Czech Cabinet Moves To Allow Cannabis Possession And Cultivation
The Czech Republic’s cabinet recently approved a plan that would permit adults in the European nation to cultivate multiple plants in their private residences and possess a personal amount of cannabis.
The plan, which would legalize the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants and set a maximum possession limit of 50 grams of cannabis, was originally introduced by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Justice back in September 2024. The plan does not go far enough according to members of the Czech Pirate Party.
“Instead of legalization and money in the budget, today the government presents pasquil. You can grow cannabis, but you can’t harvest it. To be able to grow three cannabis plants and at the same time have a limit of 50 grams that you can have at home is absurd. It’s like you could raise three hens, but they could lay a maximum of one egg, otherwise you’ll be fined or go to jail,” said former Deputy Prime Minister and former head of the Pirates Ivan Bartoš according to local reporting by Echo24.
Personal cannabis possession without intent to distribute was first decriminalized in the Czech Republic in 2010 and medical cannabis was legalized in 2013. Adult-use cannabis reform in the Czech Republic is part of an increasing trend in Europe where multiple countries have now adopted legalization measures to boost public health strategies.
What is being proposed in Czechia is similar to what was implemented in Germany earlier this year from cultivation plant limit and possession limit standpoints, however, the proposed legal age of 21 years old would differ from what Germany adopted and is similar to what is in place in two dozens states in the U.S.
Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use at a national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The Czech government “believes it will manage to push through the changes by the end of its term in October 2025” per local reporting by TVP World.
According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), nearly 30% of Czech adults have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetimes and 11.1% report having consumed cannabis within the last year. The average rate for once-a-year consumption across Europe is 8% according to EMCDDA data.