Correcting Misinformation about Iceland’s Cannabis Use

Recently there’s a common myth which has been circulating the net about the countries which consume the most cannabis. According to the most recent United Nations annual World Drug Report whose contents were summarized and printed in leaf science (as well as other sources) the countries which consume the most cannabis aren’t exactly the nations you might expect.

According to the report the countries which burn the most ganja are in ascending order Jamaica, Australia, Spain, Canada, Nigeria, New Zealand, Italy, the United States, Zambia, and lastly Iceland at about eighteen percent. Sounds pretty surprising, right? Well, not quiet.

This figure is actually a bit skewed due to the statistical sample used. According to a correctional article published in grapevine the UN based the eighteen percent figure on data collected in 2012 which examined an increase in cannabis use among persons aged eighteen to sixty-five.

According to the article over an eleven percent increase in cannabis consumption (24.7-35.9%) was noticed between the years of 2004 and 2012. Of the people surveyed they were asked if they had used cannabis once and to follow up to that question if they had used in the last year. Of the people surveyed only 18.3% answered affirmatively, however a correct calculation would put use country wide at 6.6%.

To be sure cannabis use is still common, or at least more common, than in other European countries. In fact, when you compare this corrected figure to other nations Iceland is ahead of all other Scandinavian countries in terms of cannabis despite legal prohibitions. According to the grapevine:

“While 6.6% is still much lower than 18.3%, it still puts Iceland in the number one position amongst Scandinavian countries. 5.4% of Danes, 3.8% of Norwegians, and 3.0% of Swedes smoke cannabis, according to the UN report. Iceland was also in the number one spot for cannabis use amongst Scandinavian countries in 2011.”

Furthermore, the increase in cannabis use in Iceland is a fact. According to local police there’s been an apparent trend in increase in marijuana use ever since the financial collapse in 2008. So while Iceland may have a lower amount of smokers compared to other countries outside northern Europe, this may change soon.

Finally, if you live in Iceland, know someone who does, or even if you don’t then get on the ganja bandwagon and order some great seeds through Green House Seeds. We’ve got some great feminized seed strains, many of which are even award-winning varieties, and would make for great presents for loved-ones (or yourself) this holiday season.