This study focused on the independent and interactive effects of parental monitoring and sensation seeking on marijuana initiation in college. Data from the College Life Study was used to examine 314 individuals who had not used marijuana prior to college. Descriptive statistics and t-tests analyzed significant differences between individuals who initiated marijuana in college (n=127) and those who did not (n=187). Logistic regressions tested theoretical models and an interaction between sensation seeking and parental monitoring on the likelihood of initiating marijuana.

Approximately 40% of the sample initiated marijuana in college. Significant differences in multiple variables existed between initiators and non-initiators. Sensation seeking and parental monitoring independently influenced the likelihood of initiating marijuana, however their interaction was insignificant. Post-hoc analyses indicated a gender specific moderation. Future research should examine the influence of gender.