were able to weigh up the risks as well as the benefits of legalization/decriminalization of marijuana. This study has implications for health care professionals working with youth who use illicit substances such as marijuana, and in developing prevention and intervention programs aimed at the youth.

中文翻译：

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去罪化，不合法化：南非大学生对大麻使用、影响、合法化和去罪化的看法的试点研究

鉴于 2018 年南非对个人使用和药用大麻的合法化，本研究的目的是探讨大学生对大麻的使用、影响、合法化和合法化的看法。主要调查结果显示，相当多的参与者承认使用大麻。当被问及大麻对使用者、他们的家人和重要他人的潜在影响时，他们似乎对这种药物的影响有很好的了解。然而，虽然一些参与者意识到大麻的成瘾性，但其他参与者并未意识到吸烟或摄入这种物质会导致成瘾的风险。然而，他们能够权衡大麻合法化/非刑事化的风险和好处。