Cannabis: The most popular illegal recreational substance in Europe

The prevalence of cannabis in Europe

According to a recent drug report by the European Union, cannabis is the most popular illegal recreational substance in Europe. Approximately 8% of the population has used cannabis products in the past year, despite the widespread prohibitions and rigorous law enforcement efforts.

Concerns about addiction

About 3.7 million people are classified as addicted according to the EMCDDA report from Lisbon, leading to a significant number of therapy cases. Cannabis ranks third in addiction treatments in the European Union, following alcohol and tobacco. The question arises whether a Europe-wide decriminalisation of THC could be a viable solution in the future.

The fear of state aid

Many cannabis users are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma associated with cannabis addiction. The EMCDDA data shows that fewer people have been seeking therapy voluntarily, especially since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. This could be due to lockdowns, masks, vaccination passports, and a legislation that neither provides fair education about cannabis nor promotes sensible prevention.

The dangers of prohibition

The prohibition of cannabis has led to the spread of dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, also known as "Legal Highs". These substances, which often contain extremely high levels of THC, significantly increase the risk of addiction. The prohibition also encourages illegal dealers to use toxic extenders, sell to minors, and involve the ancient medicinal plant cannabis in the activities of organised crime.

The variety of cannabis products

Despite the prohibition, the variety of cannabis products available is greater than ever. Whether it's cannabis flowers, concentrates, or extracts like oil and THC-containing foods, most of these products currently come from sunny Spain according to the report. The Iberian Peninsula cultivates, extracts, and also smuggles a lot of cannabis northwards, mainly from North Africa.

Conclusion

While addiction is a serious concern, it is only one aspect of cannabis use, which is generally increasing in Europe. The large demand is primarily met by diligent farmers in Southern Europe. The EU's drug report is based on data from state coercive measures, which raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the current approach to cannabis use and regulation.