Prague, July 19, 2025 — The Czech Republic has taken a major step toward liberalizing its drug policy after President Petr Pavel signed into law a bill that partially decriminalizes the use of cannabis for personal purposes.
Under the newly approved legislation, Czech citizens are now legally allowed to possess up to 100 grams of cannabis in their homes, carry up to 25 grams in public, and cultivate up to three marijuana plants for personal use. The law, which positions the Czech Republic among the most tolerant European countries regarding cannabis, reflects a significant shift in public health and justice priorities.
According to the official explanation accompanying the bill, the reform is designed to reduce criminal penalties for individual users, promote safe and responsible consumption, and relieve the justice system of minor possession cases.
“The aim is to reduce penalties for individual users, promote safe and responsible use, and free up legal resources by avoiding prosecution of minor cases,” the legislation’s rationale states.
However, commercial sale and distribution remain prohibited. Any activity involving the sale of cannabis outside the legal boundaries or possession exceeding the permitted limit will still be considered a criminal offense.
By implementing this policy, the Czech Republic joins a growing wave of countries viewing drug regulation through the lens of public health and individual rights, rather than solely as a criminal justice issue. The shift is widely seen as part of a broader European trend toward decriminalization and harm reduction, as reported by Forbes.
