Section 1: Article Summary
The article is titled "Becoming a Marihuana User," it was written by Howard Becker in 1953 and addresses the art of becoming an experienced Marihuana user. In doing so, the author explains that becoming an exceptional marihuana user entails accommodating what it takes to become one. That is, gaining experience that enables a novice to the earned pleasure associated with the herb. To emphasize the concept, Becker explained that one has to use it to lead to real effects. Second, the user has to learn the art of recognizing the results and connect them with the drug. More so, the novice has to understand how to enjoy the sensations he perceives from the drug use. As such, Becker's work is geared towards enhancing how to become an experienced marihuana user and stabilize as one.
The article is unique in the manner it conceptualizes marihuana usage as its main area of focus. The author goes to the extent of explaining marihuana in detail, suggesting that it is different from other drugs. For instance, Becker identifies alcohol and other drugs as ideal exceptions to marihuana. Alcohol has the potential to make its users high instantly and faster. But unlike them, marihuana needs time and experience for one to become a pro in its usage. From this scope, the author develops his concept into a broad topic emphasized by a well-outlined methodology.
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On its methodology, the article employed the use of the interview to gather information on marihuana use. As such, 50 interviewees were selected at random, and their response to questions concerning marihuana usage used in arriving at the study's conclusion. To analyze its data, the research questions the existing theories which describe marihuana usage and its effects on the user's behavior, after which it compares and makes conclusions using the participants’ response.
In its summation, the article emphasized that marihuana usage entails understanding the three concepts as explained above. In doing so, it challenges the existing literature as inadequate. It has not presented marihuana in a way it brings into comprehending its usage concept and what it takes.
Section 2: Critical Assessment of the Article
The article has its limitations. To begin with, it has a smaller sample making it harder to arrive at a valid conclusion. It has 50 interviewees, which is inadequate to represent the entire society. Thus, it is harder to answer the research question on what makes one an experienced marihuana user. Perhaps, the findings would have made a valid conclusion if the study had used a larger sample, let's say, like 1000 participants. It is always concrete if a subject is analyzed in a broad prospect. Furthermore, the article has relied entirely on the participants' opinions to make conclusions. It is ineffective. It would have been better if it included literature finding in making its conclusions.
The article's conclusion slightly differs from other literature about its effects. Pietrangelo (2019), in her work, explained that marihuana usage, that is, its effects depends on the distinct type of herb used. It is not the same case with Becker's article. It has generalized its findings without a clear mention of individual type effects.
However, the article has a broad and well explained theoretical perspective, and thus it is a reliable literature work. It is valid, and there is no need to look for other theoretical frameworks about the same. For instance, it has analyzed the predisposition theories and explained why they are inadequate in explaining the art of becoming an experienced marihuana user.
I do agree with the study's conclusions. They are properly assessed and explained. Besides, the study employed interviews in a sample of 50 participants, making it exceptional. Thus, its decision is valid and reliable.
References
Becker, H. S. (1953). Becoming a Marihuana User. The American Journal of Sociology . The University of Chicago Press. Vol. 59, No. 3, 235-242.
Pietrangelo, A. (2018). The Effects of Marijuana on Your Body. Healthline. Reviewed by Timothy J. Legg. https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/marijuana/effects-on-body.
