Understanding daily cannabis consumption in France: Findings from the Novurc study

The Novurc study, conducted by the French Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT), provides a comprehensive look at the lives of regular cannabis users in France.

Focusing on adults aged 30 and older, the Novurc study (short for “New Faces of Regular Cannabis Users”) examines their patterns of use, motivations, and socioeconomic influences, highlighting changing trends and proposing evidence-based approaches to public health and regulatory policies.

History and Background

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit drug in France, with 5 million annual users and 1.4 million regular users. While use among adolescents has declined significantly over the past decade, consumption among adults has stabilized. At the same time, there is a trend toward older consumers and a wider variety of cannabis products and consumption methods.

Unlike previous research, which relied primarily on quantitative data, Novurc takes a qualitative approach that provides an in-depth understanding of the nuances of how cannabis is integrated into consumers’ lives. Conducted through biographical interviews with 52 participants aged 30 and older, the study paints a detailed picture of the practices of regular cannabis users and the evolution of their relationship with the substance.

Cannabis Use in France: Background

Over the past decade, cannabis use among adults in France has stabilized, while use among adolescents has declined. This trend correlates with broader demographic shifts, as older adults increasingly make up a significant portion of the user base. Alongside this shift, methods of cannabis use have diversified, with many users switching from traditional smoking to vaping or to the edibles.

The global cannabis market has also expanded in terms of availability and variety, with Europe seeing increased access to cannabis products. In France, however, consumption trends vary depending on socioeconomic and cultural factors, as well as the illegality of the products.

Key findings of the Novurc study

Diverse consumption patterns and motivations

The study highlights the heterogeneity of cannabis use, with significant variations in frequency, quantity, and contexts of use:

• Frequency and quantity: Regular users range from those who use cannabis weekly to unwind to those who use it daily, for whom it is an integral part of their routine
• Reasons for consumption: Participants cited a variety of reasons for their use, ranging from relaxation and stress relief to enhanced creativity and pain management. Many view cannabis as «me time,» which provides relief from the pressures of daily life
• Consumption rituals: Consumers often follow structured routines, aligning their cannabis use with their work or family responsibilities. Rituals such as evening use or selective use on weekends demonstrate how cannabis use adapts to broader patterns of daily life

Three patterns of regular consumption

1. Moderate and controlled consumption: This group is characterized by low and consistent consumption. Users tend to limit their use to specific times, such as in the evening, and to maintain strict limits so as not to interfere with their professional or family responsibilities. They often come from affluent socioeconomic backgrounds and take a cautious approach to psychoactive substances.
2. Heavy use: People in this category have high levels of consumption, as cannabis is deeply integrated into their daily routines. This is often accompanied by socioeconomic instability or problems with mental health, these consumers find it harder to control their consumption. There is a notable overlap with the alcohol consumption has been observed, which increases the risks associated with their cannabis use.
3. Power consumption: This trajectory reflects a shift from using multiple substances (including harder drugs such as cocaine and alcohol) to an exclusive dependence on cannabis. For these users, cannabis is often a tool that allows them to distance themselves from more harmful substances and regain control over their substance use.

Socioeconomic factors influencing cannabis use

The study reveals that socioeconomic factors play a key role in cannabis use:

• Work and family responsibilities: Middle-class consumers tend to adopt risk-reduction strategies, discreetly incorporating cannabis use into their lives. In contrast, low-income individuals often face higher and more persistent levels of use, driven by the need to cope with economic and psychological stress.
• Workplace dynamics: Employment conditions have a significant impact on consumption patterns. Workers with stable jobs often keep their cannabis use separate from their daily lives, while those in precarious employment report more irregular and heavier use, reflecting the instability of their situation.

The study also highlights significant gender differences. While women generally report lower levels of use, they are often more resistant to change due to the dual pressures of caregiving and sociocultural expectations. Women also tend to associate their cannabis use with managing their mental health, describing it as a «crutch» or an «emotional buffer.».

Perceived risks and benefits

Positive perceptions of cannabis

Most participants view cannabis as less harmful than alcohol or tobacco, and emphasize the benefits they derive from them:

• Health and Wellness: Many consumers report that cannabis helps relieve anxiety, stress, insomnia, and chronic pain. These findings are consistent with broader scientific evidence highlighting the the therapeutic potential of cannabis for specific conditions.
• Psychosocial benefits: Consumers describe cannabis as a a way to boost creativity, improve concentration, and encourage moments of relaxation or self-reflection.

Risk Assessment

Despite its benefits, consumers recognize the potential risks, particularly:

• Respiratory problems: Smoking cannabis, especially when mixed with tobacco, poses significant health risks, including respiratory problems and a higher likelihood of addiction.
• Legal issues: The illegal nature of cannabis use contributes to anxiety about law enforcement and its impact on daily life, such as driver’s license suspensions or fines.
• Social and functional impacts: Some participants noted the negative effects of cannabis on motivation, concentration, and work performance.

Risk reduction strategies

Regular cannabis users employ various harm reduction strategies to minimize health and social risks:

• Consumption control: These strategies include limiting the amount of cannabis purchased, switching to vaping, and adjusting the dosage to avoid overconsumption.
• Professional support: Although it is rare, some consumers seek advice from addiction specialists, particularly when they are dealing with an addiction or need to balance their substance use with their personal responsibilities.
• Self-management practices: Many consumers follow their own personal rules, such as refraining from drinking during work hours or making sure their drinking does not interfere with childcare.

A key finding of the study is the frequent overlap between cannabis use and the use of other substances, particularly alcohol. For many users, cannabis becomes a tool for managing withdrawal or reduce dependence on other drugs. This role highlights its evolving role in the patterns of use of various substances, where it often serves as a less harmful alternative in later stages of use.

Implications for public health and policy

The findings of the Novurc study provide valuable insights for the development of public health interventions and cannabis policy in France:

1. Appropriate prevention strategies: It is essential to recognize the diversity of profiles and consumer motivations cannabis to develop effective prevention campaigns. Programs must address both the therapeutic uses of cannabis and the risks associated with excessive consumption.
2. Promote harm reduction: Encourage safer consumption methods, such as vaporization or edibles, can significantly reduce health risks. Education on dose control and self-regulation should be at the heart of public health messages.
3. Addressing legal barriers: The study highlights that the illegal status of cannabis exacerbates users’ anxiety and limits access to harm reduction resources. A review of legal frameworks could promote safer consumption practices and reduce stigma.
4. Mental health support: Given the close link between cannabis use and mental health issues, integrating mental health services into cannabis-related interventions could improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

L’Novurc study ultimately offers a nuanced understanding of cannabis use in France, highlighting its deeply personal and context-dependent nature.

By examining the diverse trajectories of regular users, the research highlights the interplay between socioeconomic factors, mental health, and psychoactive substance use. These findings call for a balanced approach to cannabis regulation and public health, one that acknowledges the complexities of substance use while prioritizing harm reduction and the well-being of users.