Tougher cannabis laws impact occasional users but not frequent drug takers

'Results suggest that although diffused availability may be affected by some forms of restrictive governmental measures, the latter have no effect on the supply networks which are presumably well established for those social groups which have a high frequency of use.' Picture: AP Photo/Franka Bruns

European studies suggest tougher sanctions may reduce cannabis use among experimental or occasional adolescent users, but do not seem to affect frequent users, an international drugs conference in Dublin has heard.

The National Drugs Forum 2022, which attracted speakers from across Europe and Ireland, was told actions of governments appear not to impact cannabis supply networks, which are thought to be more focused on frequent users.