Global Drug Survey: latest figures on cannabis use worldwide

The Global Drug Survey, ehis annual survey, carried out in 50 countries around the world, records consumption habits ranging from alcohol and cocaine to cannabis and amphetamines.

The report on the annual drug consumption survey for the year 2017 was carried out on a total of 119,846 people and published last week. On the subject of cannabis, 69,299 consumers took part in the survey. Researchers focused on how cannabis is used in each country, and on cannabis consumers' overall view of legalization.

Higher daily consumption among men 

The survey reveals that cannabis consumption is higher among men than women: 20.22% of men smoke cannabis daily versus 15.28% for women. Various factors can be taken into account, as men and women react differently to the effects of cannabis. For example, the pain-relieving effect of cannabis works better in men than in women, THC reacts differently to estrogen and testosterone receptors.

The United States and Mexico: the world's biggest waking joint enthusiasts

According to the report, 21.9% of Americans light their first firecracker within the first hour after waking up, the highest percentage among users worldwide. They are followed by Mexico, where 18.4% smoke their first joint within the hour. Some prefer coffee, others run, but North and Central America prefers smoke. 

Europe leads the way in mixing cannabis and tobacco in joints

Mixing tobacco with weed or hashish remains the most common method of cannabis consumption worldwide. Europe leads by far. In Italy, 94% of smokers taking part in the survey said they smoked joints with tobacco. The ranking is followed by Greece and Hungary at 93%, then Denmark and Switzerland at 91%. The United States, more adept at pure weed and blunts, only 8% put tobacco in their joints.

In Europe, this habit dates back to the days when weed and resin were expensive, and to make a joint last a long time, tobacco was added. Tobacco is also more widespread in Europe, and with it nicotine addiction, unlike in North America where tobacco consumption is lower.

What about France?

France is Europe's leading cannabis consumer. According to the Global Drugs Survey, 10.8% of French consumers smoke cannabis within an hour of waking up. Some 86% of them use cannabis with tobacco, and 36.4% of users would like to smoke fewer joints by next year. Cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in France, consumed by a total of 3.9 million people.

The next Global Drugs Survey will be held in October 2017.

Mehdi Bautier