The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released the World Drug Report 2021 highlighting the risks posed during the pandemic.
Around 275 million people used drugs worldwide in the last year, while over 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders, according to the 2021 World Drug Report, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“Lower perception of drug use risks has been linked to higher rates of drug use, and the findings of UNODC’s 2021 World Drug Report highlight the need to close the gap between perception and reality to educate young people and safeguard public health,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly.
Cannabis is more potent but fewer young people see it as harmful
POSSIBLE RESPONSES
- Combat misinformation about the potential impact of the increased strength of cannabis.
- Use fact-based information to raise awareness of the potential harm from non-medical use of cannabis.
- Prioritise public health over private business through a comprehensive ban on advertising.
- Increase investment in research both into the harm cannabis use poses to health and the possible medical uses of the drug.
- Monitor the cannabis markets and the perception of risks associated with cannabis use.
Rising web-based sales could transform global drug use patterns
POSSIBLE RESPONSES
- Improve government response to drug trafficking on the internet by forging public/private partnerships with internet service providers, tech companies, shipping and mailing companies.
- Control the drug supply chain on the Internet by removing drug adverts and listings and sharing information with law enforcement.
- Regulate cryptocurrency markets and monitor electronic payments to detect suspicious transactions and illicit financial flows from drug trafficking.
- Enhance expert access to the dark web in order to take down online markets and platforms.
