European Parliament Backs Legalization of Medical Cannabis in EU Member States

At the beginning of the year, the World Health Organization released a report recommending that countries consider legalizing medical cannabis, in light of a possible upcoming review of international conventions regarding the legal status of cannabis. Now, similar recommendations have been officially issued by the European Parliament, which is encouraging EU member states to support potential projects for the legalization, production, and distribution of medical cannabis.

Late last week, the European Parliament formally adopted a resolution urging European countries to legalize medical cannabis and increase investment in research on the plant’s properties. While the resolution is only advisory in nature, it is significant that the European Union has become the second major international organization, after the WHO, to openly support the possibility of legalizing and regulating cannabis in the future.

Focus on Medical Use and Research

It is important to note that the European Parliament’s resolution refers exclusively to the legalization of medical cannabis and its use in laboratory research. The resolution does not address the legalization of recreational cannabis or the decriminalization of personal use. However, it is worth mentioning that many EU countries have already abolished criminal and administrative penalties for personal cultivation and consumption of cannabis.

Global Context and Future Prospects

Of course, it should also be remembered that most countries around the world are likely to ignore such high-profile calls from international organizations. Just a few years ago, Canada and Uruguay fully legalized cannabis despite protests and complaints from the United Nations. In other words, the process of medical reform in the region is likely to continue at its current pace, potentially attracting interest in legalization from countries outside the EU as well.