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Francesca Spiga, Research Fellow in Research Synthesis, University of Bristol

Cannabis dependence is rising in England and Wales – but treatment is lagging

England Wales NHS England NIHR The Department of Health and Social Care
Cannabis is often seen as relatively harmless – but the latest figures tell a different story. Julian Wiskemann/ Shutterstock

Cannabis dependence is on the rise, according to the latest data on drug use and dependence published by NHS England.

Although cannabis use has remained stable over the past decade in England and Wales, dependence on the drug has risen significantly. In 2024, 6.7% of people aged 16 to 64 showed signs of drug dependence – compared with only 3.8% in 2014. This rise in drug dependence has mainly been attributed to an increase in the number of adults reporting cannabis dependence.

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