What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: Addiction.

Where was this research published?

Published in Drug and alcohol review on May 1, 2026.

Cannabis use affects 1 in 10 South African teens, data reveals

Q: What did this Review find?

This comprehensive analysis examined **substance use prevalence among South African adolescents under 19 years old**, synthesizing data from 30 peer-reviewed studies covering **120,041 young people**. The research found that **cannabis is the third most commonly used substance** among this populatio

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Substance Use Among Adolescents in South Africa.

Drug and alcohol review • May 1, 2026 • Review • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This comprehensive analysis examined substance use prevalence among South African adolescents under 19 years old, synthesizing data from 30 peer-reviewed studies covering 120,041 young people. The research found that cannabis is the third most commonly used substance among this population, with a lifetime prevalence of 10.47% and a 12-month prevalence of 6.66%. While alcohol and tobacco remain more prevalent, the substantial use of cannabis among adolescents highlights an important public health concern in the region.

The study revealed significant variation across different communities and school-based samples, indicating that substance use patterns differ markedly by geographic area and demographic factors in South Africa. The researchers emphasize that current data collection remains fragmented, creating challenges for understanding the true scope of adolescent substance use. The findings underscore the need for nationally representative surveillance systems and evidence-based prevention strategies specifically designed for young people in South Africa, particularly given the risk that adolescent substance use can progress to substance use disorder.

For cannabis specifically, the prevalence rates among South African youth suggest a meaningful portion of the adolescent population has experience with the substance. The research identifies this as a public health priority requiring coordinated prevention efforts and mental health support, given the known impacts of adolescent substance use on education, development, and long-term mental health outcomes.

📄 Original Abstract

Substance use among young people is a growing public health concern in South Africa (SA), with implications for short- and long-term mental health, education and development. A lack of use data is among several challenges impeding progress to support young people. To address this gap, this study aimed to synthesise published prevalence data on substance use among adolescents under 19 years of age in SA. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were run across PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scielo. Studies reporting original SA prevalence data in community or school-based samples were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies was used to assess study quality. Meta-analyses were performed in R, using random effects models and heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and meta-regression. Thirty publications met inclusion criteria, and these reported 202 prevalence estimates (n = 120,041, mean age 16.1 years). The most commonly reported substances used were alcohol (35.09%, 95% CI 23.83-48.30), tobacco (25.47%, 95% CI 14.56-33.01) and cannabis (10.47%, 95% CI 5.98-17.71) with lifetime prevalence of any substance use of 13.05%, 95% CI 9.65-17.42. Similarly, 12-month data indicated high exposure levels: alcohol 17.45% (95% CI 11.39-25.78), tobacco 11.57% (95% CI 8.92-14.88) and cannabis 6.66% (95% CI 4.82-9.13). However, substantial heterogeneity across studies was detected. High exposure to substances in SA, especially alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, underscores the urgent need for nationally representative surveillance and evidence-based prevention efforts tailored to adolescents, to avoid progression of substance use into substance use disorder.

Paper Type

📚 Review

Publication

Journal: Drug and alcohol review
Published: May 1, 2026
PMID: 41906279
DOI: 10.1111/dar.70143

Authors (13)

Carrie Brooke-Sumner Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa.
Lauro Estivalete Marchionatti Child Mind Institute, New York, New York, USA.
Zeina Mneimneh Child Mind Institute, New York, New York, USA.
Nadine Harker Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa.
Catherine O Egbe Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa.
+8 more authors