Legal Cannabis in the Czech Republic? New Law on Marijuana Sales Being Prepared
The Czech Republic may soon allow the legal purchase of marijuana under strict conditions. The rules for buying and selling cannabis are expected to be regulated by a forthcoming law. According to Jindřich Vobořil, the national drug policy coordinator, a controlled cannabis market could bring billions in tax revenue to the state. He aims to present a draft of the legislation by the end of the year.
Vobořil stated that even before a regulated market is introduced, Czech producers should be allowed to export their hemp products. On Wednesday, drug policy coordinators from EU member states began discussions in Prague about regulating the cannabis market across the European Union.
“I would like the law to take effect no later than January 2024. That is my goal,” Vobořil said. He is proposing a long-term liberalization of the cannabis market in the Czech Republic, but under strict conditions. Vobořil returned to his role as coordinator in February this year under the Fiala government.
Key Points of the Upcoming Legislation
- The new rules will cover not only sales but also production.
- The law will define the permissible levels of narcotic substances in products.
- Producers will be required to obtain a license.
- Clear guidelines will specify who can receive these products.
- Traders will also need to be licensed.
“It won’t be available in every store. We will definitely discuss the requirement for people to register if they want to buy such products,” Vobořil explained. There will also be limits on the amount of cannabis that can be purchased.
International Coordination and Economic Impact
The Czech Republic is coordinating its preparations with other countries. Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, and Germany are also working on cannabis regulation. Vobořil noted that Germany aims to have a draft law ready by the end of the year.
“I would support Czech companies. There are about a hundred here that grow and make extracts. Czech companies should be able to export, possibly even before we have a regulated market in the Czech Republic… In Germany, it’s a ten-billion-euro market. Czech companies don’t have that yet,” Vobořil said. He insists that exports should be possible as early as next year and plans to discuss support for producers with the Ministry of Agriculture.
According to Vobořil, Israel, which is relatively large, receives about ten billion Czech crowns annually in cannabis taxes from its domestic market alone. “The economic potential in this sense can be significant,” Vobořil believes.
Government and Expert Support
Vobořil thinks the law could gain support, noting that no government members are categorically opposed to the proposal.
“I consulted with experts about the proposed model of a controlled cannabis market and see no problem with it. In this context, the state does not need to spend financial resources on repression and courts,” said Justice Minister Pavel Blažek in a press release.
Vobořil is not concerned about uncontrolled marijuana use or a sharp increase in the number of addicts or other negative effects. He points out that in other countries, for example, crime rates have decreased.