Cannabis in Europe: Dynamics in Perception, Policy and Markets

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However, since , the annual book has not simply reported conference proceedings: Other ESSD members with relevant expertise may also be asked to contribute chapters to the book. Bookmark Print Contact essd-research. University of Aarhus No longer available Proceedings: This could be indicative of an increase in domestic production.

However, the sizes and settings of plantations vary considerably, and as law enforcement agencies become more aware of the phenomenon, they are getting better at detecting such sites. Developments in cannabis supply have been accompanied by a shift from resin to herbal cannabis consumption in Europe. Consumption of herbal cannabis has been increasing in the last 10 years and has now overtaken that of resin in Europe overall EMCDDA, a.

While consumption of resin is concentrated in a few countries, the use of herbal cannabis is more evenly spread across Europe. There has always been a large variation in the content of THC — the main psychoactive ingredient — in cannabis across Europe, with highly potent material being reported on occasion.

There are current concerns about the public health implications of increased consumption of highly potent herbal products that are low in CBD — a cannabinoid with antipsychotic properties see video. Cannabis production in Europe is a major challenge for drug law enforcement: In most countries, the produce of cannabis plantations is destined for local drug markets. In a few countries, however, cannabis is also produced for export.

Cannabis in Europe: Dynamics in Perception, Policy and Markets

Some geographical patterns can be observed in herbal cannabis supply in Europe by looking at seizures and their relative proportion of the market. The Western Balkans countries are a source of herbal cannabis consumed in the European Union, with cultivation occurring in Albania, in particular, but also in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo 1 , Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Herbal cannabis originating in these countries is trafficked into the European Union through Greece, Croatia or Italy. This product, however, grown outdoors, is of comparatively poor quality.

After exportation, it is sometimes mixed with domestic products, and then sold for a higher price.

This practice is reported in Greece. Evidence points to Greece being a growing trafficking hub for herbal cannabis. In , Greece reported an annual increase of two-thirds in the amount of herbal cannabis confiscated 22 tonnes. Average seizures, over —12, were around 2. These data point to intense cross-border trafficking with neighbouring countries, likely of products both of domestic origin and from the Balkans.

In recent years, Turkey has emerged as the largest seizing country in Europe for herbal cannabis, reaching a new record of tonnes in Although the average size of the seizures has declined over the years, it is now around 1. In that part of Europe, Bulgaria may also be a place of bulk trafficking of herbal cannabis.

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Although the quantity seized — and it is increasing — remains comparatively small 1. In a context in which criminal organisations are tightening their hold on the distribution of domestically produced herbal cannabis traditionally grown outdoors, these data may reflect intensification both of the activity of such groups and of their targeting by the police. In South-West Europe, Italy and Spain may be developing into important production countries for cannabis. They both reported the largest increases in seizures of cannabis plants in , intercepting 4 million plants in Italy and 40 tonnes in Spain.

Italy remains one of the largest seizing countries in Europe for herbal cannabis, with 21 tonnes intercepted in On average, the seizures are very large, around 3. As well as pointing to increasing production and distribution of domestic material, these data may also suggest the importation and possible transit of herbal material, for instance from the Balkans.

In common with many other European countries, Spain has reported a major increase in the quantities of herbal cannabis seized in the last two years reaching 10 tonnes in These data point to local trafficking of small quantities, probably of domestic origin. Some of the herbal cannabis produced, however, is intended for exportation further north; for example in , 15 sites, growing 13 plants, near Malaga, were dismantled in an operation targeting a network of criminals operating between Spain and the Netherlands.

The growth of cannabis cultivation: Retail markets for cannabis - users, sharers, go-betweens and stash dealers. Cannabis supply in Northern Ireland. Why the prevention of cannabis use does not work: Dynamics in Perception, Policy and Markets. Retail markets for cannabis - users, sharers, go-betweens and stash dealers Caral Stevenson: