The Czech government is planning changes to cannabis legislation. Cultivating up to three plants for personal use will become legal, as will possessing smaller quantities of cannabis. This liberalization reflects a shift in society’s perception of the drug.
Under the proposed changes, cultivation of up to three cannabis plants for personal use will be permitted without incurring criminal penalties. According to the news channel ČT24, this change will apply only to individuals over the age of 21. Possession of up to 50 grams of dried cannabis at home and 25 grams outside the home will also be allowed. This is outlined in a draft bill submitted to the government by the Ministry of Justice on Monday.
The new threshold between an administrative and a criminal offence will be set at more than five cannabis plants. Individuals who cultivate more than five plants or possess larger quantities of cannabis will face a prison sentence of up to six months. The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that the proposal aims to decriminalize certain acts and liberalize the current legal framework.
The planned legalization reflects a change in societal attitudes toward cannabis use. While possession of five cannabis plants or ten grams of cannabis is currently classified as a criminal offence, the new limit will be raised to 100 grams of dried cannabis flowers or five plants.
Additionally, the Ministry of Justice plans to significantly increase fines for drug offences. Fines will rise from the current CZK 15,000 to up to CZK 50,000. There will also be changes in the area of illegal drug production, with the minimum sentence for more serious cases being reduced from eight to five years.
Further discussions are underway regarding the spread of drug addiction. While incitement to drug abuse is currently a criminal offence for everyone, the new law may limit this to cases involving children.
