In 2017, 14.8 tonnes of hashish were seized in Portugal. The International Narcotics Control Board warns that ill-regulated cannabis programs for therapeutic use can lead to increased consumption
Portugal was the fourth European country with the highest amount of hashish seized in 2017, according to an international report released on Tuesday 4th March 2019 warning of the dangers of poor cannabis regulation for medicinal purposes.
The cannabis remains as the “most widely used” drug in Europe, accounting for 38% of the illicit drug market in the European Union (EU), the report of the International Council of Narcotics Control. Data from 2016 indicate that more than 760,000 cannabis seizures were carried out in the EU, 420,000 of cannabis in grass, 22,000 seizures of plants and more than 300,000 of cannabisresin (hashish).
Portugal appears as the fourth country in Europe that in 2017 seized more hashish, with 14.8 tons. Spain, as the main entry point for cannabis resin produced in Morocco, is the country with the most seized product, with 333 tonnes, followed by France with 57 tonnes and Italy with 18.7 tonnes.
After the fourth place in Portugal, Greece appears with 6.3 tons and the United Kingdom 6.3 tons. All other countries reported less than three tonnes of hash seized in 2017, including Sweden, Norway, Poland or Russia.
In the report released on Tuesday, the International Narcotics Control Board warns that ill-regulated cannabis programs for therapeutic use may lead to increased use of recreational cannabis. The United Nations agency also expresses its concern about the creation of legislation on non-medicinal use of cannabis that is contrary to drug control conventions and may endanger public health.