Since the early 1990s, marijuana legalization has been a hot topic in Poland. In 1991, the country became a signatory of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which requires its members to prohibit the production and supply of cannabis. However, there have been several efforts to liberalize Poland’s cannabis laws since then.
In 1995, the Polish government decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. Then, in 2003, a group of parliamentarians from various political parties proposed a bill that would have fully legalized cannabis. The bill did not pass, but it sparked a national debate on the issue.
In 2011, the Ministry of Health published a report recommending that Poland legalize medical cannabis. The report noted that marijuana had potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. However, the government did not act on the recommendations and medical cannabis remains illegal in Poland.
The most recent attempt to legalize cannabis in Poland was made in 2016 by a group of parliamentarians from several political parties. They proposed a bill that would have created a regulated market for both medical and recreational cannabis. However, the bill was rejected by Parliament in 2017.
The history of marijuana legalization in Poland is thus one of fits and starts. There have been several attempts to liberalize the country’s laws on cannabis, but so far all of them have failed. It remains to be seen whether future efforts will be successful in bringing about change.
Medical Cannabis In Poland
Medical cannabis in Poland is available only to patients who have a prescription from a doctor, and it is usually prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, or chemotherapy-induced nausea. The cannabis used for medical purposes must also be imported, as Poland does not allow the cultivation of medical marijuana.
There are very few dispensaries in Poland, and they are often referred to as pharmacies, as they dispense medical cannabis products alongside other pharmaceuticals. These establishments require patients to present a valid medical prescription to purchase cannabis products.