Poland is a country with deep-rooted traditions and strong religious values. The Catholic Church has played a major role in shaping Polish society for centuries, influencing politics, culture, and even social attitudes. However, the country has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with a noticeable shift in religious affiliation. In the 2021 census, around 70% of the population identified as Catholic, a sharp decline from 87% just a decade earlier. As Poland modernizes, its stance on various social issues, including cannabis, is gradually evolving.

The Current Legal Status of Cannabis in Poland

Poland has some of the most restrictive drug laws in Europe. Cannabis for recreational use remains strictly illegal, with possession, consumption, and distribution of cannabis containing more than 0.2% THC considered a criminal offense. However, since 2011, Polish prosecutors have had the discretion to drop charges against individuals caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal use, especially if they are first-time offenders. This policy provides some leniency but does not equate to decriminalization.

Medical Cannabis Legalization

In a significant policy shift, Poland legalized medical cannabis in July 2018, with the law taking effect in November of the same year. This decision allowed doctors to prescribe cannabis under the same regulations as other controlled substances. However, while legalization marked progress, several challenges continue to hinder patient access and the overall development of the medical cannabis market.

Challenges Facing Medical Cannabis in Poland

• Reliance on Imports: Domestic cultivation of medical cannabis is not allowed, making Poland completely dependent on imports from other countries. This increases costs and creates potential supply chain issues.
• High Treatment Costs: Medical cannabis is not covered by public health insurance, making it expensive for patients. Many individuals who could benefit from cannabis treatment simply cannot afford it.
• Limited Availability: Medical cannabis is usually only available in select pharmacies and often requires a special order, leading to delays in access.
• Supply Shortages: Bureaucratic procedures for registering and auditing supply chains can cause frequent shortages, making it difficult for patients to maintain consistent treatment.

Despite these obstacles, there has been a significant increase in the number of medical cannabis prescriptions in Poland. In recent years, the number of prescriptions for cannabis-based treatments has risen dramatically, along with an increase in opioid prescriptions.

The Growing Cannabis Market in Poland

Despite the legal restrictions, cannabis use remains widespread in Poland. As of 2021, over 2.3 million people in the country consumed cannabis, either legally through medical prescriptions or illegally for recreational purposes. Notably, more than 60% of all cannabis users fall into the illicit category, highlighting the demand for reform.

From a business perspective, Poland's cannabis market has seen rapid growth. The industry has expanded significantly, quadrupling in value between 2021 and 2023. Experts predict that the market will more than double by 2026, indicating a strong demand for cannabis products.

Public Opinion and Political Stance on Cannabis Reform

Support for cannabis reform has been increasing in Poland. In response to this shift, a working group in the Polish parliament, known as the Sejm, has drafted proposals aimed at revising the country's cannabis laws. The proposed changes are similar to reforms in Germany, which has been moving toward cannabis decriminalization and regulated sales.

However, Poland's ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), has been resistant to significant cannabis reform. As a traditionally conservative party, PiS has not shown enthusiasm for liberalizing drug laws. Given the political landscape, major changes in cannabis legislation before the next parliamentary election (scheduled for 2024) remain unlikely.

Comparing Poland’s Cannabis Policies with Other European Nations

When looking at cannabis policies across Europe, Poland’s stance remains relatively strict. Here’s how it compares to other countries:

• Germany: Germany has been moving towards partial cannabis legalization, allowing limited recreational use and controlled sales.
• Portugal: Portugal decriminalized all drugs, including cannabis, in 2001, focusing on treatment rather than punishment for drug users.
• Netherlands: While cannabis remains technically illegal, Dutch authorities tolerate its sale and consumption in licensed coffee shops.
• Czech Republic: The Czech Republic has decriminalized small amounts of cannabis for personal use and has a more accessible medical cannabis program than Poland.

Poland’s cautious approach contrasts with these more progressive policies, but growing public support for reform could lead to changes in the coming years.

What the Future Holds for Cannabis in Poland

Although significant cannabis reform may not happen immediately, there are signs that Poland is gradually moving toward a more balanced approach. As younger generations, who are generally more open to cannabis legalization, gain more political influence, the chances of reform could increase.

Some possible future developments include:

• Expanding Medical Cannabis Access: Allowing domestic cultivation could reduce reliance on imports and lower costs.
• Decriminalization of Small Amounts: More lenient policies for personal possession could help reduce the burden on the legal system.
• Legalization for Recreational Use: While unlikely in the short term, Poland could eventually follow the path of countries like Germany and Canada.

Final Thoughts

Poland has a complex relationship with cannabis. While medical cannabis is legal, significant barriers prevent many patients from accessing it. Recreational use remains strictly illegal, but widespread consumption and increasing public support suggest that change may be on the horizon.

Historically, Poland has been known for its resilience and determination. Whether in times of war or political transformation, the country has shown an ability to adapt and evolve. It will be interesting to see how Poland navigates the growing pressure for cannabis reform in the coming years.

For now, anyone in Poland considering medical cannabis should consult with a doctor and be prepared for potential challenges in obtaining treatment. As for recreational users, the laws remain strict, and individuals should be aware of the legal risks associated with possession and use.

As attitudes continue to shift and the global cannabis industry grows, Poland may eventually adopt more progressive policies. Until then, the debate over cannabis legalization in Poland remains an ongoing and evolving discussion.