Cannabis Dependence Rose Across South America While Treatment Remained Scarce
Cannabis dependence prevalence roughly doubled in Argentina, tripled in Chile, and increased by 70% in Uruguay from 2006-2018, while treatment use remained below 16% in all three countries.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Adjusted cannabis dependence increased from 0.7% to 1.5% in Argentina, 0.8% to 2.8% in Chile, and 1.4% to 2.4% in Uruguay. Among those with cannabis/cocaine dependence, average treatment use was 15.3% in Argentina, 6.0% in Chile, and 14.7% in Uruguay. Treatment rates were lower for cannabis dependence than cocaine dependence.
Key Numbers
Argentina: 0.7% to 1.5% cannabis dependence; Chile: 0.8% to 2.8%; Uruguay: 1.4% to 2.4%; treatment use: 15.3% (Argentina), 6.0% (Chile), 14.7% (Uruguay)
How They Did This
Harmonized analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional household surveys (ages 15-64) from Argentina (4 surveys, 2006-2017), Chile (7 surveys, 2006-2018), and Uruguay (4 surveys, 2006-2018). ICD-10 criteria for dependence.
Why This Research Matters
These three South American countries have different cannabis policies (Uruguay legalized in 2013). The rising dependence across all three, regardless of policy, suggests factors beyond legalization are driving increases.
The Bigger Picture
Cannabis dependence is rising across South America while treatment access remains inadequate. The growing gap between dependence prevalence and treatment utilization represents a significant public health challenge.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional surveys at different time points, not longitudinal tracking of individuals. Self-reported cannabis use and dependence criteria. Treatment access may differ by region within countries.
Questions This Raises
- ?Is the treatment gap driven by low perceived need, stigma, or lack of available services?
- ?Did Uruguay's legalization in 2013 contribute to or merely coincide with rising dependence?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Treatment use below 16% in all three countries
- Evidence Grade:
- Harmonized nationally representative surveys across three countries over 12+ years, providing strong population-level evidence.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022
- Original Title:
- Trends in cannabis or cocaine-related dependence and alcohol/drug treatment in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
- Published In:
- The International journal on drug policy, 108, 103810 (2022)
- Authors:
- Mauro, Pia M(7), Gutkind, Sarah(7), Rivera-Aguirre, Ariadne(3), Gary, Dahsan, Cerda, Magdalena, Santos, Erica Chavez, Castillo-Carniglia, Alvaro, Martins, Silvia S
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04048
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis dependence increasing in South America?
Yes. This study found cannabis dependence roughly doubled in Argentina (0.7% to 1.5%), tripled in Chile (0.8% to 2.8%), and increased 70% in Uruguay (1.4% to 2.4%) between 2006-2018.
Are people with cannabis dependence getting treatment?
Very few. Only 15.3% in Argentina, 6.0% in Chile, and 14.7% in Uruguay accessed treatment. Treatment rates were even lower for cannabis dependence than cocaine dependence, suggesting a specific gap for cannabis.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04048APA
Mauro, Pia M; Gutkind, Sarah; Rivera-Aguirre, Ariadne; Gary, Dahsan; Cerda, Magdalena; Santos, Erica Chavez; Castillo-Carniglia, Alvaro; Martins, Silvia S. (2022). Trends in cannabis or cocaine-related dependence and alcohol/drug treatment in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.. The International journal on drug policy, 108, 103810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103810
MLA
Mauro, Pia M, et al. "Trends in cannabis or cocaine-related dependence and alcohol/drug treatment in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.." The International journal on drug policy, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103810
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Trends in cannabis or cocaine-related dependence and alcohol..." RTHC-04048. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/mauro-2022-trends-in-cannabis-or
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.