Portugal: One in ten minors used cannabis in the last 30 days

The 8th survey on addictive behaviours carried out by the Institute of Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (ICAD), within the scope of the National Defence Day (DDN), presented relevant data on the consumption of psychoactive substances among Portuguese young people aged 18. Among the various substances analysed, cannabis stands out as the most consumed, being the object of attention due to its consumption patterns and social impact. Around 13% of young people used it in the last 30 days.

Cannabis continues to be the most widely used illicit substance by young people in Portugal. The study on the use of psychoactive substances among young Portuguese people was carried out by the Institute of Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (ICAD), in collaboration with the Directorate-General for National Defence Resources (DGRDN). This survey, which was part of the activities for National Defence Day, was administered to all 18-year-olds who took part in the initiative, using anonymous questionnaires and self-completion on tablets.

The study collected data on substance use patterns and related behaviors in order to carry out a detailed, comparative and evolutionary analysis since its implementation in 2015. ICAD, together with other regional and national entities, developed this study to map consumption trends and thus guide public health and prevention policies.

The study revealed a lifetime prevalence of cannabis use of 27%, with prevalence being 23% in the last 12 months and 13% in the last 30 days. These figures place cannabis well above other illicit substances in terms of popularity among young people. With regard to gender differences in use, the study shows that boys are more likely to use cannabis than girls, with 25% and 20% prevalence in the last 12 months, respectively. This trend is also reflected in heavier consumption patterns, which are more common among boys.

These patterns of intensive consumption are residual among the minors surveyed, although 3% reported daily or almost daily consumption in the last 30 days (20 or more occasions). Although this is a significant number, it is still lower than that recorded for tobacco (13%) and alcoholic beverages (8%), which are prohibited products and whose sale is prohibited to minors under 18 years of age. Even so, cannabis is among the three most frequently consumed substances in the last month.

Combined substance use is a common and growing practice among young people. The prevalence of polydrug use is 19%, and is more frequent among boys (22%) than girls (16%). In the case of cannabis, 8% of young people reported associating it with alcohol consumption on the same occasion.

Purchasing cannabis online

The internet is emerging as an emerging means of acquiring cannabis. In 2023, 6% of young people surveyed said they had purchased the substance online in the last 12 months, which represents around a fifth of all young people who had consumed cannabis in recent months. This data provides new information on the developments in demand and supply of this substance which, despite being illicit and perhaps also for that reason, is increasingly popular in digital media where access by younger people ends up being easier.

Consumption trends over the years

Since 2015, the prevalence of cannabis use has shown a slight downward trend, which may reflect a stabilization in consumption patterns. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a decrease in the prevalence of intensive use, in line with the decline in other patterns of substance use. However, substance use in general still generates social impacts and situations that deserve attention, in the context of risk reduction and maintenance of harm, as a result of the significant percentage that mentions problems associated with use and the risk behaviors that exist, which highlights the need for a deeper understanding of information policies and in the social context that are even more comprehensive and closer to citizens.

Although the ICAD 2023 survey data suggests that cannabis use among young people has stabilized or declined slightly, the substance continues to be a prominent contributor to consumption patterns and social impact. Polydrug use and online acquisition are issues that continue to require attention, while the data suggest that gender-specific strategies are needed to prevent use and mitigate its effects.

The decriminalization of drug use in Portugal, implemented 25 years ago, became a global milestone, establishing the country as a pioneer in an approach focused on public health rather than criminalization. Data collected over this period demonstrates significant progress, such as the reduction of problematic use, HIV infections and drug-related deaths. However, new challenges are emerging, such as the increase in the use of some substances, polydrug use patterns and the impact of new social and digital dynamics, such as the purchase of drugs online.

These data reinforce the need for an in-depth study that analyzes the results achieved and the current challenges, to redesign policies that prepare the country for the same period, ensuring that drug policy continues to be effective, humane and adapted to the contemporary context.

Read the full study here:
questionnaire

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Antonio João Costa

More postsBiography

I am one of the directors of CannaReporter, which I founded together with Laura Ramos. I am from the unique Island of Madeira, where I currently reside. While I was in Lisbon at FCUL studying Physical Engineering, I became involved in the national hemp and cannabis scene and participated in several associations, some of which I am still a member of. I follow the global industry and especially legislative advances regarding the different uses of cannabis.

I can be contacted by email at joao.costa@cannareporter.eu

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