Czech Republic: decriminalization of cannabis has had no effect on the age of first use

According to a recent study published by’International Journal of Drug Policy, Based on 2012 figures, the decriminalization of cannabis in the Czech Republic has had no effect on the average age of first cannabis use, either upwards or downwards.

In 2010, the Czech Republic decriminalized possession of small quantities of cannabis and other drugs. The country's drug policy is also interesting. As early as 1990, possession of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances was decriminalized, a situation that lasted until 1998. The development of the local drug scene has refocused the debate on populist and moral proposals, calling for stricter regulations and repressive solutions.

In 1999, the country re-penalized drug possession, for quantities «greater than small» (sic). No real criteria for quantities were written into the law, leaving this to judicial interpretation. Visit studies conducted between 1999 and 2001 showed that this re-penalization had had none of the expected effects, had no health benefits for society and was costing the country dearly. As a result, cannabis was decriminalized once again in 2010, with a limit of less than 5g on the person, and with possession of cannabis separated from that of other drugs.

According to the new study, decriminalization of cannabis had no effect on the average age of first use. Opponents of decriminalization often put forward the argument that decriminalization would increase youth consumption and lower the age of first use, while pro-reform campaigners explain more that decriminalization would lower the age of first use among young people.

In the Czech Republic, decriminalization has apparently made the product neither more nor less attractive.