Volt Cyprus Proposes Comprehensive Cannabis Legalization Reform

The small Cypriot political party Volt has just reopened a national debate on the legalization of cannabis. The party has presented a specific, structured proposal. Its goal is to bring Cyprus’s legal system into line with the growing number of European countries that have already liberalized their laws.

Many EU countries, such as Germany, Malta, the Czech Republic, and Portugal, are already reforming their drug policies. Volt’s proposal is based on four key pillars. The party calls this reform modern and responsible, emphasizing that it is based on science, not ideology.

Harsh laws burden the courts and feed the black market

Volt is highlighting a serious problem. “Cyprus currently has some of the strictest laws in the EU,” the statement reads. The current criminalization of possession of even small amounts of cannabis creates numerous problems.

First, it burdens the judicial system. Second, it unnecessarily stigmatizes young people. Third, it fuels and sustains the black market.

The party argues that regulation, not repression , is the right path. It can strengthen social cohesion and better protect public health. It will also bring real economic benefits.

Panos Loizou Parras, co-chair of the party, explained the main goal: not just legalization, but the launch of a broad public consultation.

“We can control consumption, quantity, quality, but also the supply chain,” Parras said. He emphasized that today this chain is “in the hands of organized crime and completely uncontrolled.”

The four pillars of the Volt proposal

The reform plan is based on four interconnected pillars. Together, they aim to create a coherent and sustainable system.

Society and Health
Volt calls for the destigmatization of medical cannabis . It also advocates for its full integration into the general healthcare system (GESY). A shift in the approach to addiction—from a criminal to a medical one—is crucial.

The plan calls for strict quality controls on health-related products. Addictions should be handled by healthcare providers, not the police.

Economy and Development
According to Volt, legalization will create hundreds of new jobs and attract much-needed investment in the agricultural, research, and cannabis tourism sectors.

The party estimates potential tax revenues at tens of millions of euros annually . The medical and pharmaceutical sectors could expand exports. This would help Cyprus diversify its economy.

Environment
The proposal strongly emphasizes the potential of industrial hemp . It describes it as a sustainable alternative. It can be used to produce textiles, paper, and biofuels.

Importantly, hemp cultivation helps sequester CO₂ (i.e., absorbs carbon dioxide). It also contributes to soil regeneration. These efforts are consistent with the goals of the EU’s Green Transition.

Justice and Youth
The fourth pillar focuses on justice. Volt wants to reduce criminal penalties for minor cannabis-related offenses.

Education and prevention, not punishment, should be prioritized. Police and court resources should be reallocated. Instead of pursuing small-scale users, they should focus on organized crime.

“We must cut off all contact with organized crime,” Parras said. He added that regulation would provide control and security, similar to what is done with alcohol and tobacco.

Is Cyprus lagging behind Europe?

Cyprus is currently one of only six EU countries that have not relaxed their laws. The country has neither partially nor fully decriminalized cannabis for recreational use. However, it is worth noting that medical use has been legal since 2019.

Volt believes Cyprus is “lagging behind” the European trend. Parras emphasized that legalization would not only help patients (e.g., those suffering from chronic pain). It would also weaken organized crime and create new economic opportunities.

What’s next? Time for a national debate

The Volt party’s initiative is currently in the consultation phase, but it has already stimulated debate among political and healthcare institutions.

The party invites citizens, organizations, and politicians to participate in the discussion. The goal is to collaboratively design a legal framework “that will protect citizens, reduce crime, support public health, and promote development.”

As Volt concludes, it is time for realistic regulations and effective control of the black market.

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(Featured image by Deepal Tamang 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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