Cannabis Emerges as Most Consumed Illicit Drug in Europe, Report Reveals
Cannabis is confirmed as the most consumed illicit drug in Europe, with 8% of adults using it annually, according to a new EMCDDA report
Key Points
- 1Cannabis is the most consumed illicit drug in Europe, with 8% of adults using it annually
- 2Cannabis seizures in the EU reached record levels in 2021, driven by Spain's significant contribution
- 3Several EU countries are considering new regulatory approaches to cannabis, following Malta's lead
- 4The report highlights the need for better understanding of consumption patterns and challenges from new cannabis products
- 5The illicit market remains strong, posing risks to consumers, as demand for cannabis continues to grow
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has released its annual report, highlighting cannabis as the most frequently used illicit drug in Europe. According to the report, approximately 8% of adults in the EU, which equates to 22.6 million people, have used cannabis in the past year. Daily or near-daily usage is estimated at 1.3% of adults, or 3.7 million individuals
Cannabis seizures have reached unprecedented levels, with 816 tonnes of resin and 256 tonnes of herb confiscated in 2021, underscoring its widespread availability. Spain is a significant contributor to these statistics, accounting for 66% of cannabis seizures in the EU. The report also noted a rise in cannabis-related offenses, with 566,000 infractions reported in 2021, an increase from the previous year
The prevalence of cannabis use varies across Europe, with the Czech Republic, Spain, and France leading in consumption rates. Among young adults aged 15 to 34, the Czech Republic again tops the list, with 22.9% reporting use in the last year. The report emphasizes the need for a better understanding of cannabis consumption patterns and the challenges posed by new cannabis products containing synthetic cannabinoids
In response to these trends, several EU countries are exploring new regulatory approaches to cannabis. Malta made history in 2021 as the first EU nation to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. Other countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, are considering similar measures. These shifts highlight the growing recognition of the limitations of punitive drug policies and the potential benefits of a regulated market
Stephen Murphy of Prohibition Partners warns that the illicit market continues to thrive due to high demand, posing risks to consumers. He advocates for more integrated research and policy efforts to address these issues. The report calls for increased investment in monitoring and evaluation to understand the health and safety impacts of changing cannabis regulations