Cyprus approved medical marijuana in 2017, but then nothing happened for 5 years

In 2017, the government of Cyprus announced that it had passed a cannabis reform law that would allow patients in the later stages of certain medical conditions to use medicinal cannabis as an alternative treatment. Five years later, today, the government has yet to implement this law or any other cannabis reform law. In fact, the country remains highly intolerant of cannabis, and the drug is still considered totally illegal.

Anyone caught in possession of cannabis, whether medical or recreational, risks a fine or jail time. If you have planned a cannabis-infused visit to see the beautiful beaches of Cyprus or to enjoy its pleasant weather conditions, it is best to reconsider. The current reality in Cyprus sees herbal cannabis as wrong and dangerous, despite dozens of studies proving otherwise.

Medicinal cannabis in Cyprus

Medical marijuana is completely illegal in Cyprus, unlike neighboring countries that allow cannabis dispensaries to operate. When the government announced reform in 2017, many were excited that the reform signaled a fresh start, but nothing happened. No cancer patient in the later stages of the disease was treated with cannabis flower, oils, or infused drugs.

In 2019, the government announced a broader Medical Cannabis Act that would legalize the possession, use and sale of medicinal cannabis for a wider range of health conditions. Like the first bill, this one has not been implemented.

The Cyprus Patients’ Association (OSAK) expressed its disappointment with the government. The panel noted that patients still do not have access to much-needed medicines. Not to mention that hundreds of people suffer from this lag every day. OSAK said the government has more than enough time to implement the law. The OSAK organization stated that the difficulties in implementing the law are inexcusable and that people who desperately want medical cannabis to effectively manage their health complications do not have it.

Since it has not been made available to patients, Cyprus’ legalization of the use of medicinal cannabis essentially means nothing, according to OSAK. There is a misunderstanding about who has access to medical cannabis, it said. As a result, the whole situation was lingered in the corridors of the Ministry of Health.

It comes as a shock that the Department of Health is mired in production-related difficulties that have little to do with the needs of thousands of patients, OSAK added, instead of addressing the critical issues surrounding patient access to medical marijuana.

According to OSAK, the question of use should finally be separated from the processes of cultivation and production. The state should guarantee people with major health problems a better quality of life and end their misery.

Passed in 2019, the law regulates the cultivation, manufacture, import and export of pharmaceutical cannabis, as well as its use in pharmaceutical production, medical research and the free prescription of medicinal cannabis to qualified patients. The law stipulated that only three producers would receive licenses in the first 15 years, in order to attract financially stable companies with extensive experience in growing and manufacturing medicinal cannabis from around the world.

It is recalled that Louis Panayi, head of pharmaceutical services, said that patients would be provided with medical cannabis provided they have an official prescription from registered medical personnel. He has stated that the process would allow patients to access high-quality cannabis. He also added that very few people would remain exposed to dubious cannabis products once the legislation is implemented.

OSAK has no choice but to continue to urge the government to implement the approved medical cannabis bills.

Economic Impact of Cannabis Reforms in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the European countries with comparative advantages over other countries due to its climatic conditions ideal for cannabis cultivation. The country has extended sunny periods and fertile soils that can produce high-yielding weed varieties.

The country can generate millions of dollars annually from medicinal cannabis production. And a large part of the profit would go to the state coffers as tax revenue. Panayi also detailed the many benefits that the Cypriot economy could reap from exporting surplus medicinal cannabis to other European countries.

What happens if you get caught with cannabis in Cyprus?

Under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act 1977, recreational cannabis is classified as a Class B drug in Cyprus. This indicates that possession of the drug carries a maximum penalty of 8 years in prison and that use of the drug carries a life sentence. Possession can carry a full 2-year prison sentence if the offender is under 25 years of age. A minor who breaks the law first may receive a warning.

All acts related to cannabis, including sale, possession, cultivation and purchase, are prohibited. Police in the area reportedly have a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana use and do not treat tourists particularly well. According to some reports, local police actually begin searching a person’s belongings and harass anyone they suspect of involvement in criminal activity.

Possession of any type of cannabis, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes, is not recommended in Cyprus – especially when done in public places. Once caught, your information, including fingerprints and a confession, will be taken and logged into the system. In some cases, offenders can be placed on a special 6-month cannabis detox program.

bottom line

Although medicinal cannabis has been legalized in the island nation of Cyprus, it has become apparent that implementation may still be a long way off.

Some reports claim the government is working to secure shipments of cannabis-derived medicines to Cyprus by international companies for easier access by patients. We believe that allowing people to grow their own medicine would be best, considering the perfect weather conditions in the country. Until the law is implemented, the country may continue to be abused by illicit drug trafficking and patients who abuse prescriptions to treat or manage their symptoms.

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