Around 2.75 million people could be described as regular consumers, says the survey. Cannabis prices remain stable, virtually unaffected by customs seizures and police raids, the findings suggest. The heaviest age range for use is 20 - 30 and men are more regular users than women.
Prices are similar throughout the country.
Skunk, the stronger strain of cannabis, cost between UKP20 and 25 for the same quantity, home grown herbal cannabis cost less than half the price of resin. Prices are now roughly double those reported in a similar survey in 1984, but most of the intervening rise took place during the period 1985-87 and have remained stable since. Moroccan cannabis resin was the most common type in use, accounting for 35 percent of the total. Many cited it as enhancing sexual experiences. A total of 582,204 people have been convicted or cautioned for cannabis use up to 1994, noted the survey.