Which European Country Uses the Most Cannabis, According to 2024 Report

The European Drugs Report 2024, produced by the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), provides a detailed analysis of the drugs situation in Europe. The EMCDDA, as the main European Union agency responsible for monitoring drug problems, regularly publishes data and analyzes on the use of psychoactive substances. The 2024 report is a key document in understanding the trends and dynamics surrounding cannabis use in various European countries.

In this article, we will discuss the latest data on cannabis use in Europe, covering both adults (aged 15-64) and young adults (aged 15-34). We will present detailed analyzes for individual countries, allowing you to understand how various socio-economic, cultural and legal factors influence the level of marijuana consumption in different parts of Europe.

Methodology

The data used in this article comes from the European Drugs Report 2024 , which is the result of extensive research and analysis carried out by the EMCDDA. This report brings together information from various national drug use surveys, which are conducted to the highest methodological standards. These studies include representative samples of adult and young adult populations, and the data collected are analyzed and presented in a way that allows for cross-country comparisons.

The article is divided into sections, each focusing on one country. Each section will discuss:

Levels of marijuana use among adults aged 15-64 and among young adults aged 15-34.
Analysis of gender differences and other demographic factors.
Trends in marijuana use over the years.
Socioeconomic and legal context influencing levels of marijuana use.
Each section will also include comparisons with other countries, allowing for a better understanding of European cannabis consumption trends.

Türkiye
Frequency: 1.1% adults, 1.8% young adults

In Turkey, marijuana use last year was very low – 1.1% among adults and 1.8% among young adults. This low level of use may be the result of strict drug laws and strong cultural norms that discourage the use of psychoactive substances. Türkiye also conducts active prevention and education campaigns aimed at preventing drug use among young people. The relatively low level of consumption may also be the result of limited access to marijuana on the black market.

Hungary
Frequency: 1.3% adults, 3.4% young adults

In Hungary, marijuana use last year was 1.3% among adults and 3.4% among young adults. The analysis of gender differences shows that men use marijuana more often than women, which is typical for most European countries. Marijuana use trends in Hungary are stable, with slight increases among young adults. Strict laws and a conservative approach to drug policy may limit the growth of marijuana use. However, the growing global discussion about marijuana legalization may influence changes in attitudes and legislation in this country as well.

Greece
Frequency: 2.8% adults, 4.5% young adults

In Greece, marijuana use last year was 2.8% among adults and 4.5% among young adults. In recent years, Greece has introduced a number of legal changes regarding marijuana, including the legalization of its medical use. The impact of these changes on overall levels of marijuana use is evident in the gradual increase in consumption, especially among young adults. Despite this, levels of use remain relatively low compared to Western European countries, which may be related to persistent social norms and limited availability of recreational marijuana.

Portugal
Frequency: 2.8% adults, 4.9% young adults

In Portugal, the prevalence of marijuana use is 2.8% among adults and 4.9% among young adults. Portugal is often cited as an example in the drug decriminalization debate, having decided in 2001 to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, including marijuana. Decriminalization was intended to funnel users into the healthcare system rather than the criminal justice system. The data show that despite decriminalization, levels of marijuana use have not increased significantly, suggesting that these policies may have reduced drug-related harms without increasing consumption.

Bulgaria
Frequency: 2.4% adults, 5.9% young adults

In Bulgaria, cannabis use last year was 2.4% among adults and 5.9% among young adults. Trend analysis shows that the level of marijuana use is relatively low compared to other countries in the region, such as Romania or Poland.

The increase in use among young adults indicates the increasing social acceptance and availability of cannabis in this age group. Compared to other countries in the region, Bulgaria is in the lower part of the scale, which may be due to its conservative approach to drugs and effective preventive and educational activities aimed at young people.

Romania
Frequency: 3.5% adults, 6% young adults

In Romania, the prevalence of marijuana use is 3.5% among adults and 6% among young adults. Trends indicate a gradual increase in marijuana use, especially among young adults, which may be a result of increased availability and changing social attitudes toward cannabis.

Factors influencing marijuana use in Romania include increasing social acceptance, reduced stigmatization of users, and the influence of popular culture. Compared to other countries in the region, Romania has a moderate level of marijuana use, which may be related to the constantly evolving drug market and drug policy.

Sweden
Frequency: 3.2% adults, 6.6% young adults

In Sweden, last year cannabis use was 3.2% among adults and 6.6% among young adults. Sweden is known for its strict approach to drug policy, with a strong emphasis on prevention and punishment of possession of even small amounts of drugs.

This approach results in some of the lowest levels of cannabis use in Europe. Strict laws and intensive educational campaigns contribute to reducing marijuana use, especially among young people, who are more susceptible to public anti-drug campaigns.

Poland
Frequency: 3.8% adults, 7.8% young adults

In Poland, cannabis use last year was 3.8% among adults and 7.8% among young adults. Compared to neighboring countries, Poland is in the middle group. In Germany, the frequency is 8.8% for adults and 17.2% for young adults, indicating a much higher level of marijuana use. In Slovakia, the frequency is similar to Poland, amounting to 5.4% among adults and 10.2% among young adults.

In the Czech Republic, however, cannabis use is much higher, reaching 11.1% among adults and 22.9% among young adults. Poland, although it has strict drug laws, is seeing a gradual increase in marijuana use, especially among young people, which may be due to the growing social acceptance and availability of medical marijuana. In 2023, Poles bought over 4.6 tons of medical marijuana .

Latvia
Frequency: 3.9% adults, 8.2% young adults

In Latvia, cannabis use was 3.9% among adults and 8.2% among young adults. The increase in use among young adults is particularly noticeable, which may be a result of the growing popularity of marijuana in youth culture and easier access to it.

Comparing to the other Baltic countries, Lithuania has a slightly higher prevalence (4.3% of adults and 8.8% of young adults), while Estonia, with 6.6% among adults and 16.6% among young adults, has much higher levels of marijuana use. Latvia, despite growth among young adults, still maintains moderate levels of use compared to other countries in the region.

Lithuania
Frequency: 4.3% adults, 8.8% young adults

In Lithuania, cannabis use was 4.3% among adults and 8.8% among young adults. Analysis of gender differences shows that men (6.7%) use marijuana much more often than women (1.9%). These differences are typical of most European countries, where men have higher levels of drug consumption.

The increase in cannabis use among young adults may be a result of changing social attitudes and greater acceptance of marijuana as a recreational substance. Compared to Latvia and Estonia, Lithuania occupies an intermediate position, suggesting different approaches to drug policy and public education in the region.

Slovakia
Frequency: 5.4% adults, 10.2% young adults

In Slovakia, cannabis use last year was 5.4% among adults and 10.2% among young adults. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of marijuana, especially among young adults, which may be the result of changes in social attitudes and the increase in the availability of this substance.

Gender differences indicate that men (8.3%) use marijuana more often than women (2.3%), which is in line with trends in other European countries. Slovakia, although it has moderate drug laws, is observing dynamic changes in marijuana use that may influence future political and social decisions regarding this substance.

Cyprus
Frequency of cannabis use in the past year: 6% of adults, 10.6% of young adults

In Cyprus, last year marijuana use was 6% among adults aged 15-64 and 10.6% among young adults aged 15-34. Analysis of gender differences shows that men are more likely to use marijuana than women, which is consistent with trends observed in other European countries. A higher level of consumption is noticeable among young adults, which may be the result of greater social acceptance and easier access to marijuana in this age group. This increase may also reflect changes in young people’s attitudes towards psychoactive substances.

Norway
Frequency: 5.5% adults, 11% young adults

In Norway, marijuana use last year was 5.5% among adults and 11% among young adults. Drug policy in Norway is strict, with an emphasis on prevention and punishment for drug possession. Still, the level of marijuana use indicates growing social acceptance of the substance, especially among young people.

Social attitudes towards cannabis are becoming more liberal, which may be the result of global trends and the influence of media and popular culture. Norway also conducts active educational campaigns aimed at young people to prevent drug abuse and inform them about their potential health effects.

Austria
Frequency: 6.3% adults, 11.1% young adults

In Austria, marijuana use last year was 6.3% among adults and 11.1% among young adults. The impact on public health is a key aspect of the discussion about marijuana use. Austria uses a harm reduction approach, with an emphasis on education and treatment programs for drug users.

Higher levels of marijuana use among young adults may lead to increased demand for health services, including psychological support and addiction treatment programs. The increase in marijuana use may also have implications for health policy, requiring adaptation of prevention and education programs.

Luxembourg
Frequency: 5.4% adults, 12% young adults

In Luxembourg, the prevalence of marijuana use was 5.4% among adults and 12% among young adults. Drug policy in Luxembourg is relatively liberal, with an emphasis on harm reduction and support for addicts. In recent years, Luxembourg has introduced legal changes regarding the medical use of marijuana, which may have contributed to reducing stigma and increasing acceptance of this substance. Young adults, particularly men (16.5%), show higher levels of marijuana use, reflecting global trends in this age group. Liberal drug policy can foster a more open approach to marijuana use while promoting responsible use.

Slovenia
Frequency: 5.9% adults, 12.3% young adults

In Slovenia, marijuana use was 5.9% among adults and 12.3% among young adults. The increase in use among young adults is particularly noticeable, which may be a result of the increasing availability and acceptance of marijuana in this age group.

The Slovenian government has taken steps towards liberalizing drug policy, which includes decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. These changes may encourage further increases in marijuana use, but they also create challenges for public education and substance abuse prevention. In a recent referendum , Slovenians approved two proposals to regulate marijuana.

Denmark
Frequency: 6.6% adults, 12.5% ​​young adults

In Denmark, marijuana use was 6.6% among adults and 12.5% ​​among young adults. Denmark’s liberal drug policy, which includes decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana, has had a significant impact on consumption levels.

The effects of this policy include both benefits and challenges. On the one hand, reducing criminal penalties may reduce the burden on the judicial and police systems, on the other hand, a liberal approach may lead to an increase in marijuana use, especially among young people. Denmark is also investing in education and health programs to minimize the negative effects associated with marijuana use.

Belgium
Frequency: 7% adults, 13.6% young adults

In Belgium, marijuana use last year was 7% among adults and 13.6% among young adults. The gender difference is clear here – men (10.4%) use marijuana much more often than women (3.7%). Trends indicate an increasing acceptance of marijuana in Belgian society, especially among young people, which may be related to liberal social attitudes and debates about the legalization of marijuana. It is worth noting that in Belgium there are also educational campaigns aimed at informing about the risks associated with using marijuana.

Ireland
Frequency: 7.1% adults, 13.8% young adults

In Ireland, last year cannabis use was 7.1% among adults and 13.8% among young adults. Trend analysis shows that marijuana use is steadily increasing in Ireland, especially among young adults.

This increase can be attributed to growing public acceptance and changes in legislation that ease penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Gender differences indicate that men are more likely to use marijuana than women, which is in line with general European trends. Education and prevention campaigns focus on youth to reduce the potential health and social harms associated with marijuana use.

Finland
Frequency: 9% adults, 15.1% young adults

In Finland, marijuana use was 9% among adults and 15.1% among young adults. The increase in marijuana use among young adults is particularly noticeable and may be due to the increasing liberalization of attitudes towards marijuana and the influence of popular culture.

Analysis of gender differences shows that men are more likely to use marijuana than women, although this difference is less pronounced compared to other countries. Finland is also conducting research on the medical use of marijuana, which may influence society’s perception of the substance.

Estonia
Frequency: 6.6% adults, 16.6% young adults

In Estonia, marijuana use last year was 6.6% among adults and 16.6% among young adults. The increase in use among young adults is particularly pronounced and may be a result of increasing social acceptance and easier access to marijuana. Estonia, like other Baltic countries, is observing dynamic changes in attitudes towards marijuana.

Higher levels of use among young adults indicate the need to increase educational and preventive efforts to prevent abuse and promote healthy lifestyles. Estonia’s drug policy focuses on prevention and harm reduction, which is crucial in the context of the growing popularity of marijuana among young people.

Germany
Frequency: 8.8% adults, 17.2% young adults

In Germany, cannabis use was 8.8% among adults and 17.2% among young adults. Comparing with neighboring countries, Germany has higher consumption levels than Poland (3.8% of adults, 7.8% of young adults), but lower than the Czech Republic (11.1% of adults, 22.9% of young adults).

This shows that Germany is between the more restrictive Poland and the liberal Czech Republic. The high level of use in Germany may be related to the public debate on the legalization of cannabis, which came into force on April 1, 2024. Gender differences indicate that men are more likely to use marijuana than women, suggesting the need to target prevention efforts at men and youth .

Netherlands
Cannabis use frequency: 10.2% adults, 18.2% young adults

In the Netherlands, cannabis use was 10.2% among adults and 18.2% among young adults. The legalization of cannabis in the Netherlands, including its availability in coffee shops, has a significant impact on consumption levels.

Legalization has contributed to reducing the stigmatization of users and better controlling the quality and safety of marijuana. However, high levels of use among young adults indicate the need for further education and prevention efforts to minimize potential health harms. The Netherlands is often cited as an example of effective drug policy management that focuses on harm reduction and public health.

Spain
Frequency: 10.6% adults, 19.1% young adults

Spain has long had a liberal approach to marijuana, which is reflected in its high levels of use. The frequency is 10.6% among adults and 19.1% among young adults. Spain’s drug policy focuses on harm reduction and user rights, which includes tolerance for private marijuana cultivation and the operation of cannabis clubs where members can grow and consume marijuana together.

A liberal approach to marijuana in Spain has contributed to reducing the stigmatization of users and better quality control of the substance. However, high levels of marijuana use, especially among young adults, pose challenges to the health care system. The authorities try to balance liberal policies with educational and preventive activities to minimize potential negative health and social effects.

France
Frequency: 10.6% adults, 19.2% young adults

In France, cannabis use was 10.6% among adults and 19.2% among young adults. The increase in marijuana use is noticeable in both age groups, which may be the result of growing social acceptance and liberalization of attitudes towards marijuana.

The consequences of this increase include increased challenges to the healthcare system, including the need for addiction treatment programs and psychological support. The increase in marijuana use may also lead to more problematic use and related social problems. France is intensifying its preventive and educational activities to counteract the negative effects of the increase in marijuana consumption, especially among young people.

Croatia
Frequency: 10.2% adults, 20.3% young adults

In Croatia, cannabis use was 10.2% among adults and 20.3% among young adults, one of the highest levels in Europe. High levels of use among young adults may be a result of marijuana’s growing popularity in youth culture and easier access to it.

This increase may also reflect changes in public attitudes towards marijuana and the liberalization of marijuana laws. Croatia conducts educational campaigns aimed at young people to counteract the negative health and social effects associated with high levels of marijuana use.

Italy
Frequency: 10.8% adults, 21.5% young adults

In Italy, marijuana use is 10.8% among adults and 21.5% among young adults. The increase in marijuana use among young adults is particularly noticeable, which may be the result of increasing social acceptance and changes in attitudes towards marijuana. Italy has a fairly liberal approach to possessing small amounts of marijuana, and the debate about its full legalization continues.

Czech Republic
Frequency: 11.1% adults, 22.9% young adults

The Czech Republic has one of the highest levels of marijuana use in Europe, with a prevalence of 11.1% among adults and 22.9% among young adults. The high level of marijuana consumption is the result of liberal drug policy, which includes decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana and tolerance of cultivation for personal use.

An analysis of the factors influencing the high level of cannabis use in the Czech Republic highlights several key elements. First, society’s open attitude towards marijuana and its relative availability. Secondly, the strong influence of youth culture and the popularity of marijuana among young people. Third, educational activities focusing on harm reduction rather than punishing users.

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