Slovak Government Seeks to Remove CBD from List of Drugs

The Slovak government has approved an amendment that would remove CBD from the country's list of psychotropic substances. The amendment project on narcotics, psychotropic substances, and preparations was approved by the government during a meeting last week. The amendment will now go to Parliament for voting. If approved, the effective date of the Slovak amendment is set to be on March 1, 2021, according to the Ministry of Health.

"Slovak Republic is the only European Union member state that still has cannabidiol (CBD) on the list of narcotic and psychotropic substances," the agency said in a statement. "With the amendment, we propose removing cannabidiol from the list. This is good news for our citizens."

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This is the second time such an amendment has been submitted for a vote in Parliament in Slovakia, nearly reaching a second reading two years ago before being rejected in the parliamentary health committee.

The approval of the amendment last week coincided with the day the European Commission determined that CBD should not be considered a narcotic. The change means more clarity and market openness in Europe for naturally produced CBD-based products. The EC is also bound by a decision from the EU Court of Justice last month that CBD and CBD-based products can be fully marketed among Member States. The announcement by the European Commission was a reversal of a previous "preliminary conclusion" that argued CBD should be designated as a narcotic.

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The Slovak Ministry said it was following the guidance of the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, which determined that CBD is harmless, non-addictive, and not listed in UN drug conventions.

Member States adjustments

The European Commission's clarification is expected to trigger adjustments in national laws and regulations as Member States align with the Commission's release of CBD from drug status, its designation as food, and the EU's free trade guarantees.

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CBD-based products, such as ointments, dietary supplements, and cosmetics, have been available in Slovakia and other EU countries for years, but unclear rules have caused law enforcement issues for some online sellers, store owners, and producers.

Source: Hemp Today