After a vote in Slovakia, CBD is no longer a narcotic in Europe

Starting May 1, the cannabidiol will no longer be classified as a Category II narcotic in Slovakia. This decision marks an important milestone for the continent: none of the 27 European Union member states now classifies CBD as a narcotic. This is the result of an amendment proposed by the conservative Slovak government, which was passed last week in this Central European country.

The Slovak Republic was well behind the times. In 2011, it classified CBD as a narcotic and psychotropic substance, in response to Approval of Sativex, a medication with an equal THC-to-CBD ratio, in Europe. Since then, Bratislava has changed course. In 2018, an initial amendment to remove CBD from the list of controlled substances was drafted. But it remained stalled in the Parliament’s Finance Committee until last week’s vote.

Specifically, CBD-based cosmetics will now be allowed to be sold outside of pharmacies, as CBD flowers and oils are already on the market. «The Slovakia is the last country in the European Union where cannabidiol is listed as a narcotic or psychotropic substance, as the Slovak Minister of Health noted in a December press release. We propose removing CBD from the list. This is good news for citizens. Cannabidiol has no psychoactive effects and is not addictive. This is in no way an effort to decriminalize cannabis.. »

Compliance with European Union law and WHO guidelines

This decision had been in the works since 2019. It was originally scheduled to take effect in early 2020, then on March 1, 2021. It will ultimately take effect on May 1. The government’s amendment aims to bring the country into compliance with the «Kanavape» ruling», a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that authorizes CBD on the continent. It is also in line with the World Health Organization, which considers the substance to be safe.

Five million Slovaks will therefore be able to legally access cannabidiol-based products. «It was worth fighting for and explaining! No one opposed the amendment,», "I am delighted," said Jana Bittó Cigániková, a member of the Liberal Party and part of the majority in the Slovak Parliament.

The young people of this country are also looking forward to the upcoming legalization. «Slovakia has survived! CBD is no longer a drug.», as the media outlet Startitup notes sarcastically.