In the Czech Republic, over a quarter of a million people use cannabis for self-medication. However, only about three per cent of patients obtain their cannabis from pharmacies. The main reason for this is that there are currently neither doctors who prescribe cannabis nor pharmacies that dispense it.
The governing coalition has now agreed to legalise the cultivation of cannabis for personal use. Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) told the Czech news channel ČT24 that the government will explore all options to facilitate access to cannabis – whether through home cultivation, prescriptions, or other methods.
However, patient representatives have expressed concerns about home cultivation. Pavel Kubů, chairman of the Cannabis Treatment Association Kopac, emphasised that home growing does not solve all problems. “Patients with multiple sclerosis might struggle to care for their plants themselves. Legal home cultivation will not resolve all issues,” said Kubů.
At the same time, experts have launched a campaign for the introduction of a regulated cannabis market, which would allow people aged 18 and over to purchase cannabis from specialist shops. The National Economic Council of the Government supports this proposal and estimates that commercial sales of cannabis could contribute up to two billion crowns to state revenue.
