Voters Approve Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Measure In Slovenia
(*Editorial note – this article was updated from its original version to reflect updated voting results*)
Support for adult-use cannabis policy modernization continues to gain momentum in Europe, with the latest example occurring on Election Day in Slovenia this weekend with voters in the Central European country approving a personal cannabis cultivation and use referendum measure.
Voters in Slovenia were asked, “Should the Republic of Slovenia allow the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use on its territory?” With a voter turnout of over 41%, and nearly 700,000 votes cast, the referendum measure was approved.
The adult-use referendum measure was one of two measures considered by Slovenia’s voters. A separate measure asked the question, “Should the Republic of Slovenia allow the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes on its territory?” The medical cannabis measure was overwhelmingly approved by Slovenian voters.
Both measures were consultation measures and are not legally binding. However, the voting results of both referendums send a clear and significant message to lawmakers in Slovenia that it is time to modernize the nation’s cannabis policies.
The historic votes in Slovenia come on the heels of other successful recent cannabis policy modernization efforts in other nations. Last month, South Africa’s President signed a measure that legalized private cannabis cultivation, possession, and use by adults.
On April 1st, 2024 the first provisions of Germany’s adult-use cannabis legalization measure went into effect. Adults in Germany can now cultivate up to three plants in their private residences. Social cannabis clubs are expected to launch in July in Germany, and regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are expected to begin by the end of the year.
Cannabis is also currently legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and in two dozen states in the U.S. Additionally, adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are underway in several jurisdictions in the Netherlands and Switzerland.