Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance globally. In this systematic review, we examined the prevalence and trends of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in Iran. We searched International and Iranian databases up to March 2021. Pooled prevalence of use among sex subgroups of the general population, university and high school students, combined youth groups, and high-risk groups was estimated through random-effects model. Trends of various use indicators and national seizures were examined. Ninety studies were included. The prevalence estimates of last 12-month cannabis use were 1.3% (95%CI: 0.1-3.6) and 0.2% (95%CI: 0.1-0.3) among the male and female Iranian general population, respectively. The prevalence of cannabis use disorder among general population in national studies rose from 0% in 2001 to 0.5% in 2011. In the 2016-2020 period, the pooled prevalence estimates of last 12-month cannabis use were 4.9% (95% CI: 3.4-6.7) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0-1.3) among males and females of "combined youth groups", respectively. The linear trend of last 12-month cannabis use among males of "combined youth groups" and among female university students increased significantly from 2000 to 2020. Prevalence of cannabis use in Iran is low compared to many countries. However, there is strong evidence of an increase in cannabis use among the youth and some evidence for an increase in cannabis use disorder.
Highlights
Cannabis is the most widely used and trafficked illicit substance in the world with 192 million cannabis users globally in 2018 [1]
Pooled prevalence of use among sex subgroups of the general population, university and high school students, combined youth groups, and high-risk groups was estimated through random-effects model
The prevalence of cannabis use disorder among general population in national studies rose from 0% in 2001 to 0.5% in 2011
Summary
Cannabis is the most widely used and trafficked illicit substance in the world with 192 million cannabis users globally in 2018 [1]. The prevalence of cannabis use in the last 12-month has been increasing in the last decade, reaching 3.9% of individuals aged 15–64 years [1]. Cannabis use has been legalized and regulated in several countries in recent years and the effect of policy changes on the extent of use and its health consequences are under close monitoring. Adverse effects on brain development, acting as a gateway drug, and triggering psychiatric disorders have been linked to the regular and early age of cannabis use [5]. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance globally. We examined the prevalence and trends of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in Iran
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