Irma Kirtadze
All Authors:I. Kirtadze1, G. R. Potter2, J. Grigg2, M. J. Barratt2, E. Sevigny2, S. Lenton2, M. Kowalski2, T. Decorte2, M. Pardal2, D-M. Milot2, K. Bertand2, D. Bear2, V.A. Frank2, E. Houborg2, T. F. Soegaard2, P. Hakkarainen2, M. Jauffret-Roustide2, B.Werse2, G. Kamphausen2, S. Sznitman2, D. Fortin2, C. Wilkins2, M. Rychert2, J.Oliveira2, R. Faria2, F. Zobel2, A. Granville2, A. Malm2, J. Meisel2, R. Queirolo2, E.Alvarez2, B. Sotto2. 1Addiction Studies, School of Arts and Sciences, Ilia State University, Georgia; 2The Global Cannabis Cultivation Research Consortium (GCCRC)
Background
According to the general population survey 2015 in Georgia approximately 1/3 of the population have ever smoked cannabis. Since 2015, there have been significant changes in policy towards liberalization; cultivation and possession remain an offence. The 2nd round of International Cannabis Cultivation (ICC) study was conducted 2020-21 in 18 countries across 5 continents, including Georgia.
Aim
To examine growers’ demographics, patterns/motivations of domestic cultivation, and their participation in the wider cannabis markets.
Methodology
Online, anonymous, cross-sectional study among 18+ years old, active cannabis growers, used ICC questionnaire v2 developed by GCCRC in 2019.
Results
The Georgian sample composed 1.9% (n=218) of total study sample (N=11,528); was male-dominated (94%), with a median age of 29y, with university education (45.3%), employed (55.1%). The first cannabis use reported at median-16y; Other illicit substances used in last 12 months was reported. First experience of growing cannabis reported at median age of 20. On average 6sq.m space used for growing on average 20 (median 8) crops with weight of 0.45 kg, with median 2 matured plants per corp. 29% reported growing cannabis indoor, 17% outdoor, 35% using both methods. During last year the grown cannabis was consumed (2.5%), stored for future use (16.9%), shared with friends (31.4%), swapped with other growers (19.3%), sold to cover costs of growing (0.4%), sold for profit (0.5%).
Conclusions
Georgian cannabis growers are young, educated, infrequently using other drugs. Cannabis is grown mostly on a small scale for personal use and social supply/sharing. Involvement in commercial illicit market is minimal.