Small-scale cannabis growers in Denmark and Finland.

AIMS

To compare domestic cannabis cultivation in Denmark and Finland to describe national characteristics in small-scale cannabis growing.

DESIGN

A Web survey conducted among small-scale cannabis growers in Denmark (June to November 2008) and Finland (May to June 2009).

PARTICIPANTS

Current cannabis growers (Denmark, 401; Finland, 1,054).

MEASUREMENTS

Comparisons in regard to social background, growing history, practices, purposes and motives of growing, and perceptions of risks.

FINDINGS

Cannabis was cultivated primarily for own use, but sharing with friends and avoiding criminal circles also were significant motives for growing. Finnish growers prioritized indoor cultivation, whereas the Danes were more in favor of open-air plantations. Risks of getting caught by the police were observed to be greater in Finland. Growing for medical purposes was twice as prevalent in Finland as in Denmark.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabis growing is a stronger and more novel phenomenon in Finland than in Denmark, but both countries have been influenced by international trends. Finnish and Danish small-scale cannabis cultivators can be considered to be ideologically oriented lifestyle growers. Differences in the magnitude of the phenomenon may reflect differences in the availability and quality of cannabis in national drug markets. The Internet had promoted the spreading of the trend.