Hedonists, libertarians or free-marketeers? The social market of cannabis in Italy. (4th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pavarin, Raimondo Maria
• Is Part Of: Journal of substance use. Volume 28:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2023-03-04
• Subjects: Cannabis market -- social supply -- cannabis purchase; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medication abuse -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.2020347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9891

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: In Italy there is a very small number of studies on the cannabis market. Objectives: Finding out about the various aspects of giving and receiving cannabis in Italy, starting from the point of view of people who use cannabis. Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire administered to a convenience sample. Results: We observed various ways of procuring cannabis: by means of the exchange of money (individual purchase, collective purchase, intermediation), without the use of money (sharing, offer, gift, self-production), contacting professional sellers, by means of friends, using the dark web. One interviewee in four admitted he/she had sold cannabis at least once. Conclusion: Our data confirms what is reported in the specific literature on social supply, but also cast light on a complex market in which social exchanges, reciprocal relations and friendship networks based on trust and credit coexist, along with peddling and for-profit activities.