Ovuwa Luvhengo Munyadziwa Nethomboni, Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena

Influence of Cannabis Decriminalisation on Consumption Patterns

Introduction

Influence of cannabis decriminalisation on consumption patterns. Investigates cannabis decriminalisation's impact on consumption in South Africa. Reveals increased use, particularly among youth, and public health risks. Urges policy and education.

Abstract

Earlier research has frequently neglected regional consumption patterns and socio-cultural dynamics following cannabis policy shifts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study seeks to address this gap by examining cannabis use trends following decriminalisation in South Africa, thereby offering novel insights into community-level behavioural changes. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in cannabis consumption trends in the Eastern Cape province following national decriminalisation. A qualitative case study design, guided by the interpretivist paradigm, was employed to explore contextualised user experiences and perceptions. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in historically recognised cannabis-growing areas within the OR Tambo District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit 55 participants representing various governmental and community stakeholders. The findings suggest that the decriminalisation of cannabis has led to increased production, which in turn has contributed to heightened consumption patterns, particularly among the youth, including minors. Additional concerns have emerged regarding the availability of high-potency cannabis strains and derivative products. As a result, public health education initiatives and regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure optimal consumer safety and public health protection. The insights generated from this study can inform policymakers in developing evidence-based cannabis policies. Furthermore, a nuanced understanding of post-decriminalisation consumption patterns will assist in assessing public health risks and formulating strategies to mitigate associated harms.

Review

This study makes a significant contribution to the underexplored area of cannabis policy impacts, specifically focusing on regional consumption patterns and socio-cultural dynamics in low- and middle-income countries. By examining the effects of decriminalisation in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, the authors address a critical gap in the literature. The qualitative case study design, guided by an interpretivist paradigm, is appropriately chosen to delve into the contextualised user experiences and perceptions, offering a nuanced understanding derived from historically significant cannabis-growing areas and engaging a diverse range of governmental and community stakeholders. The findings presented are particularly salient, indicating that decriminalisation has seemingly fostered increased cannabis production, which in turn has contributed to heightened consumption patterns. Of notable concern is the reported increase in use among youth, including minors, and the emergence of higher-potency cannabis strains and derivative products within the community. These observations highlight an urgent need for targeted public health education initiatives and the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure consumer safety and protect public health. The study effectively translates these insights into actionable recommendations, positioning its findings to directly inform policymakers in developing evidence-based cannabis policies and strategies for risk mitigation. While the qualitative approach provides invaluable depth and context, offering a rich understanding of local experiences, the robust nature of the findings regarding increased consumption among specific populations underscores the potential for future research to build upon these insights. The unique focus on an under-researched LMIC context, coupled with its stakeholder-inclusive methodology, provides critical preliminary evidence for a rapidly evolving policy landscape. This work is essential for policymakers seeking to navigate the complexities of post-decriminalisation environments, providing a foundational understanding necessary for assessing public health risks and formulating effective strategies to mitigate associated harms.

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