At B2Weed we closely follow the evolution of the cannabis market in Spain and we would like to share with you a very complete study on the consumption and consequences of Cannabis consumption in Spain, developed by the Spanish Observatory on Drugs and Addictions (OEDA) and the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (DGPNSD). Below, we present the main conclusions of said study.
The main purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the situation of cannabis consumption and its consequences, as well as its supply in the Spanish population, reviewing the characteristics of this consumption, the evolution it has shown and the consequences it generates.
The most consumed illegal drug:
Cannabis is, by far, the most consumed illegal drug by the Spanish population of all ages. Its main consumption in Spain is as marijuana or hashish, and although in recent years, a wide variety of cannabis products have appeared in Europe, known as synthetic cannabinoids, its consumption in Spain is low.
Cannabis user profile:
Cannabis use occurs mainly among men and young people, being 14.9 years the average age of initiation of consumption, the lowest age of all illegal substances. Showing increasing rates of consumption among students aged 14 to 18 years.
Pattern of cannabis use in Spain:
Although its consumption is usually experimental, normally concentrated in a short period (late adolescence or early adulthood), some consumers present a pattern of problematic consumption, eventually having to start treatment for abuse or dependence on this substance. This has led to an exponential increase in the number of admissions to treatment for this substance over the last 10 years, making it the second substance that generates the most admissions to treatment in the general population, after cocaine, and responsible for more than 95% of all admissions in children under 18 years of age.
The high prevalence of consumption of this substance, both in the general population and in the student population, is reflected in an increase in reports of illicit cannabis use or possession and an increase in arrests for drug trafficking, which reached an all-time high in 2020. Furthermore, an increase in the concentration of THC in seized products has been observed, a fact that could be at the basis of the increase in cannabis in substance use-related emergencies, which already account for 50% of all substance use-related emergencies.
Survey data also point to a decrease in risk perception and an increase in availability, factors that the literature has directly related to prevalence of use. In fact, the mobility restriction situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 has shown an impact on the population’s cannabis use patterns, with cannabis use decreasing in both sexes and in all age groups, especially in younger groups.
This would reinforce the concept that environmental prevention measures that cut down on supply and availability are effective in reducing cannabis use, especially among young people and minors. At this point, it is also of particular relevance to increase the risk perception of cannabis, making society in general aware of the real consequences of consumption.
In conclusion, it should be noted that in order to reduce the prevalence of cannabis consumption and the harm caused by this substance, a cross-sectoral approach is necessary and building it requires analyzing and using available data and knowledge. This monograph has been prepared to contribute to this process. Thus, it aspires to be a useful document for all the agents involved, with the aim of being updated periodically to provide the most up-to-date information at all times.
Source: Monographic study on Cannabis in Spain 2022
