Slovenia to Hold Referendum on Cannabis Laws.
Slovenian citizens will get the opportunity to vote soon on two referendum measures looking to change the national cannabis policies.
Although the measures are not legally binding, their endorsement could greatly influence future legislative efforts and bolster the growing acceleration of Slovenian cannabis reform.
What are the proposed measures?
The first measure of the referendum is regarding modernising Slovenia’s medicinal cannabis policies.
Slovenia does allow limited trade and use of medical cannabis however domestic production is still outlawed.
Patient supporters argue that extending the national medical cannabis schedule is critical to secure safe access, advance product variety, enhance research policies and develop the list of eligible disorders.
This reform could place Slovenia more approvingly in the context of international advancements in medical cannabis providing patients with more extensive care opportunities whilst also supporting cannabis research in the country.
The second referendum action surrounds limited cannabis cultivation, possession and limited personal use by adults.
This proposition is influenced by the precedents set by Germany, Malta, and Luxembourg, where cultivation, possession and personal use are already legal.
If the referendum questions are successful, there is still no guarantee that the Slovenian government will assume the suggested actions.
The powerful support for the referendum measures could however place considerable political strain on Slovenian lawmakers to meet the wants of the public.
What are the Current Cannabis Laws in Slovenia?
Recreational cannabis is currently prohibited in Slovenia. Medical cannabis is only permitted under limited conditions and in pharmaceutical forms. Hemp production is permittedunder the same conditions as other European Union member countries.
People caught in possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use are subject to fines. Leniency is shown however to those who agree to attend rehabilitation programmes.
Those charged with the production or distribution of cannabis however face lengthy prison sentences. Data shows that there are over 200,000 cannabis users in Slovenia out of a population of approximately 2.2 million.
There are also roughly 2,000 cannabis-related criminal offences committed in Slovenia every year. If voters approve the referendum measures, Slovenia could see a major change in its cannabis policies.
this includes an increase in domestic production of medicinal cannabis, greater access for patients to a wider variety of cannabis products and better research opportunities.
Allowing for personal cultivation and possession would bring Slovenia in with other European nations who have already made massive strides in cannabis policy reform and helped to reduce the stigma linked to cannabis.
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