WASHINGTON, D.C., United States – November 2018: The Report on Drug Use in the Americas 2019 highlights that in the Latin America, besides cannabis and cocaine, significant levels of use of LSD, synthetic cannabinoids, plant substances, and ketamine exist among the general population as well as among secondary school and university students. The authors further note the evolution in drug use behaviour among secondary school girls and the decreasing age of first use among both boys and girls. The trend of “ecstasy” being adulterated and/or containing a range of substances other than MDMA seems to prevail.

The report indicates the need to develop and strengthen existing early warning systems in each country and at the regional level. Such systems are crucial to identify NPS as soon as they appear and allow quick implementation of effective prevention activities.

Source: UNODC, “III Estudio epidemiológico andino sobre consumo de drogas en la población universitaria, Informe Regional, 2016”, June 2017.

For more information please see:
http://www.oas.org/cicaddocs/Document.aspx?Id=4976 

August 2018 - Uruguay: Early Warning Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean address health risks of drug use: https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Announcement/Details/c5362ecd-a28c-484f-8312-21e5cb38bd98 

October 2017 – Peru: Rise in LSD use coincides with the emergence of NPS with hallucinogenic effects: https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Announcement/Details/34da3359-89e5-4046-856f-b16eec9c5060