Czech cannabis magazine Legalizace found guilty on appeal

Earlier this month, Czech activist and editor-in-chief of the cannabis magazine *Legalizace*, Robert Veverka, was found guilty on appeal of 'inciting and promoting drug addiction,» he revealed in a Facebook post, after being convicted in November 2021.

The following is a free translation of his message:

«The court has confirmed that Legalizace magazine promoted drug addiction through its content.".

With today’s verdict, the Ostrava Regional Court upheld the Bruntál District Court’s ruling that I committed the crime of promoting drug addiction by publishing the magazine *Legalizace*. According to a report by ČTK, the court converted my suspended sentence into a fine of 100,000 CZK (4,281.16 €) for the publisher of Legalizace magazine; however, the fine was increased to 150,000 CZK (6,421.74 €).

As for the exact definition of the act and the justification for the verdict, we are awaiting the written report, and after reviewing it, we will decide together with the attorney whether to pursue the license application. Regardless of that decision, however, the ruling stands.

The future of Legalizace magazine remains uncertain as long as I do not know the exact definition of my illegal conduct—that is, exactly where and by what means I committed the very essence of the crime of promoting drug addiction— the existence of the first cannabis magazine remains in legal limbo.

The fact that I was convicted for publishing information about cannabis is something I continue to view as a systemic flaw in the provision regarding the spread of drug addiction. This is primarily a matter of outdated legislation which, combined with a conservative view of cannabis and its users, perpetuates the narrative that providing information about cannabis or its unauthorized use must be severely punished.

I firmly believe that this will not only help my cause, but also bring about the long-awaited change in drug legislation that is currently being discussed at the highest political and expert levels, and will lead to a definitive end to the senseless war on drugs.

P.S. If you care about the fact that Czech courts are restricting the right to freely disseminate information about cannabis, you can support the cause here: https://osvetanenizlocin.cz/podpora/. Any support is greatly appreciated! »

The Czech Republic Is on Track to Legalize Cannabis

The timing of this lawsuit is quite extraordinary. In fact, the The Czech Republic is set to legalize cannabis, including growing at home.

Two-thirds of the population supports it, and estimates project that it will bring in between 26 and 75 million euros annually to the state coffers. The President of the Czech Republic also supports the legalization of cannabis.

Via CannabisIndustry