What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in The International journal on drug policy on January 19, 2026.

Addiction

Cannabis laws reshape youth treatment patterns in South Africa

Q: What did this research study find?

**No immediate increase in cannabis treatment demand** after 2018 decriminalization

From courtroom to clinic: How legal rulings shape cannabis use among adolescents and young adults in South Africa.

The International journal on drug policy • January 19, 2026 • Relevant

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AI Summary

The recent decriminalization of cannabis in South Africa has sparked significant interest in understanding its potential public health impacts, particularly among young people. A comprehensive study examining treatment admissions from 2015 to 2023 reveals complex patterns of cannabis use and treatment demand among adolescents and young adults following legal changes.

Contrary to initial expectations, the research found no immediate increase in treatment demand after the 2018 decriminalization ruling. However, a significant rise in cannabis-related admissions emerged after 2021, with notably higher treatment demand in 2022 and 2023. The study highlights important demographic variations, showing that treatment demand was higher among adolescents, males, and individuals with primary or secondary education.

The findings underscore the nuanced relationship between legal changes and substance use behaviors. Treatment demand increased by approximately 50% in recent years, suggesting that decriminalization may have complex, delayed effects on help-seeking behaviors. Researchers emphasize the need for careful legislative considerations that account for the specific vulnerabilities of young populations and continue monitoring the long-term impacts of cannabis policy changes.

💡 Key Findings

No immediate increase in cannabis treatment demand after 2018 decriminalization

High

85%

Significant treatment admission increases observed in 2022 and 2023, with approximately 50% higher odds

High

80%

Higher treatment demand among adolescents, males, and those with primary/secondary education

Good

75%

📄 Original Abstract

Substance use, including cannabis (marijuana/dagga), is a major global public health concern. In South Africa, the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill decriminalised, the use, possession, and cultivation of cannabis by adults in private for personal use, but it remains illegal for those under 18. This study aimed to determine the impact of the cannabis decriminalisation bill on treatment demand among South African adolescents and young adults for cannabis use. A secondary aim was to examine trends in cannabis-related admissions post-legislation. We used retrospective, inpatient and outpatient treatment demand data to assess time trends for cannabis t admissions among South African adolescents aged ≤18 years and young adults aged 19-25 years for the period 2015 to 2023. Basic descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed to assess changes in cannabis-related admissions over time (2015-2023), adjusting for various sociodemographic and treatment-specific variables. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were reported at a 95% confidence interval and significance p-value of<0.05. The results do not support an immediate increase in treatment demand for cannabis-related problems among adolescents and young adults following the 2018 decriminalisation ruling. Instead, a significant increase in admissions was observed after 2021 onwards, with significantly higher odds observed in 2022 (AOR=1.50, 1.38-1.63, p < 0.001) and 2023 (AOR=1.48, 1.37-1.59, p < 0.001) compared to 2019. Treatment demand also varied by age category, gender, and educational attainment, with higher odds among adolescents, males, and those with primary or secondary education. The decriminalisation of cannabis for private use has impacted treatment demand for cannabis use and the need for specialist substance use treatment among adolescents in South Africa. Legislation and amendments thereof must consider the specific vulnerabilities associated with this population, and the recent decriminalisation of cannabis should also be further explored.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: The International journal on drug policy
Published: January 19, 2026
PMID: 41558226
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105151

Authors (5)

Nadine Harker Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zyl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7550, South Africa; School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Electronic address: nadine.harker@mrc.ac.za.
Nancy Hornsby Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zyl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7550, South Africa.
Mukhethwa Londani Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zyl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7550, South Africa.
Charles Parry Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zyl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7550, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Tara Carney Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zyl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7550, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.