Study shows cannabis consumption increased in Australia during lockdown

A new study from the University of South Australia revealed that cannabis use increased during lockdown while other drug consumption decreased. 

Researchers discovered that cannabis use increased while alcohol consumption fell during the first lockdown. They also noted a decrease in the use of drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.  The results were published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters.

Cannabis is mainly produced locally so national supplies were easily accessed. Wastewater samples reflected the increase in cannabis use in all states excluding the Northern Territory. 

Australian study

Wastewater samples are taken every two months from 20 treatment plants across Australia and tested for methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and alcohol. This covers approximately half the population. 

Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), The University of Queensland and the University of Adelaide compared the samples taken before the pandemic and those taken during. According to the Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System, approximately half of Australia’s cocaine users stopped using the drug or cut down drastically when global supply chains stopped and bars closed. 

Once restrictions eased, the cocaine use returned to pre-pandemic levels. A similar pattern was seen with ecstasy use. The samples also showed that South Australians reduced their alcohol consumption by 12 percent. 

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Results

UniSA associate professor Cobus Gerber said: “Job cuts and loss of income could have contributed to the lower usage nationally, but it is more likely to be connected to disrupted supply lines. This study provides an insight into the first four months of COVID restrictions in Australia and it remains to be seen what the longer-term effect of the pandemic will be.”

Global outlook

It’s not just Australia that saw an increase in cannabis use during the first lockdown. There were reports of increased feelings of isolation, loneliness and anxiety which may have contributed to an increase in cannabis consumption.

According to the Global Drug Survey, in an online study of global drug-use trends, among 55,000 people in 11 wealthy countries, almost two in five respondents have increased their use of cannabis since lockdown began. Australia saw the greatest increase, at 49 percent, with America at 46 percent and Britain with 44 percent.

Those surveyed revealed that 41 percent cited stress and 38 percent said depression was their reason for using cannabis to cope.

The results also mirrored the Australian study as ecstasy, cocaine and ketamine use decreased during lockdown. This was attributed to the closure of bars and nightclubs. A third of cocaine users said their mental health was better as a result of taking less of it while a quarter of ecstasy users agreed.

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