Cannabis Consumption in Amsterdam,Bremen and San Francisco: A Three-City Comparison of Long-Term Cannabis Consumption 1

Abstract

Long-term cannabis consumers in Amsterdam, Bremen and San Francisco were asked in a detailed questionnaire about their experiences with cannabis products. The research focus was the question of how the consumption of cannabis is realized under the conditions established through different drug policies. The research utilized a sample of 522 cannabis consumers exhibiting a wide range of experiences and different consumption patterns. The authors were able to elaborate five ¹different consumer types. The prevalence of these specific user types was closely associated with the city where the consumers reside. There were also some direct consequences of the different drug politics in place in the different cities, such as the level of fear associated with the potential criminal consequences of use, and the sources for the purchase of cannabis products.