Cannabis: The world's most used substance, says UN report

Global cannabis use: A rising trend

The United Nations' 2023 “World Drug Report” has highlighted a significant global trend: cannabis remains the most used substance worldwide. The report reveals that cannabis use is not only prevalent but also on an upward trajectory, with an estimated 219 million users globally in 2021.

The gender divide in cannabis consumption

Interestingly, the report notes a gender divide in cannabis use. While the majority of users are men (about 70%), this gap is narrowing in some regions, particularly in North America, where women account for 42% of cannabis users.

Opioids: The most harmful group of substances

In contrast to cannabis, opioids continue to be the most harmful substance group, contributing significantly to drug-related harm, including fatal overdoses. This is especially evident in the United States, which has been grappling with an opioid epidemic for over two decades.

Drug use and overdose trends in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a staggering increase in drug overdose deaths in the U.S., with opioids being a major contributor. The rise in opioid overdose deaths is categorized into three waves, starting from increased prescribing in the 1990s to the recent surge in deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Global opioid use and its consequences

Globally, an estimated 60 million people engaged in non-medical opioid use in 2021, with opioids remaining the leading cause of fatal overdoses. Opioid use disorders accounted for the majority of the healthy years of life lost due to premature death and disability in 2019.

Regional variations in primary drug use

The UN report provides a detailed regional breakdown of drug use. While opioids are the most frequent primary drug of people in drug treatment in most of Europe and Asia, in Latin America, it is cocaine, and in parts of Africa and East and South-East Asia, it is cannabis and methamphetamine, respectively.

Intravenous drug use: A growing concern

Another worrying trend is the increase in intravenous drug use, with an estimated 13.2 million people injecting drugs in 2021. This marks an 18% rise from 2020, with Eastern Europe and North America having the highest prevalence of people who inject drugs.

The 2023 UN “World Drug Report” paints a comprehensive picture of global drug use trends. Cannabis remains the most widely used substance, while opioids continue to cause the most harm. The report's findings are crucial for shaping effective drug policies and public health strategies worldwide.