Analysts Report Record-High THC Concentration in European Cannabis Products
According to data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the beginning of this year saw historically high levels of THC concentration in cannabis products available on the European black market. The EMCDDA has been tracking trends in psychoactive substance use across EU countries, as well as Norway and Turkey, for 25 years, monitoring both consumer behavior and the evolution of the underground market.
The agency’s report notes that recently, hashish with an average THC content of 20-28% has appeared on EU markets—a record for this type of product. This figure is roughly double the average THC content found in cannabis flower available on the black market. On average, cannabis flower in Europe now contains about 15-16% THC, marking a record increase in potency over the past decade.
Growing Variety and New Synthetic Cannabinoids
The report also highlights a growing variety of cannabis products available to consumers, an increase in the number of purchasing channels, and the emergence of a new generation of potent synthetic cannabinoids in the region.
“The average increase in THC concentration may be linked to transportation difficulties caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Producers are trying to improve product quality due to fewer possible shipments,” the authors note. “For the same reason, local chemists may be compensating for shortages by creating new variations of synthetic cannabinoids, which explains the rise in discoveries and seizures of such substances.”
Shift to Online Sales and Delivery Services
The report further observes that, due to disruptions in traditional distribution models caused by pandemic-related restrictions, the industry has increasingly moved online. Various courier services now operate alongside or in cooperation with major and local food and goods delivery platforms.
“Overall, despite border closures and movement restrictions within major cities, the turnover of cannabis in 2020 and 2021 either remained stable or even increased. The same is true for harder drugs like heroin,” the report concludes.
Seizure and Consumption Statistics
In 2019, cannabis and related products accounted for the largest category of contraband seizures in the EU, making up 73% of all cases (37% for cannabis flower and 36% for hashish). For comparison, cocaine seizures accounted for 11%, amphetamines 5%, heroin and MDMA 3% each, and all other substances combined made up 4% of seizures.
Between 2015 and 2020, France had the highest rate of cannabis use per capita, with 21.3% of the population identified as regular users. Hungary had the lowest rate at 3.4%. On average, about 15.4% of people aged 15 to 34 in Europe and Turkey regularly use cannabis.
Youth Consumption Trends
Cannabis use is somewhat higher among younger age groups, with about 19.2% of those aged 15 to 24 (approximately 9 million people) using it regularly. Interestingly, usage among those aged 15 to 18 has dropped to a ten-year low—down to an average of 17.3% at the end of 2019, compared to a peak of 20.4% in 2011.
Major Seizures at European Borders
By the end of 2019, EU authorities had seized about 465 tons of hashish and 148 tons of cannabis flower at the borders. Turkish authorities, in the same period, seized around 28 tons of hashish and 63 tons of cannabis flower.