Research shows the advancement of cannabis use among Brazilian women

The consumption of cannabis among Brazilian women has shown significant growth over the last decade, according to data from the III National Survey on Alcohol and Drugs (Lenad III). The study, conducted by Unifesp, reveals a significant shift in substance use patterns in the country, with a particular emphasis on the accelerated growth among the female population.

According to the survey, lifetime cannabis use among adult women increased from 3% in 2012 to 10.6% in 2022, nearly tripling over a decade. This growth follows a general trend of increased illicit drug use in Brazil, but is more pronounced among women.

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit substance in the country, with approximately 15.8% of the Brazilian population reporting use at least once in their lifetime. This number is almost double the previous edition of the survey, reinforcing the central role of the plant in the drug consumption landscape in Brazil.

Among adolescents, the study highlights a noteworthy finding: for the first time in the historical series, cannabis use among girls aged 14 to 17 exceeds that of boys. While usage decreased among male adolescents, dropping from 7.3% to 4.6%, among girls the rate jumped from 2.1% to 7.9% during the same period.

The survey also shows that the most common form of consumption continues to be smoked cannabis, used by around 90% of users. Other forms, such as edibles and vaporizers, have lower prevalence but are already part of the consumption repertoire, especially among younger individuals.

According to the study authors, the data reinforce the need for specific public policies focusing on prevention, education, and harm reduction strategies targeting women and adolescents. The shift in consumption patterns indicates social and cultural transformations that need to be considered in the planning of public health actions.

With information from El.Planteo.