CBD and other low-THC cannabis products, the latest health fad or serious drug policy challenge

Low-THC cannabis based products have been offered for open sale in Europe since early 2017. Sales have taken place based on the claim that these products have little or no intoxicating effect and therefore are not controlled under drug laws. This paper will present some key findings from an EMCDDA trendspotter study to investigate the current situation and responses to ‘low-THC’ cannabis shops in Europe, the extent to which these are spreading throughout Europe and the different marketing strategies employed. The potential health risks they pose and the particular policy challenges they raise will also be addressed.