EU Report Finds Italy Leads Europe in Youth Cannabis Use

According to the latest report from the European Union Drugs Agency, around 15.4 percent of young Europeans aged 15 to 34 have used cannabis in the past year, with Italy recording the highest usage rate. The EU report shows more than one in five young Italians, or 21.5 percent, reported having consumed cannabis during the last twelve months, placing the country at the top of the EU rankings for youth cannabis use.

The EU report highlights a significant gender difference

Croatia follows closely with a rate of 20.3 percent, while Spain ranks third at 19.4 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest prevalence rates were observed in Portugal (4.9 percent), Greece (4.5 percent), and Hungary (3.4 percent), according to the EU report. These figures reveal a wide gap in cannabis consumption across European countries.

The EU report also highlights a significant gender difference: young men are roughly twice as likely to use cannabis as young women. Cannabis remains by far the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe, with an estimated market value of €12.1 billion. Despite the growing presence of new cannabis-derived products, traditional forms—herbal cannabis and cannabis resin—continue to dominate consumption.

Among the broader adult population aged 15 to 64, about 8.4 percent reported using cannabis in the past year. Of these, approximately 1.5 percent are considered daily or near-daily users, indicating a small but consistent group of regular consumers.

The EU report also examines perceptions and behaviors among younger students

EU students aged 15 to 16 overwhelmingly view cannabis as the most accessible illicit substance. About 30 percent of them stated that obtaining cannabis would be easy, underscoring its wide availability in many parts of Europe.

In addition, 13 percent of students said they had used cannabis at least once in their lifetime. A smaller share, 2.6 percent, reported having tried cannabis for the first time at age 13 or younger—an indicator of early exposure to the drug.

However, despite its widespread use, the data suggest a gradual decline in cannabis consumption among students over the long term. Trends recorded between 2003 and 2024 indicate an overall decrease, pointing to shifting behaviors or possibly the effects of prevention and awareness campaigns across the European Union.

__

(Featured image by Martijn Scheffer via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in euronews.. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.