THC levels in resin rise to 28 %, warns latest European report

This is a trend that has been observed for several years. The THC content—the psychoactive substance in cannabis— is increasing more and more. Even though this rate does not necessarily result in a stronger effect «in the short term», the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) calls for vigilance in its latest report.

« Cannabis resin sold in Europe is now more potent than before, with an average THC content ranging from 20 % to 28 %, or nearly double than that of cannabis« , according to the authors at this European Union agency based in Lisbon.

In just ten years, the THC content of « shit« — as it is called in France — is spectacular. The EMCDDA uses 2009 as its reference year, setting a baseline of 100 for that year: by 2021, that figure had risen to 261, nearly tripling.”.

France Remains the «European Champion» of Joints

In addition, the potency of «shit» has increased more sharply than that of regular weed. Its THC level rose from 100 to 156 over the same 2009–2021 period. «Weed» now contains between 8 and 13 % of THC, according to the European agency.

The authors also analyze price trends. One finding: prices have remained stable. Between 2009 and 2021, the cost of resin rose slightly by 13 %, while the cost of weed rose by 4 %.

Finally, the EMCDDA compares cannabis use across the 27 countries of the European Union. According to its figures, France remains « »European champion" of cannabis use. 44.8% of 15- to 64-year-olds have smoked cannabis at some point in their lives—nearly one in two. This is well above the European average (27 %) or that of a country like Germany (28 %), which decriminalizes the use of small amounts cannabis.

Among young French people, the situation is even more pronounced: 22 % of those aged 15–34 report having smoked cannabis in the past twelve months. Once again, This figure is significantly higher than the European average (15 %) and Germany (17 %).