Slovenia’s National Assembly Approves Historic Medical Cannabis Measure

Nearly three months after Slovenia’s Parliament introduced a medical cannabis policy modernization measure, the European nation’s National Assembly voted to officially approve the measure.

Out of the 90 members of the legislative body, 81 lawmakers were present for the historic vote, with 50 voting in favor of the medical cannabis legalization measure, 29 voting against it, and 2 refraining from voting on the measure.

“Today, Slovenia stepped up on the international stage of cannabis by passing one of the most progressive national medical cannabis laws in the world.” stated International Cannabis Business Conference CEO Alex Rogers, who resides in Slovenia.

Those who voted in favor of the measure included members of the governing coalition, the representatives of the Italian and Hungarian national communities, and one unaffiliated MP (nepovezan poslanec). Below are the major components of the approved legislation:

• The bill legalizes the cultivation, production, distribution, and use of Cannabis sativa L. for medical and scientific purposes, under a regulated and controlled system.
• The measure introduces a non-restrictive licensing system: any individual or company that fulfills the conditions can obtain a license. There will be no public tender and no state monopoly. Both public and private entities can produce and distribute medical cannabis.
• All cannabis for medical use must be grown and processed according to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practice), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and European Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring high-quality, safe products for patients.
• Cannabis (plant, resin, extracts) and THC will be removed from Slovenia’s list of prohibited substances within the regulated medical and scientific framework within 90 days as part of a government mandate.
• Medical cannabis can be prescribed for any condition the doctor deems appropriate for the suffering patient.
• Medical cannabis will be available on regular medical (MD and DMD) or veterinary prescriptions, like other medications. Special narcotic prescription protocols will no longer be required, and approved patients will be issued a ‘cannabis card’ when picking up their prescription in the pharmacy, which protects the patient from any police or other intervention.
• The law ensures a stable and continuous supply of cannabis through pharmacies, licensed wholesalers, and healthcare providers, so that patients are not dependent on imports or irregular access.

The approval of the medical cannabis policy modernization measure comes after many years of hard work and dedication by Slovenian cannabis advocates. Slovenia’s patients will finally have improved safe access, and the nation’s reform victory will further similar efforts elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world.

Slovenia’s medical cannabis market is projected to grow by 4% annually, reaching over €55 million by 2029. The bill opens the sector to domestic innovation, job creation, and export potential. Slovenia has long been home to a thriving scientific research and development community and an international hub for such activity, and now medical cannabis will be part of it.

(This is breaking news, and this article will be updated as any further details are identified.)