Cannabis consumption was far higher in socially disadvantaged and regional communities than in wealthier metropolitan areas between 2018 and 2025, according to new Australian research.
Published in the journal Addiction, the study by researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of South Australia combined large-scale wastewater analysis with national survey data to track cannabis use trends across Australia.
Researchers found cannabis use rose steadily across all communities over the seven-year period – at a rate of roughly three to five per cent each year. However, consumption in the most disadvantaged communities was more than double that of the wealthiest.
Lead researcher Dr Rory Verhagen said outer regional and remote areas also recorded significantly higher use, consuming more than two-and-a-half times the amount of cannabis compared with major cities.
“The patterns were remarkably consistent across both wastewater data and self-reported survey responses, strengthening confidence in our findings,” he said.
He added the data highlighted the importance of analysing the social and structural drivers behind drug consumption, as debate about cannabis regulation in Australia continues.
“Higher consumption in disadvantaged and remote communities likely reflects a complex mix of attributes such as access to services, economic conditions and social norms,” Dr Verhagen said.
“Prevention, education and harm-reduction strategies need to be tailored to the communities most affected.”