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ABSTRACT
The use of Ganja has been known to create adverse effects on youth. In Jamaica, ganja use is culturally accepted despite the fact that its use is illegal. Many studies done on the use of ganja in Jamaica have looked at prevalence but understanding of motivating factors that drive youth to perform this risky behavior is not clear. This paper analyses the effect of attitude and subjective influences on the prevalence of ganja use among teenagers twelve to seventeen years in the rural parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. This is based on a study done using the constructs of the Theory of Reasoned Action a behavior theory that explains the factors that are likely to motivate an individual to perform a specific behavior. Ganja use is associated with belief that it has emotional health benefits. There is also a role for the subjective influences of family and peers who smoke ganja. Addressing the problem of ganja use among teens in this community will have to include social policies and other strategies which impact key persons in their social milieu.