What are licit & illicit drugs?
Smoking & chewing tobacco and alcohol are licit (legal) drugs in most states in India. All other drugs are illicit (illegal), hence possession, use, etc. are punishable offences. Narcotic pharmacological product use without appropriate physician’s prescription is considered illicit. Different age limits exist for use of alcohol / tobacco products in various states of India. In some countries all drugs (including tobacco & alcohol) are illicit, e.g. Saudi Arabia. In some countries cannabis is a licit substance (in certain areas/districts), e.g. Denmark. 3) What are the socio-demographic characteristics of an average drug user? Overall males use drugs much more than women. The pattern of use of licit drugs differs from that of illicit drugs. Licit drug use is prevalent between the ages of 16 to 60 years in all economic strata, more so in young adults. Illicit drugs are mainly used in lower & lower middle economic groups. Cocaine & Amphetamine use is rare and seen in some young adults fro
