daksya
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Joined: 09 Feb 2006
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 Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:20 pm Post subject: CB - Po, So - Epi - Profiles of long-term users in 3 cities |
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Cannabis consumption in Amsterdam, Bremen and San Francisco: A Three-city comparison of long-term Cannabis consumption.
Susanne Borchers-Tempel, Birgitta Kolte
Journal of Drug Issues, 2002.
Abstract:
| Quote: | | Long-term cannabis consumers in Amsterdam, Bremen and San Francisco were asked in a detailed questionnaire about their experiences with cannabis products. The research focus was the question of how the consumption of cannabis is realized under the conditions established through different drug policies. The research utilized a sample of 522 cannabis consumers exhibiting a wide range of experiences and different consumption patterns. The authors were able to elaborate five 'different consumer types. The prevalence of these specific user types was closely associated with the city where the consumers reside. There were also some direct consequences of the different drug politics in place in the different cities, such as the level of fear associated with the potential criminal consequences of use, and the sources for the purchase of cannabis products. |
Full study link: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3733/is_200204/ai_n9059930
Excerpts:
| Quote: | Utilizing cluster analysis, five consumer groups were identified on the basis of consumption patterns
. . .
Consumption profiles were developed utilizing frequency, volume, social factors and motivation for use |
| Quote: | CLUSTER 1: THE LEISURE-ORIENTED OCCASIONAL CONSUMER
The persons falling in this cluster are characterized by their low cannabis consumption. The prevalence of use and the amount consumed at the time of their highest consumption period (and at the time of the interview) falls below the average for the entire sample (see Table 9). This cluster encompasses older consumers who classify themselves as having frequently initiated and then terminated consumption (pattern 5). These persons have used for a mean of 14 years (a slightly longer consumption duration than the average), and with a mean age of 34.9 years, they belong with younger participants. Men are slightly over-represented in this cluster (see Table 11). Persons falling in this cluster generally have no children (90%). This cluster also captures the greatest number of people who work full time.
. . .
Among cluster participants there were no identifiable common motives for use, other than for the "stimulation of the senses." Even though sociability was not explicitly mentioned as a reason for consumption, about three quarters of this cluster said they would never consume the drug alone (a much higher proportion than was found among any of the other clusters). Another indication of the sociability of this group is reflected in their involvement in more leisure activities than any of the other groups. No other cluster spends fewer evenings at home, and this group prefers to visit bars or cafes. |
| Quote: | CLUSTER 2: THE MODERATE CONSUMER
With a mean use period of 15.7 years, these consumers have had the longest experience with cannabis. They also report the fewest periods of abstinence. The prevalence of their consumption and the amount used can be described as moderate. Other cluster characteristics include the older than average age of this group and the fact that employed men are over-represented. These consumers are the most likely to report they are involved in a relationship.
. . .
Unlike the occasional consumer, this group takes cannabis directly for its stimulation of their senses and feel efficient after use. Most prefer to use the drug at concerts, although it is also common for them to consume it alone at home. These persons only rarely use cannabis in combination with alcohol. |
| Quote: | CLUSTER 3: THE HEAVY CONSUMER
About 60% of the persons in this cluster consume cannabis at least once each week. Among the five groups, they consumed the greatest amount (30% used more than 10 grams during the last month), suggesting a high consumption level. In addition to using the drug more frequently and in greater amounts than the others, they also report a longer period of heaviest use (one year longer on average). Among this cluster we find a large number of people who indicate that they have continuously increased their cannabis consumption (our consumption pattern 2). With a mean use period of 14.2 years, their duration of use is slightly above average, and given that their mean age is 33.7 years, they are the youngest cluster (more than 60% of heavy users are below 35 years of age). In this cluster we find the fewest people employed full time, and men are once again over-represented. This group uses large amounts of marijuana, frequently citing self-medication as their sole reason for doing so. Heavy users take the drug to promote the experience of happiness and a stimulation of their mental abilities. They also feel they are more efficient after consumption. The group reports primarily positive experiences associated with cannabis consumption. Unlike the other groups, sociability while consuming is not important to them. Instead, they report becoming introverted while under the drug's influence. Nearly 50% of the heavy users say they always take the drug alone and more than three quarters of them always consume at home. The "heavy consumer" spends many evenings at home and is typically inactive. Almost 80% of the heavy users say they have occasionally felt a need for cannabis which they were not able to control, and 60% said they had consciously tried to reduce their consumption. Among this group, many said they had thought about seeking treatment for their cannabis use. |
| Quote: | CLUSTER 4: THE OCCASIONAL CONSUMER
In the phase of regular or intensive cannabis use, the occasional consumer is similar to the leisure-oriented consumer (cluster 1) in terms of the frequency and amount of their consumption. But while nearly 90% of cluster 1 describe themselves as active consumers, only 40% do so in cluster 4. More than half of the latter group identify themselves as former consumers. Especially noticeable in this cluster is the overrepresentation of women and of persons with children. Among all of the clusters, this group has the shortest phase of heavy consumption, the longest period without any cannabis consumption, and have had the shortest cannabis experience. The mean age of 35.8 years is close to the mean for the entire panel.
. . .
More than 70% never or only rarely consume the drug alone, and 60% indicate that they always or often consume with friends. Unlike the other clusters, the occasional consumers do not recognize "cannabis as stimulation of the senses" as their motivation for consumption. This group reported no mental stimulation or of their senses after smoking. They all said that consumption brings about a feeling of laziness and passivity. No other group reported fewer positive aspects associated with the consumption of marihuana/hash. They also indicate that they have fewer friends or acquaintances who are cannabis users than do users in the other clusters. |
| Quote: | CLUSTER 5: THE FORMER HEAVY CONSUMER
For the people labelled "former heavy consumer," it may be said that they have matured out of their cannabis consumption. Primarily, these people report their cannabis experiences retrospectively. Over 70% describe themselves as former consumers. During the period when the interviews were being conducted, over 90% of these respondents did not use cannabis. With a mean age of 37.7 years, this group was the oldest cluster. Their duration of consumption was average, but the period of heaviest use was clearly above average. This group exceeded all of the others in terms of their frequency and volume of use.
From their retrospective viewpoints, they agreed that "youth, sociability, and relaxation" had been their primary motivations for use. When they took the drug, they became lazy, passive, and introverted. However, for this group cannabis was useful in stimulating their mental abilities. On the whole these users perceived both negative and positive effects associated with cannabis consumption. The "former heavy consumers" believe that their own enjoyment of cannabis made them curious about other drugs, stimulating the desire for stronger substances. Nearly one half of this group felt they had been dependent on cannabis. |
Supplementary material:
Tags: t-CB t-Po t-So t-Epi |
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