Czech Republic to introduce plans to legalize cannabis by 2023

«This is an issue that transcends the left-right divide. I have solid arguments; we’re not taking any risks—on the contrary, we’ll minimize them. I hope to see a consensus across the entire House, rather than passing it by a majority of 101 votes,» the coordinator explained.

According to him, a significant portion of the ODS, of which he is a member, supports the issue. Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) is in favor of opening the debate, and his party colleague, Justice Minister Pavel Blažek, has even publicly backed the proposal.

«I have consulted with experts on the proposed model for a regulated cannabis market, and I see no problem with it. In this context, there is no need for the government to devote financial resources to law enforcement and the courts. We need to focus on more serious criminal activities,» Blažek said.

And even though the broad outlines of the bill have already been shared—controlled sales in specialty stores, legalization of cannabis use, and authorization of personal cultivation—Jindřich Vobořil wants to build consensus before determining whether the proposal will be submitted by the government or by members of parliament.