41% of Andorran Men Report Lifetime Cannabis Use in Health Survey

Nearly 41% of men living in Andorra report having used cannabis at some point in their lives, making it by far the most commonly tried substance in the country, according to the National Health Survey.

The data, drawn from a comprehensive survey on factors affecting public health, shows cannabis leads among both genders. While men overall report higher lifetime use of illicit drugs, women are more likely to have taken tranquillisers or sleep aids. Among women, 24.8% have tried cannabis and 12.1% tranquillisers or sleeping pills.

The survey collected responses over several months in 2024. Sociologists from the Andorra Research and Innovation (AR+I) unit and the health ministry spent much of the previous year analysing the results to identify strengths in public health efforts and address weaknesses.

Lifetime use among men also includes 13.2% for cocaine, 10% for amphetamines, and 5% for other substances. Women follow similar patterns but at lower rates overall.

Average ages for first use vary: around 19 for cannabis, 20 for amphetamines, 23 for cocaine, and 22 for other drugs. First use of tranquillisers or heroin tends to occur later, at about 36 years old.

Consumption patterns differ by age group and social class. The 35-64 age bracket reports the highest lifetime use across most substances, though ecstasy and methamphetamines are more common among younger people, often linked to their effects and cost.

Social disparities are evident, particularly among men from lower socioeconomic groups, who show higher lifetime use of most drugs except tranquillisers, sleeping pills, and heroin or other opiates—prevalence for those is greater in middle or higher classes. Among women, patterns shift by substance: lower classes report more tranquilliser and opiate use, middle classes more amphetamines and MDMA, and higher classes more cocaine, typically the priciest option at €50-70 per gram.

Recent use in the past 30 days remains low overall. For men, cannabis tops the list; for women, it is tranquillisers. Authorities have not yet detailed specific new measures in response.