Police in Cyprus have confiscated more than 1,450 cannabis-based products, including jellies and cookies containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), weighing a total of 29 kilogrammes in the past year.

The seizures took place throughout 2024 and into January 2025, as authorities targeted commercial stores selling these substances illegally.

Deputy commander at the national cannabis control authority, Christos Andreou, revealed the figures to the Cyprus news agency (CNA) on Wednesday. He stressed that consuming such products orally poses significant health risks and can be life-threatening.

Authorities have reported multiple hospitalisations linked to these products. Andreou explained that some individuals who consumed THC-infused lozenges required urgent medical care after experiencing severe symptoms.

He warned that minors are also at risk of exposure to these substances, urging the public to be aware of the dangers.

“Even a single use can lead to hospitalisation,” he said, highlighting symptoms such as extreme drowsiness and a drop in consciousness levels.

Throughout 2024, police carried out several investigations, identifying 2,142 illegal cannabis-based products. Of these, around 1,800 contained either cannabidiol (CBD) or THC. In the first month of 2025 alone, authorities uncovered 673 more illicit preparations.

Law enforcement agencies conducted dozens of searches in shops across Cyprus. Criminal charges were brought against store owners found selling these products. In January, police carried out five store searches, leading to at least one court case.

Andreou clarified that not all cannabis-related products are against the law. The legality depends on their ingredients.

CBD-based products are classified as pharmaceuticals, meaning they require marketing authorisation before being sold. The sale of these items without the proper permits is strictly prohibited.

However, he stated that all THC-containing products remain illegal in Cyprus. The ongoing crackdown is being carried out in coordination with the pharmaceutical services and the intellectual property theft crimes branch of the electronic crimes unit at police headquarters.

The past year saw a sharp increase in drug-related seizures across Cyprus. Authorities confiscated 617 kilogrammes of cannabis, 54 kilogrammes of cocaine, and 696 Ecstasy tablets in 2024.

For the first time, police also intercepted 34 kilogrammes of khat, a plant-based drug containing the stimulant kathine. This marked the first recorded seizure of khat in Cyprus.

Authorities say they remain on high alert, determined to tackle the sale and distribution of illegal substances to protect public health and safety.