Slovenia’s ruling party: Cannabis legalization bill reflects public will - EXCLUSIVE

CE Report Media Outlet presents an exclusive interview with the Freedom Movement, the largest party within Slovenia’s governing coalition, focusing on the proposed bill aimed at legalizing the cultivation and personal use of cannabis in Slovenia.

Which two coalition parties are behind the proposed bill, and what are their main arguments for supporting cannabis decriminalization?

Gibanje Svoboda (Freedom Movement) and Levica (The Left). 51,55% of voters supported cannabis decriminalization at the 2024 consultative referendum; the proposed bill thus follows the people's will. The data also shows that current prohibition does not work, as the youth reports cannabis is easily accessible on the black market, as cannabis is the most sold drug on the black market and every fifth 15-year-old has already tried cannabis. The bill aims to decriminalize adult users while introducing penalties for those who enable access to cannabis by minors.

Does the draft legislation include any specific restrictions or safety regulations for the cultivation of cannabis plants at home (e.g. location, storage, age limits)?

The bill proposes that adult inhabitants (18+) may grow up to 4 plants and store up to 150 grams at their residential address and carry with them up to 7 grams in public. The bill proposes a limitation of 6 plants and 300 grams of cannabis per residential unit/household. Adults must not smoke near adolescents or in public areas that are part of educational institutions. Adults must also prevent adolescents from accessing cannabis.

Is there any proposed framework for monitoring or enforcing the rule that prohibits the sale of home-grown cannabis?

Any sale of cannabis will be penalized as a sale of illicit drugs in accordance with the existing regulation. To prevent the black market, the bill proposes that an adult can hand over up to 7 grams (as they are allowed to have it on person in public) of home-grown cannabis to another adult, free of charge. Any monetary transaction will be persecuted.

Have any public consultations, parliamentary debates, or expert reviews been scheduled as part of the legislative process?

Before the first parliamentary debate, a broad public and expert consultation is scheduled. The bill will be amended accordingly, should the coalition parties agree to the suggestions.

How does the proposed bill compare with cannabis laws in other EU member states, particularly regarding personal cultivation?

The Bill is based on the German and Czech legislation. It only allows personal cultivation at home, not in associations. The proposed allowed stored quantities are higher than in Germany and the Czech Republic, but are open for public debate. A level of THC tolerance in driving will be permitted as well, following the legislation in Norway, the Netherlands, the UK, Portugal and others. The level is set at 3 ng/ml THC in blood.

This interview was prepared by Abdul Karimkhanov