Two ways of estimating the euro value of the illicit market for cannabis in France

[Medical Marijuana]

Two ways of estimating the euro value of the illicit market for cannabis in France

Abstract
Introduction. The most recent health surveys in general population are used in order to estimate the annual market size for cannabis in France in 2005. Methods. Two methods for arriving at an estimate are proposed: the first based on reported consumption, the other on reported expenditure on cannabis. Results. The annual sales figure for cannabis in France is between 746 and 832 million euros. Men's expenditure accounts for between 80 and 85% of total expenditure and those aged between 15 and 24 years account for the greatest part of the size of the cannabis market, between 57 and 60%, depending upon the method. Conclusions. According to these estimates, consumers' average annual expenditure on cannabis is around [euro]202 in France, compared to estimates obtained for New Zealand and Holland ([euro]124) and the United States ([euro]362). [Legleye S, Ben Lakhdar C, Spilka S. Two ways of estimating the euro value of the illicit market for cannabis in France. Drug Alcohol Rev 2008;27:466-472]

Authors: Stephane Legleye - Steacutephane Legleye, Statistician, OFDT, National Institute for Medical Research (Inserm) U669, Paris XI University, Paris, France.ab; Christian Ben Lakhdar - Christian Ben Lakhdar PhD Econ, OFDT, University of Paris 1, Pantheacuteon-Sorbonne, Matisse, France.ac; Stanislas Spilka - Stanislas Spilka, Statistician, OFDT, Paris, France.a
Affiliations: a French Monitoring Centre of Drugs and Drug Addiction (OFDT, Paris, France
b National Institute for Medical Research, U669, University Paris-Sud and University Paris Descartes, UMR-S0669, Paris, France
c University of Paris 1 Pantheacuteon-Sorbonne, Matisse, France
DOI: 10.1080/09595230802090030
Publication Frequency: 6 issues per year
Published in: journal Drug and Alcohol Review, Volume 27, Issue 5 September 2008 , pages 466 - 472