Slovakia wants to declassify CBD from the list of psychotropic substances

Slovakia announced yesterday that the List of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances will be amended nationwide, including, in particular, the elimination of the cannabidiol (CBD) on this list. Two new psychoactive substances, 3-CMC and 4-CMC, will now be included in the first group of psychotropic substances. According to statements from the Ministry of the Interior, ten other psychoactive substances are also expected to be reclassified and included in the list of psychotropic substances in the first group, although we do not yet know which ones.

This decision to remove cannabidiol from the list of psychotropic substances was justified by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) amendment, which classifies it as harmless and non-addictive. The WHO director had in fact recommended last January the non-scheduling of the cannabidiol molecule, an essential component of cannabis; the removal of cannabis from Schedule IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs; and the inclusion of cannabinoid-based preparations in Schedule III. Furthermore, this substance does not appear on any United Nations list or in any United Nations conventions.

In particular, this development should make it possible in the coming months to simplify international law governing the production and distribution of cannabis-derived health products. With this change in classification, cannabis remains a narcotic, but the conditions for its medical use will be somewhat eased.

According to lawmakers, the bill will help strengthen social protection and prevent addiction to narcotics and psychotropic substances. It will also help regulate the black market and exercise greater control over criminal activities related to drug trafficking. The Slovak law will take effect on January 1, 2020.