LISBON, Portugal – June 2015: Changing dynamics in the heroin market, the latest implications of cannabis use and new features and dimensions of the stimulant and ‘new drugs’ scene, are among the issues highlighted in the European Drug Report 2015: Trends and Developments, launched by the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

A total of 101 new psychoactive substances (NPS) were reported to the EU Early Warning System in 2014 (up from 81 substances in 2013), which brings the total number of substances being monitored by EMCDDA to over 450. In 2014, the list of substances reported was dominated by synthetic cathinones (31 substances) and synthetic cannabinoids (30 substances) - often sold respectively as legal replacements for stimulants and cannabis. In most EU countries, the prevalence of use appears to be low, however, even limited use of can be a concern, due to the severe toxicity of some NPS.

For further information please see:
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/news/2015/4/new-dynamics-of-europes-drugs-problem
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/edr2015