Europol Report Finds Growth in Europe’s Underground Cannabis Market
Recently, Europol published a report on the underground cannabis market in Europe, concluding that the industry is actively growing amid ongoing reforms in the region aimed at decriminalizing and legalizing the plant. According to experts from Europol and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), over the past five years, most countries in the region have shifted toward domestic cannabis production rather than importing it from abroad. This trend may be linked to the aftereffects of COVID-19 lockdown measures.
As of the end of 2022, experts estimated the value of the European cannabis market at 11.4 billion euros, with profits continuing to rise. The market serves at least 22 million people between the ages of 15 and 64. The number of seizures of smuggled cannabis and the destruction of illegal plantations also reached record highs in 2021, with 816 tons of product and 4.3 million plants seized, respectively.
Shift to Local Production and Higher Quality
The report notes that in the past five years, cannabis has increasingly been produced within consumer countries, coinciding with improvements in product quality and a wider range of offerings from underground dealers. Experts highlight a 200% increase in seizures of various cannabis extracts between 2011 and 2021, as well as a 57% average rise in THC concentration in products during this period.
While a significant portion of cannabis is still imported from the Balkans, Morocco, and other Middle Eastern countries, imports now make up a minority of the regional market.
Advanced Operations and Distribution Strategies
Finally, the report points out the sophistication of production and distribution strategies among major black market suppliers. These cartels operate effectively across national borders and actively use the internet and messaging apps to distribute their products. Additionally, a range of related businesses has emerged to support underground growers and dealers, providing equipment for production and organizing venues for product sales.