Marijuana markets in the Czech Republic and in the U.S. - different drug policy approaches and harms
Abstract
Background: The presentation aims at assessing the impact of different drug policy approaches by means of comparison of lower-level marijuana markets in one EU country and one US state. Both policy evaluation and cross-cultural aspects are analyzed.
The presentation includes (i) comparison of marijuana markets patterns and harms under different drug policy frameworks with the use of comparative qualitative and quantitative datasets; (ii) description of patterns and processes governing marijuana markets and social acquisitions of marijuana on retail level; (iii) quick consideration on development of evidence-based drug policy recommendations that may result of the study in its current stage. Methods: In 2009, 108 semi-structured interviews were collected in North-Central Florida, US, where a restrictive approach with respect to marijuana supply reduction policy is enforced, and in the Czech Republic, EU, where rather liberal drug laws including took place (followed by further changes in 2010).
A datasets resulting from methodologically comparable general population surveys on drugs and related attitudes in USA and CZ were analyzed in order to identify differences in marijuana market patterns. Results: Quantitative data analysis reveals both higher intensity of cannabis use and greater importance of “friendship/peer networks” under the U.S. based drug policy framework.
More strict prohibition leads to a restriction of transactions to friendship networks, and enforcement of norms-of-a-friendship in the cannabis market. Associated risks arise from greater frequency of use, and the risk burden on cannabis users playing the middleman role on the drug market.
Study results suggest that drug policy has an influence on drug market patterns which impose specific drug use patterns.