The European Parliament’s vote to legalize medical cannabis is a significant step forward for cannabis reform in Europe. The resolution calls on the European Commission to develop a common framework for the regulation of medical cannabis across the EU, which would help to create a more uniform and consistent regulatory landscape for medical cannabis across the continent.

The vote is also a reflection of the growing public support for medical cannabis in Europe. A recent survey found that 61% of Europeans support the legalization of medical cannabis, and this number is likely to continue to grow as more research is conducted into the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

The legalization of medical cannabis could have a number of benefits for patients in Europe. It would provide them with access to a safe and effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. It would also help to reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use, which could make it easier for patients to seek treatment.

The European Commission is now expected to develop a common framework for the regulation of medical cannabis across the EU. This is a complex task, and it is likely to take some time to complete. However, the vote by the European Parliament is a clear signal that the legalization of medical cannabis is a priority for the EU.

The legalization of medical cannabis would be a major victory for the cannabis reform movement in Europe. It would also be a positive step for patients in Europe, who would finally have access to a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of medical conditions.

What are some of the challenges to legalizing medical cannabis in Europe?

Legalizing medical cannabis in Europe faces several challenges:

1. Legal Framework: The legality of regulating cannabis under public international and EU law has been called into question¹. The German government’s plans to regulate the supply of cannabis for recreational use, for instance, have faced resistance from conservative parties and critical voices in the legal literature¹.
2. Diverse Cannabis Products: The increasing diversity of cannabis products, including extracts and edibles (high-THC content) and CBD products (low-THC content), complicates the policy landscape².
3. International Drug Control Regime: The international drug control regime, which considers drugs dangerous and fraught with social and economic danger to mankind, poses a challenge¹.
4. Public Health Concerns: Critics argue that legalization could lead to more crime, addiction, and health risks³.
5. Lack of Support: No national government in Europe currently supports the legalization of cannabis sale for recreational use, and all countries have prison sentences for illegal supply⁴.

These challenges highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for careful consideration and regulation. Despite these challenges, some countries in the EU are questioning or openly challenging the prohibitionist paradigm that has so far dominated international drug control law¹.

Learn more:

1. eucrim.eu2. emcdda.europa.eu3. cnbc.com4. emcdda.europa.eu5. emcdda.europa.eu6. doi.org— see less

What is the current status of medical cannabis in Europe?

The current status of medical cannabis in Europe is as follows:

• Cannabis remains the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe¹.
• Approximately 8% of European adults (22.6 million aged 15 to 64) are estimated to have used cannabis in the last year¹.
• Around 1.3% of adults in the European Union (3.7 million people) are estimated to be daily or almost daily users of cannabis¹.
• Cannabis is responsible for almost a third of all drug treatment admissions in Europe¹.
• The quantities of cannabis resin and herbal cannabis seized in 2021 reached their highest level in a decade¹.
• While all EU Member States treat possession of cannabis for personal use as an offence, over one third do not allow prison as a penalty for minor offences².
• The majority of European countries have legalized medical marijuana in recent years, although access remains inconsistent across the continent³.
• A growing number of countries have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis³.
• To date, there is no approved medical marijuana drug in Europe that contains the plant in its natural form. However, there are some approved medications that contain synthetic derivatives of cannabis or isolated components of the plant⁴.
• Approximately 342,000 patients legally use medical cannabis treatment across the continent⁵.

This information provides a snapshot of the current situation, but it’s important to note that the landscape is continually evolving. The European Commission is expected to develop a common framework for the regulation of medical cannabis across the EU, which could lead to changes in the future.

Learn more:

1. emcdda.europa.eu2. emcdda.europa.eu3. cannigma.com4. cannactiva.com5. cannabishealthnews.co.uk