EMCDDA webinar. Cannabis regulation in Europe: country experiences

This webinar took place on 13 September 2023.
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Objective: To explore current developments in cannabis regulation in selected European countries. 

Background: In 2023, cannabis is still the most widely used illicit drug in Europe and the substance associated with the most drug law offences in the region. As seen in a new report, Cannabis laws in Europe: questions and answers for policymaking, some EU Member States have started to change their policy approach to recreational cannabis use:

• Malta legislated for home cultivation and private use in December 2021, as well as for non-profit communal cannabis growing clubs, for recreational purposes. 
• Germany is planning to permit home cultivation and private use and non-profit cannabis growing clubs, as well as a system of sales to be developed later. 
• The Netherlands is piloting a model for a closed cannabis supply chain for cannabis coffee-shops. 
• Luxembourg has a new law allowing home cultivation and private use, in force since 21 July 2023.
• Czechia has also announced plans for a regulated and taxed supply system. 
• Switzerland (non-EU) is authorising pilot projects with sales points or other distribution systems for specific residents within certain cities. This started with Basel in January 2023.

In this webinar, we will explore the journey of Malta, Germany and the Netherlands in regulating cannabis at national level.

In conversation with:

1. Leonid McKay, Executive Chairperson, Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), Malta.
2. Esther Neumeier, Head, Drug monitoring and policy/Reitox national focal point, Germany.
3. Margriet van Laar, Head, Drug monitoring and policy/Reitox national focal point, The Netherlands.

Chairperson: Liesbeth Vandam, EMCDDA

Opening and closing remarks: Alexis Goosdeel, EMCDDA Director

Format: EMCDDA opening remarks, panellists’ questions, guided discussion, Q&A.

Participants will respond to the following questions:

1. Two years into the implementation of your new regulation in Malta: can we already learn some lessons?
2. Germany is preparing to regulate recreational cannabis: what does it mean for one of the largest EU countries to prepare for such a change? What are the possible future scenarios and the implications for policy, practice and research?
3. The Netherlands’ cannabis policy pioneered different forms of regulation: can you provide an historical overview and share current challenges?

Length: 1.5 hours

Participants: The webinar is open to all upon registration, after which the person will receive a link to connect.

Date: Wednesday 13 September 2023, 12.00–13.30 Lisbon time (WET) / 13.00–14.30 Brussels time (CET).

Platform: Zoom