Slovenia and Poland take steps toward cannabis legalization

Cannabis decriminalization across Europe is gaining momentum. The latest countries to join this shift are Slovenia and Poland, following in the footsteps of neighbors like Germany, which passed its cannabis law in April 2024, as well as Malta and the Czech Republic. This progress may have significant economic and social impacts on consumers, as we’ll explore below.

Poland and cannabis

This Central European country is undergoing a major political shift regarding its drug policy. To understand the scope of the change, it’s important to examine Poland’s cannabis legislation to date and the potential impact this new approach could have on Polish citizens. The shift began back in 2017, when Polish doctors were first allowed to prescribe medical cannabis.

Drug addiction prevention law

This is the current legal framework in Poland regarding cannabis, and it’s known as one of the strictest in the EU. Article 62 of the law classifies possession of any quantity of narcotics as a criminal offense, punishable by up to 3 years in prison. However, for minor amounts intended for personal use, the case may be dismissed at the discretion of the judge and prosecutor. The financial burden of enforcing this law is significant, costing the government over 80 million zlotys annually—around 18 million euros.

That’s why, this past July, a cross-party coalition in the Polish parliament proposed removing cannabis possession for personal use from criminal prosecution and reclassifying it as an administrative issue.

The draft law was introduced by Klaudia Jachira from the Civic Coalition (KO) and Ryszard Petru from Poland 2050. While internal debate continues, the fact that this proposal comes from the ruling coalition makes its approval highly likely.

Proposed changes under discussion

The main point of discussion is the amount of cannabis that would be allowed for personal possession. The key proposals are:

• The most progressive proposal, supported by the parliamentary team, would allow individuals to possess up to 15 grams of dried flower and grow one cannabis plant per adult at home using cannabis seeds.
• More moderate coalition members, such as the Polish People’s Party, are proposing lower limits of 3 to 5 grams.

This negotiation has one clear goal: to reach a consensus strong enough to withstand opposition attacks. The outcome of these internal discussions will be crucial to the law’s success.

What would this new regulation mean?

The issue has entered the public discourse in Poland. Recent polls show that over 70% of Polish citizens oppose prison sentences for possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. Decriminalization would also benefit medical cannabis patients, who could grow their own plants and reduce treatment costs.

Although medical cannabis was legalized in 2017, patients still face bureaucratic and financial hurdles. Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe it, and prices can be as high as €15 per gram.

Slovenia: the most progressive medical cannabis law in Europe

In July 2025, the Slovenian National Assembly passed a landmark bill to regulate cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. This ambitious legislation could set a new standard in the European Union by not only legalizing patient access but also establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework—from cultivation to pharmaceutical distribution—alongside quality control and export systems.

Inside Slovenia’s new cannabis law

The law legalizes the cultivation, production, and use of Cannabis sativa L. for medical or scientific purposes, with strict regulatory oversight. Key highlights include:

Open and competitive licensing system

The goal is to ensure stable, affordable, and accessible medical cannabis supply, while reducing black market activity. Key features include:

• The law explicitly rejects state monopoly in favor of a competitive, non-restrictive licensing system.
• Open licensing model: Any individual or private/public company can apply for a license to cultivate, process, or distribute cannabis, provided they meet set requirements.

This model addresses shortcomings in other European countries, like the Netherlands and Italy, where product shortages, high prices, or lack of diversity have fueled illegal markets and frustrated patients.

Fostering competition and innovation

The law aims to fast-track market development and encourage innovation by allowing new players to enter and reducing reliance on imports.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure a stable, high-quality supply of medical cannabis by leveraging market forces as a public health policy tool.

Strict quality control and oversight

All medical cannabis must be grown indoors under controlled conditions, meeting GACP and GMP standards aligned with the European Pharmacopoeia. Oversight will be handled by:

• JAZMP (Medicines Agency): Responsible for quality and technical regulation.
• Ministry of Health: In charge of the legal framework.
• National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ): Will provide prescription data to create a yearly strategic plan that aligns supply with real-world demand.

This predictive model is one of the most advanced aspects of the Slovenian framework, aimed at ensuring long-term market stability.

Medical cannabis by prescription

Perhaps the most significant change is the shift in clinical empowerment. The new law allows doctors to prescribe cannabis for any condition they deem appropriate—not just for a pre-approved list of ailments.

Patients will also receive a “cannabis card” to present at pharmacies as legal proof of possession.

A major legislative breakthrough

This legal overhaul represents a significant step forward compared to the previous regulatory environment. Here’s a breakdown of the major differences:

Both Slovenia and Poland are moving toward cannabis legalization and decriminalization. While there’s still work to be done—especially in Poland—these reforms signal a broader shift in European cannabis policy.