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.
Public health policymakers, addiction treatment providers, drug policy researchers
Treatment use below 16% in all three countries
What the researchers 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.
Why it 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 numbers in context
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 the study worked
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.
What this study cannot 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.
How to read the evidence
Harmonized nationally representative surveys across three countries over 12+ years, providing strong population-level evidence.
When this study was published
Published in 2022
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.
Questions still open
- 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?
Common questions
Is cannabis dependence increasing in South America?
Are people with cannabis dependence getting treatment?
Read the original research
Trends in cannabis or cocaine-related dependence and alcohol/drug treatment in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
The International journal on drug policy, 108, 103810
Citation
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
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