Europol is sounding the alarm about the growing variety of cannabis products illegally produced and circulating in Europe and America, the growing strength and cooperation between criminal gangs, creating new security risks in Europe.
The study, carried out jointly with the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, describes in particular the illicit market for these types of products in Europe, from production and trafficking to distribution and consumption.
As noted, this is the largest drug market in Europe, bringing cartels 11.4 billion a year. Marijuana accounts for about 77% of the market, and cannabis resin accounts for about 23%.
In addition, according to the latest data, in EU About 84 million adults (aged 15-64 years) have tried cannabis at some point, and 22.6 million have used it in the past year.
Most of the cannabis discovered in the EU is grown in the bloc’s member states. However, the Western Balkan countries, especially Albania, continue to be a source of cannabis, although to a lesser extent than in the past. There is also growing evidence that cultivation is spreading to other countries.
Increasing the potency of drugs
Recent evidence suggests a significant increase in the potency of cannabis products. Between 2011 and 2021, the average active ingredient content cannabidiol (CBD) in plants grown in the EU has increased by approximately 57%, and in cannabis resin by almost 200%, raising further concerns for the health of consumers. At the same time, various semi-synthetic (e.g., delta-8-THC, HHC) and synthetic cannabinoids have emerged in recent years, such as vaping products and others sold in edible form. Many of these products contain synthetic substance THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in a proportion of more than 90%. In the EU, cases of fatal poisoning have been reported after consuming sweets containing synthetic cannabinoids.
Dynamics of THC content in hemp resin over time.
Average maximum and minimum values (% THC) in the EU.
Ten-year record for seizure volume
If we talk about the volume of seizures of illegally grown cannabis (known as marijuana or indica), then in 2021 it reached 256 tons, and cannabis resin (known as hashish) – 816 tons. In addition, more than 4.3 million illegal plants were identified cannabis.
Seizures of illegally grown cannabis in Europe. Quantity in tons seized in the EU, Norway and Turkey
Seizures of illegal cannabis resin in Europe. Quantity in tonnes seized in EU, Norway and Turkey
An attractive market for organized crime
The cannabis trade in Europe involves a wide range of networks of criminals both inside and outside the EU who work together from production to distribution. In particular, there are networks that supply drug traffickers with boats, and others with drones and helicopters. The methods used to smuggle cannabis also vary. For example, recently, along with traditional means of transportation, unmanned semi-submersible vehicles have been confiscated.
Environmental impact
The study also describes the environmental impact of illicit cannabis production due to the large amounts of water and energy consumed. For example, an indoor cannabis growing plot consisting of 500 seedlings potentially uses 1.6 to 2 million liters of water per year. In addition, a significant portion of the electricity used to grow cannabis indoors in the EU is wasted.
Seizures of illegal cannabis plants in Europe. Total seizures per year for the period 2011–2021
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