Cannabis use among teenagers in Greece has climbed to its highest level in 25 years, according to new findings released as part of the European Drug Report 2026.
Research by Greece’s National Documentation Center for the EU Drugs Agency found that 11.5 per cent of 16-year-olds reported using cannabis, highlighting growing concerns about substance use among young people.
The report also showed a significant rise in drug-related treatment admissions. Cases linked to cannabis increased by 32 per cent over the past decade, while admissions involving cocaine and other stimulants rose by 106 per cent in the last five years and 256 per cent over the past 10 years. Cocaine use was found to be particularly concentrated in the Greater Athens region.
Researchers also noted the increasing popularity of semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Among 16-year-olds who had recently used cannabis, 44 per cent reported using HHC, while authorities recorded multiple seizures of vaping products containing similar substances during 2025.
Further evidence of changing drug trends emerged from used-syringe analysis conducted in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Volos, which revealed widespread polydrug use involving heroin, cocaine and pharmaceutical substances.
The findings have raised fresh concerns about drug use patterns in Greece, particularly among younger age groups.
Source: Ekathimerini
