Green, green grass of home - small-scale cannabis cultivation and social supply in Finland

Abstract

Three different datasets are used to study the home growing of cannabis and social supply connected to it in Finland. Data from a representative population survey (N=2,023) traces the prevalence of home growing. Data from an online questionnaire among cannabis growers (N=1,298) in spring 2009 and interviews with home growers (N=38) are used to draw a portrait of growers and to describe their thinking: What does home growing involve in practice? Who are the growers? What is the purpose of growing, and what happens to the crop? The study reveals that, in line with European and international trends, the cannabis market in Finland is very much herbalised. According to the population survey, some 40,000-60,000 people in Finland have at least sometimes tried growing cannabis, and there are thousands of active growers. Around one in ten Finns indicated that they personally knew a cannabis grower. The home growing of cannabis is related to local drug markets. Home growing allows people to overcome the problem of limited supply and, at a lower cost, to produce better quality cannabis than is available in the street markets. Apart from enjoying it for personal use, small-scale growers share their harvest with friends and acquaintances. Some home-grown cannabis is sold, but most of it goes to a limited circle of friends. Participants in the study describe themselves as "ideological" cannabis growers. Cannabis is not grown for money or for profit, but for personal enjoyment and for sharing with friends. Typically, home growers have 1-5 plants in limited indoor space at home.