Global Trends in Hashish Use among Youth: An Empirical Review of the Global North and the Global South

Introduction: it is estimated that 229 million people consume hashish (cannabis) worldwide. In the last decade, there has been a 23% increase in cannabis consumption. A considerable number of studies have been conducted, both in the Global North and the Global South, regarding the factors and reasons that cause or lead to cannabis consumption among youth in different sociocultural contexts.Objective: the main objective of this study is to gain in-depth insights of the trends of hashish use among the young individuals from the empirical studies conducted across the Global North and Global South. Method: 65 empirical studies (scientific articles, reports, and books) were reviewed to develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the wide and growing prevalence of hashish among the general population, particularly among youth. The online databases Drug and Alcohol Use, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and JSTOR were consulted to identify relevant studies. Results: the findings of the study are organized under four lines: the first uses of hashish among humans; the prevalence of hashish among youth in the Global North; the prevalence of hashish use among youth in the Global South, and the factors that promote hashish use among youth worldwide. Discussion and conclusions: governments must formulate policies for prevention and intervention aimed at effectively addressing this growing concern.