Poland: Ministry of Health in Favor of Decriminalizing Possession of 25 grams of Cannabis and Cultivation of 3 Cannabis Plants

The debate on legalizing cannabis has been going on in Poland for many years. For many, it is a matter of personal freedom and social justice, for others, a potential threat to public health and social morality.

The fight to change the law has been going on for years, and every step forward seems to be paid for by long and difficult negotiations. But are we closer to legalization than ever before? Here is what we know about the current situation and the forecast for the future.

Strict Regulations and the Birth of the Legalization Movement

Poland has long been one of the countries with the strictest drug laws in Europe. Possession of any amount of cannabis, even for personal use, was treated as a serious crime, often ending in arrest and prison time. Thousands of young people lost their futures because of a few grams of dried cannabis found during a random check.

As other countries, such as the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, and the Czech Republic, began to introduce more liberal cannabis laws, Poland started to raise its voices against the existing regulations. Initially, these were individual initiatives, social organizations, and activist groups demanding changes to the law. However, the breakthrough came with the introduction of medical cannabis, which opened the door to further debates on its legalization on a wider scale.

Progress in legalization: Jakub Gajewski and the Wolne Konopie association

The Wolne Konopie Association has been one of the most recognizable movements for the legalization of cannabis in Poland for many years. Jakub Gajewski, vice president of the association, recently reported on the current state of affairs. Cooperation with politicians of the Left has led to the preparation of a draft law that assumes the decriminalization of possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of up to 4 cannabis plants.

In June 2024, an important meeting took place with a representative of the Ministry of Health, who stated that the Ministry of Health was ready to support the project of decriminalizing possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of 4 cannabis plants. “This is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go,” noted Gajewski. For many, however, it was a light at the end of the tunnel, giving hope for real change.

However, these successes did not come without problems. In July, an internal meeting was held, where activists discussed further steps. On the one hand, they gained the support of Deputy Minister of Agriculture Michał Kołodziejczak, which was a significant strengthening of their position. On the other hand, they were aware that many difficulties still lay ahead.

Currently, submitting a bill does not make sense, because Andrzej Duda will veto it. However, we see a chance for decriminalization in the second half of the term, provided that Poles elect a president who is not associated with Law and Justice. In this matter, we are to meet with the potential presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski to discuss sentences that qualify for pardons. In August, the Ministry of Health agreed to decriminalize possession of 25 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of three cannabis bushes, which is positive news for us and shows the political will to implement changes.

Przemysław Zawadzki: The minimum option and broader plans

However, the efforts to legalize are not only being carried out by Wolne Konopie. Przemysław Zawadzki has been equally active in fighting for a change in the law for many years. His bill submitted on April 20, 2024, which assumes the decriminalization of the cultivation of one bush and possession of 15 grams of cannabis, was widely discussed. “Many of you said that the bill I submitted to the Sejm assumes too small quantities,” admits Zawadzki. “And although I believe that voting on such a bill by the current parliament would be a huge success, it is a minimum option and not the only one.”

Przemysław Zawadzki, however, points to a parallel project that involves growing three bushes and possessing 25 grams of cannabis, which is gaining increasing support, including from the Ministry of Health. He claims that analyses are ongoing by the legal department of the Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Justice. This shows that change is possible, although it requires patience and determination.

However, Zawadzki notes that the problem is not only President Andrzej Duda, who has announced a veto against such a bill. “Is Duda the problem? Yes, but we only need to wait 9 months to give room for the changes we are waiting for to come,” says Zawadzki. “For me, however, the bigger problem is still the conservative parliament. Here, unfortunately, it is possible that we will have to wait longer than 9 months.”

Politics and Society: Changing Moods

From a political perspective, legalizing cannabis in Poland seems to be a more complicated issue than one might think. Current President Andrzej Duda is staunchly opposed to such changes, which means that even if the bill passes parliament, a presidential veto could stall the entire initiative for years.

On the other hand, the 2025 presidential election could bring new dynamics to this debate. Many people, including representatives of Wolne Konopi, have their hopes pinned on potential presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski, who seems more open to liberalizing cannabis laws.

However, legalizing cannabis is not only a matter of politics, but also of social sentiment. As numerous studies show, Poles are increasingly open to the idea of ​​legalizing cannabis. The latest CBOS poll conducted in 2024 indicates that 74.3% of Poles support the legalization of cannabis for adults. Many of them see it not only as a medicinal product, but also as a way to increase personal freedom and reduce repression against users. “To what extent does the Sejm represent Poles, who, as the studies we commissioned show, are ready for changes in this area?” asks Zawadzki rhetorically.

Economic Perspective: Benefits of Legalization

Beyond the legal and social issues, legalizing cannabis also has a potentially huge economic impact. Creating a legal cannabis market in Poland could bring significant economic benefits, including new jobs, increased tax revenues, and the development of a new industrial sector.

This is a huge opportunity for our economy. Legalization will not only create new jobs, but it can also introduce significant tax revenues to the budget. In countries that have decided to legalize cannabis, such as Canada or some US states, there is a significant increase in state budget revenues and the development of the private sector associated with the cultivation, distribution and sale of cannabis.

The future of cannabis in Poland: What’s Next?

The future of cannabis legalization in Poland is still uncertain, but activists and advocates of changing the law do not intend to give up. The Wolne Konopie Association and other organizations are planning further actions aimed at putting pressure on politicians and building a broad social coalition.

“In September, we want to meet with non-governmental organizations to build an even broader coalition of pressure,” Gajewski announced . Further meetings with politicians, consultations with industry representatives and educational activities aimed at the public are also planned.

Ultimately, however, success depends on many factors. The outcome of the presidential election in 2025 may determine the future of cannabis legalization in Poland. If a candidate who favors liberalization wins, the path to legalization may open up. If not, work on the bill may stall for years.

The fight continues and hopes grow

The debate on legalizing cannabis in Poland has been going on for years, and each step forward is the result of long and difficult negotiations. Despite many obstacles, activists and advocates for changing the law do not lose hope. As Przemysław Zawadzki emphasizes: “Legalization here. Legalization now.” His words reflect not only the desire for change, but also the growing frustration with the lack of progress.

One thing is certain – the fight to legalize cannabis in Poland is still ongoing, and its outcome will depend on many factors, including the outcome of the upcoming presidential election and parliamentary politics. Poland may be closer to legalization than ever before, but the road to get there remains bumpy and full of obstacles. For many, however, this is a fight for more than just legalization – it is a fight for freedom, dignity, and justice in a country still grappling with its past and searching for a new path for the future.

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(Featured image by Kamil Gliwiński via Unsplash)

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First published in FaktyKonopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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