Journal Articles

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    Global patterns in small-scale cannabis growers' distribution practices: Exploring the grower-distributor nexus.
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024-06-03) Søgaard TF; Brummer JE; Wilkins C; Sznitman SR; Sevigny EL; Frank VA; Potter G; Hakkarainen P; Barratt MJ; Werse B; Grigg J; Fortin D; Bear D; Lenton S; Jauffret-Roustide M; Kirtadze I
    BACKGROUND: While the supply of cannabis is commonly assumed to be dominated by criminal gangs, a sizable share of the domestic cannabis supply is provided by small-scale growers. This article examines the nature and scope of small-scale growers' distribution practices, with a particular focus on cross-country differences and variations between different types of grower-distributors, i.e., "non-suppliers", "exclusive social suppliers", "sharers and sellers" and "exclusive sellers". METHODS: Based on a large convenience web survey sample of predominantly small-scale cannabis growers from 18 countries, this article draws on data from two subsamples. The first subsample includes past-year growers in all 18 countries who answered questions regarding their market participation (n = 8,812). The second subsample includes past-year growers in 13 countries, who answered additional questions about their supply practices (n = 2,296). RESULTS: The majority of the cannabis growers engaged in distribution of surplus products, making them in effect "grower-distributors". Importantly, many did so as a secondary consequence of growing, and social supply (e.g., sharing and gifting) is much more common than selling. While growers who both shared and sold ("sharers and sellers"), and especially those who only sold ("exclusive sellers"), grew a higher number of plants and were most likely to grow due to a wish to sell for profits, the majority of these are best described as small-scale sellers. That is, the profit motive for growing was often secondary to non-financial motives and most sold to a limited number of persons in their close social network. CONCLUSION: We discuss the implications of the findings on the structural process of import-substitution in low-end cannabis markets, including a growing normalization of cannabis supply.
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    Global assessment of chemical quality of drinking water: The case of trihalomethanes
    (Elsevier Ltd, 15/02/2023) Villanueva CM; Evlampidou I; Ibrahim F; Donat-Vargas C; Valentin A; Tugulea A-M; Echigo S; Jovanovic D; Lebedev AT; Lemus-Pérez M; Rodriguez-Susa M; Luzati A; de Cássia Dos Santos Nery T; Pastén PA; Quiñones M; Regli S; Weisman R; Dong S; Ha M; Phattarapattamawong S; Manasfi T; Shaibu-Imodagbe EM; Eng A; Janák K; Rush SC; Reckhow D; Krasner SW; Vineis P; Richardson SD; Kogevinas M
    BACKGROUND: Trihalomethanes (THM), a major class of disinfection by-products, are widespread and are associated with adverse health effects. We conducted a global evaluation of current THM regulations and concentrations in drinking water. METHODS: We included 120 countries (∼7000 million inhabitants in 2016), representing 94% of the world population. We searched for country regulations and THM routine monitoring data using a questionnaire addressed to referent contacts. Scientific and gray literature was reviewed where contacts were not identified or declined participation. We obtained or estimated annual average THM concentrations, weighted to the population served when possible. RESULTS: Drinking water regulations were ascertained for 116/120 (97%) countries, with 89/116 (77%) including THM regulations. Routine monitoring was implemented in 47/89 (53%) of countries with THM regulations. THM data with a varying population coverage was obtained for 69/120 (58%) countries consisting of ∼5600 million inhabitants (76% of world's population in 2016). Population coverage was ≥90% in 14 countries, mostly in the Global North, 50-89% in 19 countries, 11-49% among 21 countries, and ≤10% in 14 countries including India, China, Russian Federation and Nigeria (40% of world's population). DISCUSSION: An enormous gap exists in THM regulatory status, routine monitoring practice, reporting and data availability among countries, especially between high- vs. low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). More efforts are warranted to regulate and systematically assess chemical quality of drinking water, centralize, harmonize, and openly report data, particularly in LMICs.