CBD continues its steady progress in Europe. Indeed, following many other countries on the continent, the Slovak Republic officially removed Cannabidiol (CBD) from its list of narcotics on May 1, 2021. This represents a victory, both for patients who need it and for those who support the legalization of cannabidiol in Slovakia. It should be noted that this removal from the narcotics list did not come out of nowhere. The process was lengthy. Summary The European Union Says YES to CBD!Slovakia is on the same page as the EU and the WHO They can rejoice…The European Union Says YES to CBD!
Indeed, at the time of writing, none of the 27 countries of the European Union consider CBD a narcotic. Slovakia remained one of the few lagging behind. In fact, in 2011, this country classified Cannabidiol (CBD) as a narcotic and psychotropic substance. This decision followed the one authorizing the marketing of Sativex in Europe. For those unfamiliar, this is a medication developed by GW Pharmaceuticals, a British pharmaceutical company. It is an oral spray containing both CBD and THC. Initially, it was marketed to relieve spasticity (muscle spasms) in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, its use is expanding to other conditions. As such, it is available by prescription in several countries.
CBD is now legal in Slovakia.
This country is no longer the last in the EU to prohibit its use, as the Slovak Minister of Health emphasized in a statement. “Slovakia is the last country in the European Union where cannabidiol is on the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances. We propose removing CBD from the list. This is good news for citizens. Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects and is not addictive. This is in no way about decriminalizing cannabis.”Slovakia is on the same page as the EU and the WHO.
Indeed, we still remember the Kanavpe case. The CJEU, the Court of Justice of the European Union, ruled that EU member states cannot prohibit the marketing of CBD legally produced by another member state. This is especially true when CBD comes from the entire Cannabis sativa plant, and not just its fiber and seeds. This position clearly showed that the CJEU does not consider cannabidiol to be a narcotic. So, by maintaining this prohibition, Slovakia was, to some extent, going against EU law. Clearly, this removal from the list of narcotics is only fair for CBD!
Following this trend, the WHO had also already stated its position on cannabidiol. In fact, the highest authority in the field of global health reiterated that CBD has a good safety profile. In other words, cannabidiol does not pose a health risk to consumers. This made the classification of CBD as a narcotic incomprehensible to some Slovaks. They can rejoice… As expected, there is cause for celebration. Knowing that CBD is legal in Slovakia
This means a great deal to many Slovak citizens. In fact, five million Slovaks can legally access cannabidiol products without fear of legal repercussions. Jana Bittó Cigániková, a member of the Liberal Party and part of the majority in the Slovak Parliament, expressed her delight.
“It was worth fighting and explaining! No one opposed the amendment,” she told Startitup. She added, “Slovakia has survived! CBD is no longer a drug.” References: https://www.newsweed.fr/vote-slovaquie-cbd-nest-plus-stupefiant-europe/
https://professeur-cbd.com/mot/europe#1540
