News

New report explores open sale of low-THC cannabis products and regulatory responses in Europe

An increase in the open sale of cannabis products in Europe has raised questions around the possible legal and commercial status of these products. In a new report released today, Low-THC cannabis...

Evocation of Christmas tree with the message Season's greetings / Boas festas / Meilleurs Voeux / Mit den besten Wunschen

Season’s greetings and warm wishes for a safe and healthy 2021

Dear colleagues, At the start of this year, when we embarked on our 25 years of monitoring celebrations, we knew it was going to be a special 12 months. Little did we...

cbd extract and cannabis plant behind

Cannabidiol (CBD) is not considered a ‘narcotic drug’ under European law

In November 2020, the European Court of Justice published a judgement stating that cannabidiol extracted from the cannabis plant should not be considered a drug under the 1961 United Nations Single Convention...

EMCDDA signs new agreement with Serbia

The EMCDDA and Serbia signed a new Working Arrangement this month, which will pave the way for greater cooperation on monitoring the drug phenomenon in Europe and beyond its borders. Due to...

EMCDDA Best practice portal update (4/2020)

Evidence updates on social reintegration and employment-focused interventions Employment is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes for persons with substance use disorder. Unemployed clients in treatment often report that their...

Picutre of Richard Hartnoll leaning against a brick wall. holding a camera, with trees in the background

In memoriam — Richard Hartnoll

It was with great sadness that the EMCDDA learned of the passing of Richard Hartnoll on 8 December, following a long illness. Richard made a major contribution to the development of the...

Recreational cannabis supply approved by voters in four US states but rejected in New Zealand

United States On 3 November 2020, in tandem with the US presidential election, the four states of Arizona, Montana, New Jersey and South Dakota voted on and approved proposals to introduce systems...

methamphetamine

Emerging methamphetamine industry in Afghanistan ‘worrying’, says new EMCDDA study

There are signs that a methamphetamine industry is taking hold in Afghanistan, according to a new report published today by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) . The paper — Emerging evidence of...

Fifty countries gather for 2020 virtual Reitox week

Representatives of candidate, potential candidate and neighbouring countries of the EU are joining members of the EMCDDA’s Reitox network this week (23–27 November) for the agency’s ninth Reitox week. The purpose of...

EMCDDA building

EMCDDA Scientific Committee appoints new Chair and Vice-Chair

The EMCDDA Scientific Committee has elected its new Chair and Vice-Chair for the period 2020–22. Prof. Dr. Catherine Comiskey (Ireland) was elected to the position of Chair and Prof. Dr. Henri Bergeron...

school student walking towards a school

New ESPAD results: teenage drinking and smoking down, but concerns over risky cannabis use and new addictive behaviours

Smoking and drinking among 15–16-year-old school students are showing signs of decline, but there are concerns over potentially risky cannabis use and the challenges posed by new addictive behaviours. These are among...

Looking back on 25 years of monitoring prevention in Europe

By Gregor Burkhart, Principal scientific analyst — prevention, EMCDDA When the EMCDDA began its operations in 1995, it was clear that the understanding and narrative on prevention had to change. What was...

Upcoming data on substance use and risk behaviours among school students across Europe

The latest European data and analysis on substance use and risk behaviours among 15–16-year-old school students will be released in a new report on 12 November. The findings are based on a...

open door

EMCDDA Best practice portal update (3/2020)

Substitution treatment for stimulants users? Finding a pharmacological treatment for stimulant users has been a research priority for the last decade. Many classes of drugs have been tested: antidepressants, dopamine agonists, antipsychotics...

Registration opens for European Drugs Winter and Summer Schools 2021

The EMCDDA and the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) are pleased to open registration today for two upcoming joint events in 2021: the European Drugs Winter School (EDWS) and the European Drugs...

EU4MD networking photo

News from EU4Monitoring Drugs, an EMCDDA technical cooperation project

This content was published in the EU4MD update released on 01.10.2020. This update also presents a section on studies, upcoming events, and a research corner. Focus on the impact of COVID-19 on...

Looking back on 25 years of annual reporting on the drugs problem in Europe

This month, the EMCDDA's Scientific Director takes us on a journey through 25 years of annual reporting on the drugs problem in Europe . The journey begins with the first report describing...

EMCDDA and Kosovo seal new agreement in Pristina

The EMCDDA and Kosovo * are signing a new Working Arrangement today which will pave the way for greater cooperation on monitoring the drug phenomenon in Europe and beyond its borders. Dignitaries...

EMCDDA releases study findings on the impact of COVID-19 on drug markets, use and services in the eastern ENP region

The expansion of contactless drug dealing, the increase in the use of licit drugs and the adaptation of drug treatment protocols during lockdown are among the findings highlighted today in a new...

EDR covers

COVID-19 disruption and a strong drug market bring new threats to health and security in Europe

High availability across all drug types, drug production within Europe and highly potent substances are among the concerns addressed today by the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) in its European Drug Report 2020...