Marijuana is on top. It is the most commonly used substance after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances in Poland – according to the third edition of the PolDrugs epidemiological study, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Gniewek Więckiewicz, MD, PhD, from the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Silesian Medical University.

The study, which is conducted every two years, examines patterns of substance use in the context of psychiatry and harm reduction. This year's edition included almost 2,500 people aged 13-63. The average age of respondents was 27.

The study found that 97.9% of respondents admitted to using marijuana at least once in their life, and 85% – in the last 12 months. This makes it the most commonly used psychoactive substance after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. In subsequent places were MDMA (75.9%) and mephedrone and other synthetic cathinones.

"Marijuana was the most commonly used substance after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, although overall the largest percentage of respondents use drugs rarely (35.6% reported using any drugs once every few months or less often) and did so mainly in social settings (50.2%) or at home (52.3%)," emphasised Dr. Więckiewicz.

Among the survey participants, 60% declared that they had neglected their daily duties at least once in their lives due to the use of psychoactive substances, and 16.8% had problems with the law. Only 40% would disclose their substance use to a doctor regardless of the circumstances.

"The study provides important data in the area of ​​harm reduction. Compared to previous years, more people now report problems with the law or neglect of daily duties, which may suggest an increase in social harm associated with the use of psychoactive substances," explained Dr. Więckiewicz.

The scientist also noted a disturbing trend: "This is an increase in people taking drugs alone - 25% of our respondents this year declared this phenomenon, while in 2021 and 2023 the percentages were 18.2% and 20.2%, respectively . This may be a symptom of our sense of loneliness in society and requires further research."

The authors of the report draw attention to the very low level of quality control of the substances used – as many as 83.6% never tested their composition, and 51.4% relied on "visual dose estimation".

"Also worrying is the increase in the percentage of people who most often measure the doses of psychoactive substances they possess 'by eye' and do not test them with colorimetric reagents or send them to a laboratory for testing," noted Dr. Więckiewicz.

The percentage of people buying psychoactive substances from strangers is also growing – increasingly via the internet, using tools that ensure anonymity (darknet). The share of purchases from friends has fallen, which may mean less access to informal knowledge about safe use.

Almost half of the respondents used psychiatric treatment, mainly privately. The most common reason was depressive disorders. In this group, 41.1% attempted suicide.

"The use of stimulants and subsequent medical consultations – especially in the case of mephedrone derivatives – are becoming more frequent and require further research. The use of mephedrone is increasing and this trend requires further observation. The use of psychedelic substances is decreasing, probably due to the lower interest of the mainstream media," assessed Dr. Więckiewicz.

At the same time, he noticed a positive trend of growing acceptance of psychiatry in Polish society.

72.9% of respondents admit to drinking alcohol. Beer remains the most popular alcoholic beverage, although its consumption has fallen from 56.3% in 2021 to 48.2% in 2025. More people declare abstinence, as well as less frequent consumption.

Nicotine is used by 67.3% of respondents – most often in the form of e-cigarettes (26.2%) or classic cigarettes (23.8%).

The study was conducted as an anonymous online survey consisting of 37 single-choice closed questions and 3 multiple-choice questions. Recruitment of respondents took place via social media. Analysis of the results was based solely on descriptive statistics. (PAP)

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