News

EU drugs agency publishes its first report on the medical use of cannabis

What is the evidence base for the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids? What is the difference between cannabis preparations and medicinal products and why is this important? How is this issue...

Canada’s cannabis legalisation enters into force

This news item was published in the EMCDDA’s Cannabis drug policy news on 16.11.2018 In Canada, a law to legalise recreational use of cannabis, which had been proposed in the Liberal party’s...

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Low-THC cannabis products being sold in the EU – key legal issues

This news item was published in the EMCDDA’s Cannabis drug policy news on 09.10.2018 Since 2017, herbal cannabis and cannabis oils have been offered for open sale in health food shops or...

close up of dried cannabis buds

Uruguay reports on regulated cannabis growing and sales

In Uruguay, the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) released a report on the national regulated market, based on data up to 5 June 2018. After the market was legalised...

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EMCDDA: resurgence of cocaine in a dynamic drug market

Evidence of increased cocaine availability is highlighted by the EMCDDA today in its European Drug Report 2018: Trends and Developments released in Brussels. The development occurs in the context of a dynamic...

Cannabis and driving: new briefing presents questions and answers for policymaking

What is the impact of cannabis use on driving? Do edible and smoked cannabis products affect drivers in the same way? These are among the questions addressed in a new policy briefing...

Dutch ministers outline 4-year trial to supply cannabis to coffeeshops

Today cannabis is sold openly in 573 ‘coffeeshops’ operating in 103 of the 380 municipalities in the Netherlands.

Vermont state to legalise recreational cannabis

On 22 January 2018, Vermont became the ninth US state to legalise possession of cannabis for recreational purposes, when Governor Phil Scott (Republican) signed House Bill 511 ( Text of Act as...

Drugs and the darknet: a growing threat to health and security

In a new report out today, the EMCDDA and Europol present the latest understanding of how darknet markets function, the threats they pose and how Europe can respond.

International experts to meet in Lisbon to address drugs and road safety

The 3rd International symposium on drug-impaired driving will be held on 23 October in Lisbon.

EMCDDA highlights growing threats posed by new and established substances

Rising overdose deaths, the availability of new psychoactive substances and the growing health threat of potent synthetic opioids are among the issues highlighted in this year's European Drug Report.

close up of dried cannabis buds

Colorado publishes report on cannabis use trends

Following the legalisation of recreational cannabis in the US state of Colorado at the end of 2012, the state Senate mandated a report every two years on changes in cannabis use patterns...

EMCDDA highlights new health risks as products and patterns of use change

Europe’s drug market remains resilient, says the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) today as it launches in Lisbon its European Drug Report 2016: Trends and Developments,

New report highlights wide-ranging impact of EU drug markets on society

Europeans spend at least EUR 24 billion on illicit drugs each year, making it one of the main profit-generating activities for organised criminals in Europe.

Man sitting in the street

New EMCDDA report explores combined mental health and substance use disorders

The co-existence of mental illness and psychoactive drug or other substance use problems — otherwise known as ‘comorbidity’ or ‘dual diagnosis’ — is an issue which has been on the radar of...

cannabis smoking

EMCDDA underlines growing importance of effective treatment for cannabis use

Providing effective treatment for those with cannabis use disorders is likely to become a matter of growing importance in European drug policy. This is according to the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) today...