First, this paper estimates the dimensions of the market for cannabis in Spain using data on the extent of consumption and the main patterns of use of consumers. Then the paper reviews the hypothetical production and distribution costs of these drugs in different production regimes under different legal conditions. The review shows that current prices of cannabis in the illegal market could be notably reduced if production and distribution of cannabis were decriminalized and even more if they were performed by legal enterprises. Thirdly, we examine the relationship between prices and consumption levels by analysing the price elasticity of demand. A fall in the prices of cannabis products will likely result in an increase in the number of users and in the total amount consumed. Lastly we consider several alternatives for the taxation of cannabis derivatives to counteract the likely fall in prices, and their pros and cons.
The social perception of cannabis use in Spain is getting more tolerant among young people. This study aims to uncover the attitudes of university students toward cannabis and examine the differences in their attitudes according to their use status. We applied concept mapping, a mixed-methods approach. Participants were recruited from 12 universities. During the first stage, 5 focus groups were conducted with 56 participants to determine the ideas in the concept map. In the second stage, ideas were pile-sorted and rated by 140 participants (77% females; average age = 21.6). Hierarchical cluster analysis of the pile-sort data generated the cluster map. We used t-tests to explore differences in ratings by pastyear users and non-users (abstainers and ex-users). Participants generated 70 ideas associated with cannabis during the brainstorming sessions and categorized them into six groups: risks and harms, information, legalization, motives, tobacco and cannabis, and normalization. Users and non-users agree that cannabis has health risks and that smoking it mixed with tobacco is the main route of administration, although they do not perceive that this mode increases the hazards. Both users and non-users demand more information. However, they strongly disagree regarding the rest of the clusters. Users distinguish between sensible and problem use. They associate frequent use and coping motives with difficulties, whereas they perceive that moderate use yields pleasures and benefits. They blame the lack of legalization for the social stigma they still suffer. Non-users reject these considerations. Spanish university students believe that cannabis use is normal among young people. Non-users are tolerant of peers who use cannabis, but users feel stigmatized. There is a divide between the two groups regarding the convenience of implementing legal reforms.
Background
People who use cannabis daily or near-daily vary considerably in their daily dosage and use frequency, impacting both experienced effects and adverse consequences. This study identified heavy cannabis user groups according to consumption patterns and factors associated with class membership.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 380 Spanish residents (61.8% male; average age = 30.3 years) who had used cannabis ≥ 3 days/week throughout the past year. Participants were recruited through chain referral and cannabis social clubs. We applied latent class analysis (LCA) to cluster participants according to use intensity. LCA indicators included frequency of weekly cannabis use, joints smoked each day, cannabis dosage, and if cannabis was consumed throughout the day or only at specific times. Associations between class membership and socio-demographics, use patterns, motives, supply sources, adverse outcomes, and use of other substances were measured using ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Multinomial regression identified the factors associated with latent class membership.
Results
Three latent classes (moderately heavy: 21.8%, heavy: 68.2%, very heavy: 10%) had average weekly cannabis intakes of 2.4, 5.5, and 18.3 g, respectively. Very heavy users were older ($${\chi }^{2}$$=17.77, p < 0.01), less educated $${(\chi }^{2}$$=36.80, p < 0.001), and had used cannabis for longer (F = 4.62, p = 0.01). CAST scores (F = 26.51, p < 0.001) increased across the classes. The prevalence of past-month alcohol use was lower among the heaviest users ($${\chi }^{2}$$=5.95, p = 0.05). Cannabis was usually obtained from a club by very heavy users ($${\chi }^{2}$$=20.95, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
People who use cannabis heavily present three groups according to frequency and quantity of cannabis consumption. Use intensity is associated with increased cannabis-related problems. Differences among heavy users must be considered in harm reduction interventions in cannabis clubs and indicated prevention.
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