Slovenian voters approve (non-binding) referendum to legalize cannabis

Will Slovenia legalize cannabis? In any case, its voters have expressed themselves in this direction in a referendum on cannabis cultivation and possession for medical purposes and limited personal use.

Public approval of cannabis measures

Slovenian voters expressed their support for cannabis-related reforms via two separate questions in Sunday's elections. These measures were placed on the ballot by the Slovenian National Assembly in April.

The first measure asked whether the Republic of Slovenia should authorize the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes. This measure received overwhelming support and was passed by a margin of 67% to 33%. The second measure, on whether Slovenia should allow the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use, was approved by a narrower margin of 52% to 48%.

Although the sale and use of medical cannabis is already legal in Slovenia, cultivation remains prohibited. The recent vote is «only» consultative and not legally binding. Legislators are therefore under no obligation to act on it. However, stakeholders hope that it will have a significant influence on future legislation. In any case, the overwhelming public support for these measures suggests a shift in public opinion, and could pave the way for legislative changes that align with voters' preferences.

European trend

Slovenia's recent vote is part of a wider trend of cannabis reform in Europe. For example, the‘Germany has recently begun to implement a law on the legalization of cannabis.

In neighboring Italy, efforts to reform cannabis and psychedelic policy were thwarted in 2022 by the country's highest court. However, the, growing support in favor of a more targeted measure on cannabis, which would authorize the home cultivation of four plants, the creation of Cannabis Clubs and the abolition of penalties for consumers.

Malta also made headlines when it became the first European country to legalize cannabis, its president having signed a plan for reform in 2021. This historic decision has set a precedent for other countries in the region, which are considering similar reforms, notably around Cannabis Clubs.