Revealed What Illegal Drugs Are the Most Popular In Each Area of the UK?
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal substance in 80% of UK regions and is the drug that is seized the most by the police – with a reported 1,617,706 cannabis-related seizures since 2010.
The UK Drug Addiction 2022 report from private rehab clinic Delamere has analysed data from pre-pandemic to current to reveal the impact COVID-19 had on the most common types of drugs used across the UK.
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From examining drug use statistics, the research found that cannabis consumption is most popular in the East of England than in anywhere else in the UK — with data indicating 14,125 reported users of the drug.
Other regions of the UK that saw high levels of cannabis use included the North West of England with 2,067 reported users recorded and the South East of England with 2,064 users.
In London, the ‘go-to’ reported drug was MDMA, with a huge 4,941 Londoners using the substance. In fact, London is the only UK region in which ecstasy is the most popular drug.
The Most Popular Drugs in Each UK Region
East of England – Cannabis – 14,125 users
London – Ecstasy – 4,941 users
East Midlands – Powder Cocaine – 4,020 users
North West – Cannabis – 2,067 users
South East – Cannabis – 2,064 users
Yorkshire – Cannabis – 1,963 users
South West – Cannabis – 1,954 users
Wales – Cannabis – 1,499 users
North East – Cannabis – 1,047 users
West Midlands Cannabis – 916 users
Martin Preston, Founder and Chief Executive at Delamere, says of the findings: “As a Class B drug, cannabis can often be easier to access than other drugs that are considered to be more harmful by Parliament — such as crack cocaine or heroin. This could explain cannabis’ popularity throughout the UK.
“However, cannabis dependency is still very much a risk for users — with one in 10 regular cannabis users becoming dependent on the drug.
“When it comes to drugs that are more harshly penalised, the danger isn’t just the strength of the drugs themselves — but also the other ‘cutting agents’ that may be included in the measurement.
“Whereas medication prescribed by a doctor is carefully regulated for a patient’s protection, drug dealers seeking to make a profit will mix the drug with additives that can in fact be dangerous toxins to meet their bottom line.
“Different additives will cause varying effects, and it’s impossible to tell the type and level of filler ingredients contained in a batch of cocaine. This increases the risk of negative reactions to substances — and in some cases, even fatalities.”
