Legalizing Cannabis in Europe – Which 5 EU Countries Will Legalize Cannabis Next?

Many European countries are slated to hold cannabis legalization hearings before the next decade. Ever since Malta broke the ice, neighboring countries have been willing to follow the same path.

There is a global debate about the pros and cons of federal cannabis laws. In the United States, lawmakers have proposed various types of cannabis reforms to decriminalize the drug; Similar procedures have occurred in Asian, European and South American countries.

Europe and cannabis

Cannabis is not fully decriminalized in European countries. Some countries like the UK, Germany and Spain have varying levels of cannabis reforms that authorize the use of medicinal cannabis by patients suffering from a curated list of critical illnesses. Germany has the best-established medical cannabis market, despite frequent struggles to implement the law to meet ever-growing demand.

The stigma on cannabis plants in Europe cannot be denied. Nonetheless, Europeans’ increasing access to affordable and effective cannabis medicines has helped spread positive information about cannabis and its therapeutic potential among the European population. Much of this information is provided to counter the false claims about cannabis drugs that were circulating in the early 20th century.

The European continent is home to millions of cannabis lovers, which currently represent an enticing target group for international cannabis companies. The European Union has yet to approve cannabis guidelines to authorize the use and sale of recreational cannabis on the continent; This is not uncommon, however, as cannabis legalization is a relatively recent proposition in Europe. All European countries have long histories of criminalizing cannabis offenders and banning the drug itself, going back to the late 1900s when advocates for legalization began to gain support.

Malta’s recent approval of adult-use cannabis will be a driving force for other European countries to step up the pace of their legalization processes. Now everyone is wondering which country would be next? This question cannot be answered directly, as all countries are trying.

The road to legalization in Malta was not easy. It took years of dedication and grueling grassroots practice to achieve this feat. Many experts believe other countries are likely to follow the same path.

Current situation in European countries on canna legislation

Germany

Hopes are high as Germany passed a recreational cannabis law before the end of this current government. The new coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Schuls announced the legalization of recreational cannabis as a priority. The new government plans to regulate the cannabis market across the continent. Given his current position at the forefront of the European medicinal cannabis industry, this may not be as difficult as it should be.

Many experts believe that including cannabis legalization on the new government’s agenda will speed up the process. The government has yet to release a detailed legalization roadmap and has not prepared a proposal. The new government’s ambitious plan will no doubt attract more investors into the established medical cannabis industry in preparation for the recreational industry. Cannabis legislation in Germany would be the biggest turning point and local and international cannabis companies are excited about the proposed cannabis market. The when and how of this process is unknown for the time being.

Italy

For many years, legislators and cannabis advocates in Italy have worked tirelessly to legalize cannabis through legislative measures, but none have been successful. Recently, Italian pro-cannabis groups proposed a measure to decriminalize local cultivation of cannabis and abolish all penalties for cannabis possession. The group wants to achieve this by amending the Narcotics Act. The measure will enter the ballot if the requirements are met, and voters will decide whether or not to decriminalize cannabis this year.

Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of Italy, announced a few weeks ago that the coalition government would not interfere in the ongoing referendum organized by pro-cannabis people. Right-wing parties are threatening to oppose the referendum if it is officially tabled. Some proponents claim that these politicians could politicize the movement and overload discussions to devalue the issue.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg nearly legalized recreational cannabis for personal use last October; However, the government’s legislative arm failed to approve the measure. The proposed measure would have allowed residents to grow cannabis in their homes for personal use, process a certain amount of cannabis and allow cannabis seeds to be sold.

Lawmakers said the delay in approving the bill was due to the ongoing pandemic. As lawmakers prepare to vote on the bill, the Luxembourg government is working to refine and amend some details of the bill. Lawmakers have not announced a final date on whether or not to pass the bill.

Switzerland

Last year Switzerland announced its plan to decriminalize cannabis and allow the production, cultivation, sale and use of the drug. The government made it clear that this legislative process could take a while. A three-year pilot project will start in 2022 to scientifically examine the effects of the cannabis market on Swiss society. Recreational cannabis legislation is unlikely to be passed this year.

Spain, France and Portugal

In Spain, cannabis is decriminalized for cultivation and personal use, but recent attempts to legalize recreational cannabis and the country have failed. On the other hand, France is far from approving recreational cannabis before it can; it needs to make its medical cannabis policy more accessible to residents.

Portugal also has the legalization of medicinal cannabis. It houses a high percentage of the target market for Canadian cannabis companies. There are at least two proposed measures to legalize recreational cannabis; However, the government has yet to approve any.

last words

European governments are approaching the issue of cannabis legalization cautiously and unhurriedly. Many countries will instead legalize cannabis for personal use instead of going down the route of regulating a legal market for adult use. Germany’s willingness to try is commendable and has the greatest potential for success. At the moment, no one can categorically designate the following European country to approve recreational cannabis.

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