DRUG USE STATISTICS IN SERBIA: ANALYSING A POPULATION'S DRUG USE STANCE ON CANNABIS LEGALISATION
Keywords:
drug use, questionnaire, cannabis, legalisationAbstract
Purpose: The 2023 annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reveals that illegal drugs are widespread in Europe and it is difficult to avoid the expansion of new psychoactive substances (PAS), their availability and subsequent harmful effects. The problem of addiction and behavioural disorders caused by PAS in Serbia has grown in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to develop appropriate strategies to combat the abuse of PAS among the population. This, among other things, entails regular education of the population about the harmfulness of drug use, as well as assisting persons who have encountered addiction problems.
Design/Methods/Approach: This study aimed to analyze the data obtained using two independent surveys conducted on the territory of the Republic of Serbia in 2023. One survey included research related to the use of illegal drugs and prescription drugs with psychoactive effects with 72 respondents and another survey specifically included the opinion about the legalisation of cannabis in which 86 people participated.
Findings, Originality/Value: For the fight against drug abuse to be successful, it is required to have the best possible insight into the consumption of PAS on the territory of one country. Based on anonymous questionnaire, effective preventive strategies and programs can be developed in order to reduce the use of PAS in different population groups. The data findings of this research revealed that one-third of respondents ever used some illegal drug and most of them (67 %) revealed that it was cannabis. Regarding the opinion on the legalisation of cannabis about half of the respondents (48 %) believe that the law allowing recreational use in Serbia is not necessary and that cannabis should remain banned. The same percentage of respondents believe that for people with serious illnesses, cannabis-based preparations should be made available.
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