Czech cannabic magazine Legalizace, accused of «promoting drug addiction», finally wins its case

In a landmark ruling, the Czech Constitutional Court has overturned a previous decision against Robert Veverka, a Pirate Party council member and former editor-in-chief of a Czech cannabis magazine Legalizace, accused of «promoting drug abuse.».

The Court ruled that restricting such publications violates the democratic principle of freedom of expression.

Background: The arguments against Legalizace

Robert Veverka and his publication, Legalizace, have been accused of «promoting drug addiction.» Since 2010, the magazine has served as a platform for expert articles on cannabis, fostering public discourse on topics ranging from cultivation practices to drug policy reform.

The Bruntál District Court first convicted Robert Veverka probation and a fine, which the Ostrava Regional Court subsequently increased to a quarter of a million crowns (10,000 euros). The courts argued that the magazine provided instructions on the illegal acquisition and use of cannabis.

Veverka vehemently denied these allegations, calling the ruling a «Bolshevik relic» and a threat to democratic freedoms.

The Constitutional Court's Decision

On December 5, the Constitutional Court overturned the previous rulings, citing the fundamental importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society. Judge Tomáš Langášek stated that in cases involving controversial speech, the preservation of freedom must take precedence, even at the risk of allowing potentially harmful speech. He noted:

«Without open and free debate—even on controversial issues such as substance abuse—democracy cannot function effectively.»

This ruling requires the Court of Appeals to reconsider the case, excluding the articles deemed to be protected by freedom of speech.

The damage is done

These various legal battles ruined Veverka financially, forcing the closure of Legalizace in 2022, after 12 years and 69 issues. His fellow activists and members of the Pirate Party rallied behind him, raising funds and publicly defending his right to publish. Ivan Bartoš, former president of the Pirate Party, said:

«Pirates will always protect free access to information. The courts are criminalizing the sharing of information that is completely harmless to society.»

Despite the financial and emotional toll, Veverka remains determined.

«The goal was to protect freedom of expression and the right to information,» he said, promising to continue advocating for sensible drug policy reforms.

Cannabis activist Lukas Hurt, a partner of Robert Veverka; both are co-editors of Hemp, a magazine focused on medical cannabis, hailed the decision, stating: «This decision is a victory, not only for cannabis, but also for Europe [and] for the freedom of our plant and for democracy itself.»

This decision comes at a time when the Czech Republic is working to reform its drug laws in general and its cannabis laws in particular, having recently decriminalized personal cultivation while waiting for a more comprehensive legalization.