EU Faces Surge in Super-Strength Cannabis, Raising Mental Health Concerns
The European Union is experiencing a significant influx of highly potent cannabis, with some strains reportedly up to five times stronger than those from previous decades, such as the varieties popular during the 1969 Woodstock festival. This surge in potency has raised alarms among health officials about the potential increase in mental health issues, including psychotic episodes and disorders like schizophrenia, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
According to the EU Drugs Agency’s annual report, the average THC content in cannabis resin has nearly doubled over the past decade, now averaging 23%, compared to 11% in herbal cannabis leaves and approximately 4% in older strains. Alexis Goosdeel, director of the agency, emphasized the heightened risks associated with these stronger products, noting the difficulty in predicting individual susceptibility to adverse effects.
Despite these concerns, Goosdeel supports legalization efforts, arguing that regulated markets could allow authorities to impose clear limits on cannabis strength, thereby enhancing consumer safety. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic are moving forward with legalization plans, aiming to control THC levels and reduce the influence of black-market alternatives.
Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit drug in Europe, with an estimated 24 million adults, or 8.4% of the population, having used it in the past year. Wastewater analyses indicate that cities such as Amsterdam, Groningen, Barcelona, Tarragona, Oslo, and Lisbon have some of the highest usage rates.
The rise in cannabis potency and its associated risks underscore the need for comprehensive public health strategies and informed policymaking to address the evolving landscape of cannabis use in Europe.
Source: Financial Times
