Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, has been legal in the Czech Republic since April 1, 2013, following the approval of an amendment by the Health Ministry. This change in the law permitted patients with specific health conditions to access this treatment option under a physician’s prescription. The conditions for which medical cannabis can be prescribed in the Czech Republic include multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS and those that cause chronic pain. It is also used for patients with Parkinson’s disease, psoriasis, and for those suffering from various mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite being legal, the use of medical cannabis in the Czech Republic has faced several challenges. Firstly, the production and distribution of medical cannabis were initially slow, causing supply shortages. Secondly, the high cost of medical cannabis also became a point of concern. The medicine was not covered by health insurance, making it unaffordable for many patients. In 2020, the Czech Republic made significant progress in making medical cannabis more accessible and affordable. The country passed a bill that requires public health insurance to cover 90% of the cost of prescribed cannabis, up to 30 grams per month. Domestic production of medical cannabis has also been encouraged to ensure a stable supply. In 2021, the State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) announced that domestic companies Elkoplast Slušovice and Czech Medical Herbs won the tender for the production of medical cannabis. This move is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imported cannabis, which was primarily sourced from the Netherlands. Education about medical cannabis use is also being conducted, with physicians being trained on how to recommend it to patients. The Czech Republic is also home to the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), which conducts research on medical cannabis. In conclusion, while the use of medical cannabis in the Czech Republic had its initial challenges, recent developments indicate a significant move towards making it a more accessible and affordable treatment option for patients. The government’s commitment to domestic production and research will potentially bring innovation and growth in the field of medical cannabis in the future.

Cannabis is medically legal in the Czech Republic since 2013¹. The country has progressive views on cannabis and first decriminalized small possession amounts back in the 1990s. This code was updated in 2009, and possession of 15 grams of cannabis, five grams of cannabis resin, and five plants is subject to a minor fine¹. However, the production and sale of cannabis are still illegal and punishable by law²³⁴.

²: Wikipedia ¹: The Cannigma ³: Czech Smokers ⁴: Sensi Seeds

Learn more:

1. cannigma.com2. czechsmokers.com3. en.wikipedia.org4. sensiseeds.com