Introduction: This study is part of the Project to evaluate selected drug-possession provisions of Act 200/2005 - Criminal Code of the Slovak Republic. The Project focused on evaluating the impact of relevant illegal drug possession provisions of the Act, and examining the trends in illegal drug use and punishment imposed in cases of their possession (§ 171 (drug possession for personal use) and § 172 (1) (d) (any possession of illegal drugs). Also, it examined trends in the area of drug use and the impact of sanctions imposed for the drug possession. Hereby we present results of its sub-study no. 2, where we focused on the potential impact of quite significant legislative change on the drug availability, ways how they are acquired and drug using patterns. Likewise, we were examining the current situation on the drug market, targeting the availability of drugs and their prices and potential new drugs on the market. Methodology: Research group in this part of the research consisted of the drug users (N = 58), divided into two subgroups: problem drug users, as defined by EMCDDA (N = 45) and drug users not showing signs of problem drug use pursuant to this definition (N = 13). We used rapid assessment and response (RAR) methodology. The data was collected primarily through semi-structured interviews. Results: Illegal drugs are sold and distributed primarily using telephones, while drug users describe having long term relationships with one or a small pool of dealers. The cannabis drug users primarily get their drug through their own social network, while this drug sub-market is characterized by informal, non-monetary transactions. The distribution system influences the drug quality. There have been no significant changes in the drug prices, while the price is influenced by the drug type, regularity of purchase, location and drug availability at the market. Drug use patters vary depending on the type of drug, however, no changes have been identified through the course of the time. None of the groups of drug users described changes at the drug scene, drug using patterns or ways of procurement in the examined period that could be attributed to the change of the drug sections. Conclusion: One of the pros of this Project was context analysis and understanding the drug users as key informers. The community of illegal drug users is internally differentiated, the experience in individual subgroups with the application of selected drug-sections of the Criminal Code vary to such extent, that we recommend further research in individual drug using groups (users of cannabis drugs, clubbers, injecting drug users of opioids, injecting drug users of stimulants etc.) and compare the findings.

Key words: users of illegal drugs – problem drug users – drug scene – patterns of drug use – price – quality and availability of drugs – analysis of falls legislative change