The objective of this chapter is to assess patterns of illicit drug use (including initiation, occasional, and regular use), particularly cannabis, and to examine the factors associated with such use. The results are put into context and compared with those of other surveys conducted in the overseas departments and mainland France.

Cannabis: the most commonly used drug among 15- to 64-year-olds

Among illicit drugs, cannabis ranks first among 15- to 64-year-olds, with experimentation rates ranging from 21% to 35% across the overseas departments in 2014, far ahead of other illicit drugs (less than 3%). With the exception of Réunion, annual cannabis use rates are half the mainland average (11%): 6% in Guadeloupe, 8% in French Guiana, and 8% in Martinique. Regular cannabis use (at least ten times a month) is broadly equivalent in the overseas departments and mainland France (approximately 3% of the population).

Among those aged 40 or younger, the average age of first use reported is 17.6 years in Martinique, 18.0 years in Guadeloupe, 17.9 years in French Guiana, and 17.7 years in Réunion, comparable to that in mainland France (17.4 years). The proportion of users who smoked their first joint before age 20 is slightly lower in the French overseas departments (75% versus 82% in mainland France). Conversely, approximately 8% of users tried cannabis for the first time before age 14 (3.9% in mainland France).

Among other illicit drugs, regardless of the territory considered, the most commonly used substance is cocaine (1% in Guadeloupe and 2% in French Guiana, compared to 5% in mainland France), followed by hallucinogenic mushrooms and MDMA, and finally amphetamines.

Source: 2014 Overseas Territories Health Barometer (Santé publique France)

Men are heavier users than women

Regardless of the territory, the proportion of current cannabis users is always higher among men than among women: three times (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion) or even four times (Martinique) as many men as women are users within the year. However, when looking at the population as a whole, men in French Guiana appear to be slightly more regular cannabis users than in mainland France. In Martinique, cannabis use among women is virtually nonexistent. Furthermore, men are about twice as likely as women to experiment with illicit drugs other than cannabis.

The same factors influencing use as in mainland France

The factors associated with cannabis use are generally similar to those observed in mainland France: more young men and college graduates among those who have tried it, and more unemployed young people among those who use it more frequently, particularly in Réunion and Martinique regarding regular use. In these two departments, being born in mainland France appears to be linked to regular cannabis use.

For more information:

Spilka S., Cogordan C., Beck F., Richard J.-B. DOM Health Barometer 2014. Illicit Drug Use. Saint-Maurice: Santé publique France, 2017: 11 p.