Poland proposes decriminalizing cannabis possession and cultivation

The Polish Ministry of Health has shown support for decriminalizing the possession of 25 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of three plants. This initiative has been championed by the Wolne Konopie Association, which has been advocating for cannabis legalization for several years. Despite this progress, there are significant hurdles ahead, particularly the anticipated veto from President Andrzej Duda, which activists believe could stall the bill's advancement. In August, the Ministry's agreement to the proposed changes was seen as a positive development, reflecting a growing political will for reform. Activists like Jakub Gajewski and Przemysław Zawadzki have expressed cautious optimism, noting that while the proposed changes are a step forward, they are not sufficient. Zawadzki has highlighted that the current political landscape, including President Duda's stance, poses challenges to the reform efforts. He suggested that the upcoming 2025 presidential election could be pivotal, especially if potential candidates like Rafal Trzaskowski support the decriminalization proposals. Public sentiment in Poland appears to be shifting in favor of cannabis decriminalization, driven by the booming medical marijuana market and recent changes in neighboring Germany's cannabis laws. Activists plan to meet with NGOs to form a broader coalition to advocate for these reforms, indicating a strategic approach to increase pressure on lawmakers. In addition to the political and social dynamics, Polish hemp varieties have shown promising results in fiber hemp trials, suggesting potential for local adaptation and cultivation. This could lead to sustainable applications in various industries, including automotive, as seen with Volkswagen's interest in using these materials in future models.