List of countries by annual cannabis use

World map of countries by annual prevalence of cannabis use

The list of countries by annual cannabis use provides an overview of the prevalence of cannabis consumption across different nations. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a widely used psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. The data on cannabis use is typically gathered through national surveys and studies conducted by various health and governmental organizations.

Methodology

The data on annual cannabis use is often collected through self-reported surveys, which may include questions about the frequency and quantity of cannabis consumption. These surveys are usually conducted by national health departments, research institutions, or international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Global Overview

Cannabis use varies significantly across different regions and countries. Factors influencing cannabis use include cultural attitudes, legal status, availability, and public health policies. Below is a list of countries with notable rates of annual cannabis use:

High Prevalence

• Iceland: Iceland has one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the world, with a significant portion of the population reporting annual use.
• United States: The United States also reports high levels of cannabis consumption, particularly in states where cannabis has been legalized for recreational use.
• Canada: Following the legalization of cannabis in 2018, Canada has seen an increase in reported annual use.

Moderate Prevalence

• Australia: Cannabis use in Australia is relatively common, with a moderate percentage of the population using it annually.
• United Kingdom: The UK has a moderate rate of cannabis use, with ongoing debates about potential legalization.

Low Prevalence

• Japan: Japan has one of the lowest rates of cannabis use, largely due to strict drug laws and cultural attitudes against drug use.
• Singapore: Similar to Japan, Singapore has very low rates of cannabis use, supported by stringent legal penalties.

Legal Status

The legal status of cannabis varies widely across the world, ranging from full legalization to strict prohibition. Countries like Uruguay and Canada have fully legalized cannabis, while others, such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, impose severe penalties for its use and possession.

Health Implications

Cannabis use has various health implications, both positive and negative. It is used medicinally to treat conditions such as chronic pain and epilepsy, but it can also have adverse effects, including dependency and mental health issues.

Related Pages

• Cannabis (drug)
• Legality of cannabis by country
• Cannabis culture
• Cannabis and health
• Cannabis use disorder

See Also

• Drug policy
• Substance abuse
• Psychoactive drug
• World Health Organization
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime