A new study by Kunsill Studenti Universitarji (KSU) has shown that over tw0-thirds of local University students have used drugs for recreational purposes at least once in their lives. This translates to around 67% of students trying recreational drugs at least once, but the study also reports that 59% of these students make frequent use of said substances. The ages averaged between 25 and 34, with marijuana being the most commonly used drug at 90%.
Hallucinogens and stimulants followed suit at 46% and 38% respectively. Only 3% of respondents, with a majority of 94% being male, said the used narcotics. The study was conducted during the 2020/21 term, with 56% of the respondents admitting to using said drugs between the ages of 17 and 19. 29% said they used them at the age of 16 or younger.
The reasons for the usage were counter-intuitive as peer pressure was not considered to be a highly influential reason for drug use. 77% used drugs out of curiosity, 61% did so for the experience and 54% did it just for fun. There also seemed to be a high awareness by the youth as to the negative impacts of drug use, with some stating that tobacco and alcohol were more dangerous than cannabis. Between 75% and 78% of respondents also agreed that drug use can negatively impact physical and mental health.
77% expressed agreement with the idea that drug use does not help improve one’s social status or image. 68% do not think that cannabis acts as a gateway drug to harder substances, with 31% saying that marijuana is not dangerous. Another 46% thought cannabis is dangerous if consumed daily. Around 70% of respondents agreed with the recent measures introduced in Malta to decriminalize marijuana for personal use.
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