Cannabis Use in Israel: a Cross Sectional Overview of Multiple Study Groups

The purpose of this paper is to review cannabis use among a cross section of Israeli high school, school dropouts, university students, hospitality workers, and adults in drug treatment. Based on national statistics, 27.0% last year and 19.1% last month cannabis (i.e., marijuana and hashish) use has been reported among 18-65 year olds. This is a higher rate than what is reported in the USA and European countries. Findings across the study groups evidence high rates of cannabis among school dropouts and adults in drug treatment. University students tend to have a higher rate of current use than hospitality workers. Secular status, regardless of the study group, tends to influence cannabis use. Israeli origin university students and hospitality workers report a higher level of current cannabis use than those with other country origin status (i.e., the former Soviet Union). This paper suggests multiple factors be considered, organized, and sustained for policy and prevention purposes.