LCannabis is the most consumed narcotic product in France, with, according to estimates, 18 million experimenters, some 5 million users per year, including 1.5 million regular and 850,000 daily users. [1].
Thus, in 2023, according to the Survey on representations, opinions and perceptions of psychotropic drugs among the French population (EROPP) by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT), approximately 3 % of French people aged 18 to 64 ans regularly consumed cannabis, most often in a context of use established for many years [2]. But the profiles and backgrounds of these adult regular cannabis users are very diverse, as highlighted by the qualitative survey “New faces of regular cannabis users” (Novurc), launched in 2022 by the OFDT [2].
Three typical routes
If, overall, consumption levels evolve over time, often in correlation with the consumption of other psychoactive products, licit or illicit, this survey highlights three typical pathways of regular cannabis use:
- the first is characterized by moderate use cannabis and other products throughout life ;
- the second is marked by consumption high cannabisoften accompanied by a regular alcohol consumption ;
- the third is a regular use of different substancescannabis then playing a role in distancing other consumption.
A “self-medication” approach
Half of the people surveyed report acute or chronic mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, burnout, bipolar disorder or borderline), for whom most benefit or have benefited from psychological monitoring. The use of cannabis is often done as part of a “self-medication” approach, frequently to avoid drug treatments.
The impact of the social, professional and family environment
This survey also shows that the social environment is associated with significant differences in consumption pathways. People from working-class backgrounds tend to report higher and longer-lasting cannabis use when they face mental health problems or difficult working conditions.
Overall, the rhythm of consumption is readily ritualized and punctuated by professional and family constraints.
The people questioned say they consume most often in a private setting, alone or sometimes with their partner, at home or in a familiar setting. Thus, the dimension of sociability and conviviality associated with use during adolescence fades over time.
Ultimately, a trend towards stabilization and a reduction in risks
Finally, the analysis of consumption trajectories highlights a trend towards the stabilization of all consumption, as well as the progressive adoption of risk reduction practices linked to cannabis consumption.
