Cannabis cultivation in Europe was deeply reviewed by the Global Cannabis Cultivation Research Consortium (GCCRC), which is an international online survey of cannabis growers. Its aim is to provide insight into the characteristics of the global hemp cultivation industry. The survey is one of the largest of its kind. It was carried out by the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Over 20,000 cannabis growers from 18 countries attended in this survey.
GCCRC survey outcomes regarding cannabis cultivation in Europe
One of the key findings of the study is that Europe is one of the largest and most diverse growing regions in the world. The study showed that cannabis is grown in all 28 EU Member Countries. The largest producers are Spain, the Netherlands and Italy. The report indicates that the European cannabis market is very fragmented, with many small growers in the region. The study also showed that the vast majority of cannabis grown in Europe is for personal use or small-scale distribution. Only a small proportion of Europe’s production is destined for large-scale distribution or export.
Online marketplaces as the key for cannabis distribution in Europe
The report notes that the there is development of online marketplaces and other forms of digital distributio. These could change the nature of the European cannabis market. This is because small growers are able to reach a larger audience and connect with other growers and distributors around the world. Another key finding is that the vast majority of cannabis growers in Europe are men under the age of 35. They are well educated and a significant percentage of breeders have higher degrees. The survey also showed that the majority of cannabis growers in Europe are politically and socially liberal. Many of them support the legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes.
Most common methods and techniques of European cannabis growers
The report also provides an insight into the methods and techniques used by cannabis growers in Europe. The study found that the vast majority of growers use indoor growing methods. Only a small percentage use outdoor or greenhouse cultivation methods. This is because growing indoors is more expensive and energy-intensive than growing outdoors. However, it allows growers to produce higher-quality, standardized marijuana. The study also showed that the majority of European cannabis growers use hydroponic systems, which allow for precise control of nutrient levels and water consumption. The report noted that the use of hydroponics has become increasingly popular in Europe in recent years as growers aim to produce higher quality cannabis and reduce environmental impact.
Cannabis cultivation in Europe – challenges and risks
The report also provides insight into the challenges and risks of cannabis cultivation in Europe. The study showed that the most common are legal and regulatory barriers. The legal status of cannabis in Europe varies greatly, with some countries permitting medical or recreational use while others maintain a strict prohibition. The study also found that many cannabis growers in Europe operate in the gray area of the law, with some growing for personal use or for small-scale distribution without the proper licenses or permits. This can make them vulnerable to prosecution as well as theft and violence from other criminal organizations.
Conclusion
Overall, the Global Cannabis Cultivation Research Consortium (GCCRC) provides valuable information on the size, scope and characteristics of the global cannabis cultivation industry. The study highlights the importance of Europe as a major producer and consumer of cannabis. It also describes the challenges and threats faced by farmers in the region. It also highlights the need for more research and data on the global cannabis market, as well as the need to develop an approach to regulating and governing the industry. As efforts to legalize and decriminalize cannabis continue around the world, it will be important to monitor and understand the changing nature of the cannabis market, as well as the social and economic impacts of these changes.