Cyprus political party pushes for the legalization of cannabis in Cyprus

A political party in Cyprus (south) is pushing for the legalization of cannabis in the country.  

Volt has presented a proposal to legalise cannabis in Cyprus based on four pillars, aiming to reduce court cases, improve public health, strengthen the economy and benefit the environment.

The party argues that legalising and regulating cannabis for adults over 18 is not a state “retreat” but a modern, evidence-based reform.

In a statement, Volt said Cyprus has one of the strictest cannabis laws in the EU, with the result that criminalising small amounts burdens the courts, stigmatises young people and strengthens the black market.

“The experience of other European countries such as Germany, Malta and Portugal shows that proper regulation can strengthen social cohesion, protect public health and bring significant economic benefits,” the party said.

Volt’s proposal rests on four pillars:

Society and Health

• Expand and remove the stigma around medical use
• Bring medical cannabis into the National Health System (GESY) for easy and widespread access
• Treat addiction as a medical issue, not a criminal one
• Introduce quality health checks to protect the public

Economy and Development

• Create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs
• Boost agricultural production, investment and cannabis tourism
• Generate tens of millions of euros annually for the state

Environment

• Promote industrial hemp as a sustainable alternative for paper, textiles and biofuels
• Help with CO2 capture and soil restoration

Justice and Youth

• Stop unfairly stigmatising people for minor offences
• Focus on prevention and education about risks and safe use instead of prosecution
• Free up police and legal resources to tackle organised crime and other serious offences

The proposal stresses that legalising and regulating cannabis for adults over 18 is not the state backing down, but rather a modern, evidence-based reform, the party said.

“The time has come for a realistic regulatory framework that will control what has been a shadow market, protect people, cut crime, support public health and drive development,” Volt said.

The party called on the public, stakeholders and citizens to join the debate on a new cannabis policy that serves people and progress.