[Issues on the use of ethnobotanicals].

Mihaela Corlade-Andrei, Diana Cimpoeşu, Elena Butnaru

Index: Rev. Med. Chir. Soc. Med. Nat. Iasi. 115(4) , 1069-72, (2011)

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Abstract

To identify the risk factors for the use of ethnobotanicals and the people at risk to becoming users.This questionnaire basez objective population study included 89 subjects aged 14 to 42 years.19.10% of the subjects admitted using ethnobotanicals, most of them being 20-25 years old (35.29%), males (82.35%), with an average educational level, and unmarried. It should be noted that 23.52% of the users were underage. 85.15% of the subjects first used ehnobotanicals out of curiosity, 29,41% under the influence of friends (94.11% of them having friends that use these products). 11.76% of the respondents stated that they did not know what they used, the product being offered to them by friends as a cigarette or candy. Favorite places for consumption were: at home (64.70%), parks and public areas (23.52%), coffee shops and night clubs (11.76%). Cigarette was the preferred method of use (70.58%), followed by joint (23.52%) and "salt bath" (5.88%). The described effects were: hallucinogen (35.29%), aphrodisiac (29.41%) and relaxing (23.52%). To strengthen these effects, most users associated alcohol and tabacco (70.58%), or other illegal drugs (7.14%). According to this study all users were familiar with the risks associated with the use of these products, but only 64.70% agree with closing the weed-shops.The obtained data are of help in initiating prevention and rehabilitation programs in school and colleges.