EMCDDA news

The emergence of new drug trafficking routes, the reduced availability of drug-related health services and the adaptation of drug treatment protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic are among the findings highlighted today in a new EMCDDA report: Impact of COVID-19 on drug markets, drug use, drug-related harms and responses in south European Neighbourhood Policy countries. 21.12.2020 

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 products in Europe, the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) presents an initial overview of the current situation in this increasingly dynamic area. 21.12.2020 

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 know then just how unusual and challenging the year would turn out to be… 2020 has been a tough year. COVID-19 has had a disruptive impact on all of our lives, and on the drug phenomenon in Europe, and some of the repercussions may be long-lasting. 18.12.2020 

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 on Narcotic Drugs. 16.12.2020 

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. 15.12.2020 

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 current unemployment is due to substance use. They also refer to a variety of obstacles to employment. These obstacles include: lack of transport, poor work history, lack of education/skills, low job availability, stigma/lack of employer understanding, probation/treatment programme requirements, and criminal record. 14.12.2020 

It was with great sadness that the EMCDDA learned of the passing of Richard Hartnoll on 9 December, following a long illness. Richard made a major contribution to the development of the European drug information system, first through his work with the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group and, subsequently, through his pioneering work at the EMCDDA. 10.12.2020 

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 of home and retail supply of cannabis for recreational use for over-21s. In New Jersey, the proposal was placed on the ballot by the State Legislature, as the state has no possibility for public ballot initiatives. In the other three states, the proposals were public initiatives. 07.12.2020