Lockdown sparks cannabis boom as stressed & jobless Brits turn to drug
Investigation
Updated: 5 Feb 2021, 13:02
BRITS bored, stressed and jobless in lockdown have fuelled a boom in cannabis use — raising fears of a mental health timebomb.
Huge demand has led county lines gangs to flood regions with the drug.
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Buyers are people missing the buzz of social contact, or self-medicating to relieve anxiety.
Cannabis has become cheap and plentiful as pub and club closures mean less demand for party drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.
Those caught dealing, growing or in possession know the punishments are less severe.
Advice service Release surveyed adult users and found seven out of 10 transactions since the pandemic started have been for cannabis.