Effectiveness of cannabis products consumed in Europe has increased significantly
According to Europol, the potency of cannabis products consumed in Europe has increased significantly in recent years. The content of the active ingredient THC in marijuana increased by 57% between 2011 and 2021, according to a report presented on Thursday by the police authority and the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The active ingredient content of hashish has even increased by almost 200 percent in the same period.
According to Europol estimates, around 22.6 million people aged between 15 and 64 consumed cannabis in the EU last year. With an estimated value of around 11.4 billion euros per year, the cannabis market is the largest drug market in Europe.
Europol has recently observed increased cooperation between drug gangs in the illegal trade in cannabis. This cooperation extends to all "services from production to distribution". The methods of smuggling have also become more diverse: Even drones, helicopters and unmanned submarines are now being used.
After the announcement of Europol's report on the increased potency of cannabis products in Europe, there has been a growing concern about the effectiveness of supporting policies. The details presented in the report, which showed a 57% increase in THC content in marijuana and a staggering 199% increase in hashish, have sparked debates about the long-term effects on consumers. Despite Europol's efforts to combat organized crime and curb the illegal cannabis trade in Europe, the effectiveness of these measures seems to be waning, as smuggling methods have become more sophisticated and diverse, involving the use of drones, helicopters, and even unmanned submarines.
Source: www.ntv.de
