Changing Masks: Identity Maintenance and the Role of Marijuana among a Small Circle of Marijuana Growers

Abstract

Utilizing ethnographic field observations as well as face-to-face interviews, this article explores nuances of identity management among a small, intimate group of indoor marijuana growers. Findings suggest that some who are involved in marijuana cultivation may have multiple, distinct deviant identities or “masks.” These “masks” are called on depending on the audience and situation that each participant is presented with. Further, we show that these growers have three deviant identities that must constantly be managed including, (a) marijuana user, (b) marijuana seller, and (c) marijuana grower. Finally, we present data demonstrating the importance of marijuana in the everyday lives of the participants.

Notes

1. ¹Since 1987 High Times Magazine has held an event called the High Times Cannabis Cup. Generally held in November in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, the most prominent seed producers in Holland gather to promote their product and allow it to be judged. Cannabis enthusiasts flock to Amsterdam to sample some of the finest cannabis in the world, as well as purchase seeds for the varieties that best fit their needs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Scott R. Maggard

SCOTT R. MAGGARD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida in 2006. His research and teaching interests include substance use, structural explanations of crime, racial discrepancies within the criminal justice system, and juvenile justice. Prior to his current position at Old Dominion University, Dr. Maggard was a Research Associate at the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Craig Boylstein

CRAIG BOYLSTEIN is an Assistant Professor of sociology at Coastal Carolina University. He also worked as an Associate Investigator/Health Research Scientist in the Veterans Affairs Health System (Gainesville, FL) for over five years conducting research on stroke recovery outcomes. His research has focused on reciprocity and narrative continuity among people (and their spousal caregivers) with chronic illness conditions; postmodernity and organizations; and cannabis subcultures. He has co-authored more than eighteen articles related to stroke recovery, organization studies, caregiving, and drug studies and has presented papers related to his research over the past thirteen years at national conferences such as the American Sociological Association, the American Society of Criminology, Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction, and Health Services Research & Development Annual Conference.