Tasmanians are the largest consumers of cannabis and the second largest of alcohol, new wastewater analysis has found.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission have revealed that the latest testing ranks Tasmania first nationally in capital city consumption of cannabis and oxycodone.
Tasmania is also the second highest consumer of alcohol and MDMA.
Acting ACIC CEO Matt Rippon said Australians continue to be exploited by serious and organised criminals involved in illicit drug trafficking.
“Wastewater analysis provides crucial information and mission critical intelligence on drug markets and serious and organised criminal activity to support intelligence, law enforcement and government in creating a safer Australia,” he said.
“For the first time, a reliable dose figure for cannabis has been determined and this permits cannabis consumption to be readily compared with other major illicit drugs.”
“Despite large seizures of some illicit drugs by law enforcement, the average consumption of methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, MDA, fentanyl and ketamine has increased in both capital city and regional sites.”
Rippon said Australians are the sixth largest consumers of illicit substances out of 28 countries, according to data from March to May 2022.
“Australia had the third highest methylamphetamine consumption per capita compared with 24 other countries.”
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
