Figure PPP-2:  Average potency of herbal cannabis at retail level measured as percentage of THC content, 1999 to 2004

Figure ppp-02

Notes:

LP = 'nederwiet', usually locally-produced cannabis herb.

Other = cannabis herb of other type.

Belgium: Many seizures were performed on trains coming from the Netherlands. Presumably, seized herbal cannabis is to a larger extent 'nederwiet' (explaining the high average potency).

Czech Republic: 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 figures reported as average are actually middle points between minimum and maximum potencies. Figures reported as 'nederwiet' refer to more potent cannabis herb such as sinsemilla or 'skunk' (locally-produced as well as imported).

Germany: Figures reported as average are actually the median.

Italy (1): Data are based on analysis of seizures of less than 40 grams.

Italy (2): Data are based on routine analysis of seizures, without any size threshold.

Netherlands: 1999 data refer to 1999/2000; 2000 data refer to 2000/2001; 2001 data refer to 2001/2002; 2002 data refer to 2002/2003; 2003 data refer to 2003/2004; 2004 data refer to 2004/2005. Figures reported as other type of herb refer to imported herbal cannabis.

Portugal: Data are based on users' reports until 2001 and since 2002 on users/traffickers and traffickers' reports.

Portugal LP: Although these are resin samples, given the high THC % found, it is suspected that they might be locally-produced herbal cannabis.

See also 'General notes for interpreting data' on the Explanatory notes and help page.

Sources:

Reitox national focal points.

Belgium: Early Warning System (Laboratory Network)

Czech Republic: Police Forces and Criminalistic Institute of Prague

Germany: Bundeskriminalamt (Federal Criminal Office)

France-A: Laboratoire de la Police scientifique de Lyon

France-B: Laboratoire des Douanes

Italy: Ministry of Interior, Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services

Latvia: Forensic Research Department of the State Police

Hungary: Criminal Professional and Research Institute

Malta: Forensic Science Laboratory

Netherlands: THC-monitor (Trimbos Institute)

Austria: Federal Ministry of Interior

Portugal: Criminal Police Scientific Laboratory - Toxicology

Slovakia: KEÚ PZ

Finland: The crime laboratory, National Bureau of Investigation

UK (England and Wales): Forensic Science Service

Turkey: Gendarme Laboratory

Norway: National Bureau of Crime Investigation