Slovenia Considers Legalising Cannabis
Slovenia is poised to take a significant step in European drug policy as the first country in Southeast and Eastern Europe to legalise the private consumption of cannabis under certain conditions.
This political initiative is led by the ruling Left Party and the Movement for Freedom, a social-liberal party. Natasa Sukic, a member of parliament from the Left Party, explained to the assembly that this proposal primarily aims to fulfil the will of the people.
The initiative also seeks to "destigmatise" cannabis use, arguing that cannabis is no more dangerous than legal substances like tobacco and alcohol. This reform was prompted by referendums held last year during the European elections, in which a slim majority of 51.57% of Slovenian voters supported legalising the growing and possession of cannabis for personal use. Additionally, 66.71% voted in favour of legalising cannabis for medicinal purposes.
As a result, Parliament passed a law last June authorising the licensed cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes. A separate bill now addresses private consumption.
What do the Proposed Regulations State?
The proposed regulations state that adults will be allowed to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per person, with a limit of six plants per household. In public spaces, consumers may possess only seven grams of cannabis. However, the permitted storage limit within private households is much more generous: up to 150 grams per person or 300 grams per household may be stored. This is significantly higher than the limits in Germany and Malta, where a maximum of 50 grams is allowed.
It is important to note that smoking cannabis in the presence of minors will be strictly prohibited, and the sale of home-grown cannabis will remain illegal. However, offering small quantities of cannabis to friends for personal use will stay within the legal limits outlined in the regulations.
Legislators are also paying close attention to road safety. Similar to existing regulations for alcohol, clear limits will be introduced for cannabis use among drivers. Drivers who are clearly intoxicated will face heavy fines based on their THC concentration in the blood. If the concentration is up to three nanograms per milligram of blood, a fine of 300 euros will be imposed. For a concentration between three and five nanograms, the fine increases to 600 euros, and anyone exceeding five nanograms will face a fine of 1,200 euros.
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Switzerland: Legalisation Under Public Consultation
Spain Regulates Medical Cannabis in Hospitals
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Liz Filmer
