Poland is on the cusp of cannabis decriminalization, but the road to reform is proving to be long and winding. While a recent survey by the Polish Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) revealed that 73.4% of Poles support the decriminalization of cannabis, recreational use remains illegal. However, the Ministry of Health has voiced its support for the decriminalization bill, which proposes allowing possession of up to 25 grams of marijuana and cultivation of four plants.
This move has been met with cautious optimism from activists like the Wolne Konopie Association, who have been advocating for cannabis legalization in Poland for years. The association’s vice president, Jakub Gajewski, acknowledged the recent progress but emphasized the need for continued advocacy. He expressed concerns about potential vetoes from President Andrzej Duda and the conservative parliament.
Other organizations like Freedom Farms, a leading Polish hemp company, are also pushing for reform. Przemysław Zawadzki, the company’s owner and a hemp activist, submitted a bill in April advocating for decriminalization of one plant cultivation and 15 grams of marijuana possession. While acknowledging the political obstacles, Zawadzki remains hopeful that progress can be made, particularly with the upcoming 2025 presidential election.
The growing medical marijuana market in Poland and the recent relaxation of cannabis laws in neighboring Germany provide further impetus for decriminalization. The Wolne Konopie Association plans to meet with other NGOs to build a broader coalition for change, highlighting the growing public support for cannabis reform.
Meanwhile, Polish hemp varieties are making strides in the global market. A recent study by Oregon State University found that two Polish varieties, Henola and Białobrzeskie, performed exceptionally well in fiber hemp trials. These varieties are considered suitable for local adaptation and cultivation, contributing to the growing demand for sustainable materials like textiles, paper, and biocomposites.
The future of cannabis in Poland remains uncertain, but the growing momentum for decriminalization, coupled with the country’s strong hemp industry, suggests a positive outlook for the long term.
