Expert comments on cannabis usage trends and legal treatment proposals

Kyriakos Veresies, Scientific Director of the Center for Information and Treatment of Addicted Persons (KENTHEA) and President of the Department of Social Sciences at Philips University, addressed findings from the 2026 European Drug Report. He stated that 95-98% of addicted individuals begin their substance use with cannabis, which he identifies as a gateway drug. Veresies noted that cannabis users constitute the largest group seeking assistance in Europe. He expressed concern regarding the usage of cannabis among children, including elementary school students, and warned that dependence could lead to psychosis. To address these issues, KENTHEA has submitted a proposal to the Legal Service suggesting that first-time offenders caught with any illegal substance should be offered therapy instead of criminal prosecution. He highlighted the emergence of cannabis-infused products, such as lollipops and bread, as a challenge for younger demographics. The expert emphasized a shift toward prevention as a critical strategy in combating addiction.