Drug use and abuse remains a very real problem in many parts of the world, although the extent of the issue varies greatly depending on culture, access, and legislation. In 2021, the estimated
was around 296 million. Furthermore, among these users, 39.5 million could be considered “problem drug users” or categorized as having a drug use disorder. Cannabis is the
followed by opioids and opiates. As of 2021, high estimates determined that just over five percent of the global population consumed cannabis in the last year. However, the
has increased by more than any other drug category over the past few years.
Where is cannabis legal?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is by far the most used and widespread illegal drug around the world. In 2021, the estimated
number of cannabis users worldwide was around 219 million. Laws regarding the use and sale of cannabis vary significantly by country. Several have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, while some, including Canada and some states in the United States, have completely legalized the sale and use of
recreational marijuana. Each country of the European Union has different laws regarding marijuana. Some have decriminalized it and have legalized medical marijuana, but others still have harsh drug laws that may lead to prison time. No EU country has yet to fully legalize the sale and use of cannabis to the extent seen in the United States or Canada. Nevertheless, the latest analysis of
drug use in the European Union shows that over a quarter of the region’s population has used cannabis in their lifetime, with almost eight percent using the drug in the last year. The European countries that report the highest prevalence of cannabis use include Czechia, France, and Spain.
The threat of opioids
Opioids refer to synthetic and partly synthetic prescription drugs such as hydrocodone and fentanyl, as well as natural opioids like heroin or morphine, also known as opiates. Used by many to relieve pain, it was estimated that the
number of opioid users worldwide was around 60 million in 2021, with the highest number of users found in Asia. However, the drugs have gained wider media coverage in recent years due to the ongoing
opioid epidemic in the United States. In the United States, there has been a significant increase in opioid abuse and overdose death brought about by misleading information from pharmaceutical companies and irresponsible opioid prescribing behavior from physicians in combination with an increase in cheap heroin and the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. In 2021, the
number of opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. reached over 80,000, the highest number ever recorded.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no
liability for the information given being complete or correct.
Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date
data than referenced in the text.
