Cyprus Mail 10 March 2025 - by Johanna Pauls
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| In the case of legal drugs like e-cigarettes and vapes, Cypriot youth even set a record in comparison to the rest of Europe |
Cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy remain the most commonly illegal used drugs in Cyprus while nicotine and alcohol remain the most popular legal drugs according to the latest EU drug survey.
In Cyprus, cannabis stands out as the most prevalent illegal drug, with 12 per cent of survey participants reporting its use, far outpacing cocaine at 4 per cent and ecstasy at 3 per cent.
This trend aligns with broader survey tendencies demonstrating a clear preference for cannabis amongst European users. However, the vast majority of young people across the EU do not use illicit substances.
Use of nicotine at 77 per cent and alcohol at 88 per cent of participants is particularly high because the survey specifically targeted individuals who had used addictive substances in the last year, said the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC).
Data on other hard drugs like ketamine, heroin, methamphetamine, and steroids is limited, with numbers ranging from small to negligible. Cannabis remains the most commonly used substance among drug users.
In the case of legal drugs like e-cigarettes and hookahs, Cypriot youth even set a record in comparison to the rest of Europe. According to the latest ESPAD study, 4.3 per cent report daily use, surpassing the European average of 3.1 per cent. Another 14 per cent of 15 to 16 year olds reported smoking regular cigarettes within the last month.
In terms of motivations for use, most respondents in Cyprus, 30 per cent, reported using cannabis for socialising and fun, while 22 per cent said they used it for stress management.
These figures, reflect broader trends among EU drug users with over 60 per cent of those using cannabis, CBD or methamphetamine indicating that they did so to “reduce stress or relax”.
In contrast, stimulants like ecstasy, cocaine, and ketamine are primarily used “to get high or for fun”. Additionally, substances such as speed are often used for “staying awake” making them popular choices in party settings.
Compared to previous years, substance use trends have remained stable with no significant changes.
A growing number of people in Cyprus are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) and low-THC products, with 9 per cent of participants reporting use in the past year.
Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract from the cannabis plant, is commonly used to relieve pain and sleep issues. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high and won’t show up on a narcotest.
In 2016, CBD products were officially registered as pharmaceutical items in Cyprus, with legal sales permitted under circulation permits.
These products must contain no more than 0.2 per cent of CBD and THC. However, exceptions are made for individuals experiencing severe pain from cancer or other serious illnesses.
As CBD shops continue to emerge across Cyprus and the police intensify their efforts to shut them down, concerns have surfaced regarding the legality of different cannabis products, as some shops offer products above the legal limit.
In the recent past, police forces have repeatedly raided shops and seizing various of products suspected to contain controlled medicinal and narcotic substances in cities all over the island.
Cannabis and new semi-synthetic cannabinoids like HHC, THCP, and THCPO, along with CBD, are often considered “soft drugs” but can be much stronger than THC, posing unpredictable health risks. The rise in polydrug use, where multiple substances are combined, further amplifies these dangers.
“Through online surveys, we gain a dynamic picture of reality, track emerging trends, and support informed decision-making for Cyprus and the rest of Europe,” said Christos Minas, president of the Cyprus Dependence Treatment Authority, commenting on the results of the EU drug survey for Cyprus.
The government is implementing the National Addictions Strategy 2021-2028, developed by the National Addictions Authority of Cyprus (NAAC). The strategy is divided into two phases: the Action Plan 2021-2024 and the upcoming Action Plan 2025-2028. The latter is yet to be published.
NAAC told the Cyprus Mail that the new framework, expanding from illicit drugs and alcohol to include tobacco and gambling, is based on evaluations of previous strategies and expert consultations. It aims to address prevention, treatment, social support, harm reduction, supply reduction, research, and international cooperation, with monitoring in collaboration with health, justice and NGO partners.
