What topics does this cannabis study cover?

This study covers research on: THC, Addiction.

Where was this research published?

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

Cannabis surges post-COVID among Spanish drivers, outpacing all other drugs

Q: What did this research study find?

This large-scale Spanish study analyzed **29,397 oral fluid specimens** from roadside drug tests between January 2019 and July 2024 to track how the COVID-19 pandemic affected substance use among drivers. The research found that **cannabis was the most commonly detected drug, present in 69.9% of all

Evaluating the trends and impact of COVID-19 on illicit drug and benzodiazepine use in drivers: A retrospective large-scale study based on oral fluid testing.

Drug and alcohol dependence • May 1, 2026 • Moderately Relevant

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AI Summary

This large-scale Spanish study analyzed 29,397 oral fluid specimens from roadside drug tests between January 2019 and July 2024 to track how the COVID-19 pandemic affected substance use among drivers. The research found that cannabis was the most commonly detected drug, present in 69.9% of all positive samples, significantly outpacing cocaine (64.9%) and other substances. The study also revealed important gender differences: cannabis use was substantially higher in men, while amphetamines and benzodiazepines were more prevalent in women, highlighting that substance use patterns vary considerably by demographic groups.

During the strict COVID-19 lockdown period, the pandemic's impact on drug use was modest but measurable. Interestingly, cannabis and amphetamine use actually declined during lockdown, while cocaine, opiates, and benzodiazepines peaked—suggesting that access, lifestyle factors, and behavior changes affected different drugs differently. However, this effect was temporary: as restrictions eased, cannabis use rebounded to its highest levels of the entire study period, ultimately exceeding pre-pandemic baseline use.

The research demonstrates that regional variations matter significantly for understanding drug use patterns, with different Spanish regions showing distinct trends across the five-year period. The findings underscore that while public health crises like pandemics can temporarily disrupt drug markets, consumption patterns are resilient and typically return to previous levels or increase—emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and evidence-based public health strategies to address substance use among drivers and the broader population.

📄 Original Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global drug markets, but consumption soon returned to pre-pandemic levels. Continuous monitoring of drug use trends is essential for effective public health responses. A total of 29,397 oral fluid specimens from roadside drug tests across Spain (January 2019-July 2024) were sent to the Toxicology Laboratory of the Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, for LC-MS/MS confirmation of on-site positives. Results were stratified into five periods to assess drug use trends and the impact of COVID-19. Over 90% of drivers were male, and 85% were under 45 years old. Overall, 69.9% of samples were positive for cannabis, 64.9% for cocaine, 13.7% for amphetamines, 10.6% for opiates, 6.5% for ketamine, 5.4% for methadone and 6.6% for benzodiazepines/zolpidem; 56.3% showed poly-drug use. Cannabis use was higher in men, while amphetamines and benzodiazepines were more frequent in women (p < 0.001). Due to regional variability in drug use patterns and sample distribution, trends were analyzed across five geographic regions. Globally, during the strict lockdown, cocaine, opiates, methadone and benzodiazepines peaked, while cannabis and amphetamines declined, and ketamine remained stable. In the final period, cannabis reached its highest levels, and ketamine showed a marked increase. Cocaine and amphetamines returned to pre-COVID levels, while opiates, methadone and benzodiazepines declined. Statistically significant differences across the studied periods were observed in the different regions. Specifically, in the Northwest for opiates, methadone, and benzodiazepines (p < 0.001), as well as for cannabis (p < 0.05); in the East for opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and ketamine (p < 0.001); in the Center for cocaine (p < 0.001) and ketamine (p < 0.05); and in the South and Islands for cocaine (p < 0.05). Although a slight impact on drug use was observed during the strict lockdown, consumption increased again for all substances (particularly ketamine), except for opiates, methadone and benzodiazepines.

Paper Type

📄 Research

Publication

Journal: Drug and alcohol dependence
Published: May 1, 2026
PMID: 41780480
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113107

Authors (6)

Miriam Blanco-Ces Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco, s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain. Electronic address: miriamblanco.ces@usc.es.
Elena Lendoiro Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco, s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain. Electronic address: elena.lendoiro@usc.es.
Angelines Cruz Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco, s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain. Electronic address: angelines.cruz@usc.es.
María Cobo-Golpe Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco, s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain. Electronic address: m.cobo@usc.es.
Ángela López-Rabuñal Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco, s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain. Electronic address: angela.lopez@usc.es.
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