Prague is known as a party hotspot in Eastern Europe and is often referred to as the “Amsterdam of the East.” The Czech capital attracts numerous cannabis enthusiasts—even though cannabis is currently not legal in the country. While the Czech government has announced its intention to follow Germany’s lead on legalization, so far, only a draft law exists. The issue of cannabis legalization has sparked heated debates in the Czech parliament.

Despite the unclear legal situation, the cannabis market is thriving. Adding to this are so-called cannabis shops, which in reality sell only non-intoxicating CBD products. The current lack of clarity in the law has been criticized by drug counselor Radek Jurnikl. He has spent seven years working with drug users on Prague’s streets and has firsthand knowledge of the city’s cannabis hotspots and CBD shops.

The legal market is also growing. For the past two years, companies in the Czech Republic have been permitted to cultivate cannabis for medical purposes. For Martin Vaněk and his team, this liberalization opened the door to a lucrative business. If the proposed legalization is implemented, it could create entirely new market opportunities for him and other entrepreneurs, while also fostering greater social acceptance.

However, the legal and societal contradictions are striking. While Martin Vaněk legally cultivates medical cannabis, Matěj Černý has been serving a three-year prison sentence for illegal cultivation. A family man, Černý was sentenced as a repeat offender to twelve years in prison—a punishment many consider disproportionate.

This report examines the current situation as well as the potential consequences of cannabis legalization. It explores both the possible devastating outcomes and the opportunities it could present: from easing the economic burden on the sector to reducing or even overturning severe legal penalties, such as those imposed on individuals like Matěj Černý.

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ARTE Mediathek

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