Cyprus once again discusses cannabis legalization: looking to EU benchmarks

The Cypriot political initiative Volt Cyprus has once again raised the issue of cannabis legalization, proposing that it be considered in terms of public health and regulation rather than criminal punishment. According to representatives of the movement, the current model does not reduce consumption levels but creates an additional burden on the judicial and penitentiary systems.

Examples cited include the experience of other EU countries. In Greece, medical use of cannabis is permitted; Malta has gone further by allowing limited personal use and home cultivation; and Portugal earlier decriminalized the possession of small quantities of drugs, placing emphasis on prevention and addiction treatment.

Volt Cyprus emphasizes that the discussion is not about free circulation, but about a clearly regulated system with age restrictions, quality control, and educational programs. The party believes that such an approach would help reduce the illegal market and redirect resources toward assisting people with addictions. At the same time, there is currently no official position from the Cypriot government regarding changes to the legislation.