In 2024, 11.5% of 16-year-olds in Greece had used cannabis, the highest rate recorded in the past 25 years, while a significant proportion had consumed cannabis through vaping. Indicatively, regarding vaping, several seizures containing semi-synthetic cannabinoids were reported in Greece in 2025.
The data come from a report by the National Documentation and Information Centre on Drugs, prepared on behalf of the European Union Drugs Agency as part of the European Drug Report 2026.
In addition to the rise in cannabis use among young people, there is also an increase in semi-synthetic cannabinoids, as 44% of 16-year-old students in Greece who had recently used cannabis said they had also used HHC (hexahydrocannabinol).
The study was conducted by the National Documentation and Information Centre on Drugs (EKTEPN) on behalf of the EU, as part of the European Drug Report 2026.
Across all age groups, the number of people entering detox treatment for cannabis use has increased by 32% since 2016, while treatment related to cocaine or other substances has risen by 106% since 2021 and by 256% since 2016.
In 2025, the average daily quantity of cocaine per 1,000 residents was 64% higher than in 2024 and 211% higher than five years earlier.
At the same time, analyses of used syringes in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Volos suggest that many users do not use only one substance but combine different drugs and medicines. The main substances are cocaine and heroin.
Πηγές: Έκθεση ΕΚΤΕΠΝ 2026, Καθημερινή
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