Home > Research > Publications & Outputs > Understanding global patterns of domestic canna...

Associated organisational unit

View graph of relations

Understanding global patterns of domestic cannabis cultivation

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
  • Monica Barratt
  • Martin Bouchard
  • Tom Decorte
  • Vibeke Asmussen Frank
  • Pekka Hakkarainen
  • Simon Lenton
  • Aili Malm
  • Holly Nguyen
  • Gary Potter
Close
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2012
<mark>Journal</mark>Drugs and Alcohol Today
Issue number4
Volume12
Number of pages9
Pages (from-to)213-221
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Purpose
– Unlike other plant‐based drugs, cannabis is increasingly grown within the country of consumption, requires minimal processing before consumption, and can be easily grown almost anywhere using indoor or outdoor cultivation techniques. Developments in agronomic technologies have led to global growth in domestic cultivation, both by cannabis users for self‐ and social‐supply, and by more commercially‐oriented growers. Cross‐national research is needed to better understand who is involved in domestic cultivation, the diversity in cultivation practices and motivations, and cultivators' interaction with the criminal justice system and cannabis control policies.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article introduces the Global Cannabis Cultivation Research Consortium (GCCRC), describes its evolution and aims, and outlines the methodology of its ongoing cross‐national online survey of cannabis cultivation.

Findings
– Despite differing national contexts, the GCCRC successfully developed a core questionnaire to be used in different countries. It accommodates varying research interests through the addition of optional survey sections. The benefits to forming an international consortium to conduct web‐based survey research include the sharing of expertise, recruitment efforts and problem‐solving.

Research limitations/implications
– The article discusses the limitations of using non‐representative online sampling and the strategies used to increase validity.

Originality/value
– The GCCRC is conducting the largest cross‐national study of domestic cannabis cultivation to date. The aim is not only to better understand patterns of cannabis cultivation and how they differ between countries but also to build upon online engagement methodology with hidden populations.