First Cannabis Museum Opens in Zagreb, Croatia
The first cannabis museum in Croatia has opened in the center of the capital city, Zagreb. The museum, named 400m2, is located across from the Ministry of the Interior and aims to educate the public about the production and use of cannabis, especially its applications in industry and medicine.
In addition to its educational mission, the museum explores the cultural history of cannabis, from its early use as a source of fiber to modern exhibits on therapeutic and recreational uses of the plant.
Cannabis Laws in Croatia
Currently, Croatia, like other European Union countries, has decriminalized cannabis and allows the production and sale of industrial hemp. However, possession and use of cannabis or extracts with a THC concentration above 0.3% are punishable by fines ranging from $700 to $3,000 and confiscation of the substance. The sale and cultivation of psychoactive cannabis can result in prison sentences of up to three years.
In October 2015, Croatian authorities supported a limited medical reform, allowing residents suffering from severe and chronic illnesses to obtain individual permits to import medical cannabis products from abroad or to grow a small number of plants at home. Such permits are rarely issued, and current laws offer little protection to citizens without these permissions.
In February 2020, the opposition party “Democratic Union of Croatia” introduced a bill for full legalization to the local parliament, but it was quickly dismissed from further consideration.
Future Prospects and European Influence
The museum’s founders hope that its exhibits will spark a public dialogue in Croatia about the need for comprehensive legalization, at least for therapeutic cannabis. The topic of reform may soon become more relevant in Croatia, especially as Germany moves toward legalization. If Germany and Malta (which legalized cannabis earlier in the year) both fully legalize cannabis, the European Parliament may issue directives encouraging reforms in other member states as well.