[Use of drugs among conscripts during military services]

The urine samples from 623 recruits at the beginning 493 recruits in the middle and 424 recruits at the end of military service were tested for cannabis. Six point four percent, 4.2% and 4.7% had positive urine samples. No statistically significant change of use of drugs was found. Three hundred and fifty-six recruits delivered all three urine samples. Five point nine percent had one or more positive urine samples and 2% had all three urine samples positive. Four percent admitted a daily or weekly use of cannabis (questionnaire). An increase in self-admitted use of other drugs than cannabis was found. Thirteen point four percent admitted a change of use of cannabis during military service.

Some drug users were able to fulfil their military service despite regular use of cannabis, and use of urine test screening in a drug policy in order to unify the handling of suspected drug users is recommended.