OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of cannabis users, their consumption patterns, and effects.

METHODS:

Our cross-sectional, descriptive study included 205 subjects (191 men, 14 women, mean age = 25.9 ± 7.9 years). The consumption of psychotropic drugs and/or cannabis was confirmed by toxicological analysis.

RESULTS:

In our study population, 61% were cannabis users. Consumption was significantly higher in males (94.4%) than in females. Consumers were young adults, aged 25.8 ± 8.8 years, single (81.6%), had primary school educations (62.4%), were employed (72%) and lived in urban areas (77.6%); 28.8% had a personal history of psychiatric disorders. The mean age of first cannabis use was 20 years. Cannabis use was frequently associated with consumption of alcohol and tobacco (72%). Forty percent of consumers used cannabis daily. Most of those who had used drugs had done so with friends. In most cases, cannabis was regarded as a means of escape from problems (29.3%), relaxation (20.2%), experimentation (18.2%) and a source of pleasure (16.7%).

CONCLUSION:

These data suggest the importance of primary prevention of early use and rapid treatment of young users.