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Medical Cannabis: The New Craze Sweeping Europe
Move over avocado toast and craft beer, there’s a new trend taking over Europe – medical cannabis. And it’s not just a few countries jumping on the bandwagon, it’s a full-blown movement to decriminalize cannabis at both national and local levels.
According to a recent press release from Biortica Agrimed, a company based in Victoria, Australia, 21 out of 27 member states of the European Union (EU) have legalized medical cannabis. That’s a majority, folks.
“The EU situation with respect to legalization can best be described as fluid, but evolving positively,” says Tom Varga, CEO of Biortica Agrimed. This company, which is preparing to go public on the Australian Securities Exchange, is at the forefront of this cannabis revolution.
But let’s not forget the other six EU countries – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, and the Czech Republic. While they may not have fully legalized medical cannabis, they have taken steps to allow for its use in some form.
And let’s not overlook the potential market in Germany, where investors are flocking to get in on the action. “Whilst EU law prohibits the commercial sale of cannabis, many countries are taking a more mature approach,” Varga explains. “And legalizing, initially medicinal, and ultimately personal use, with Germany in the lead.”
But it’s not just about medical use – some countries are going even further. “13 countries have either legalized or decriminalized its personal use,” Varga adds. That includes countries like Spain, which has decriminalized cannabis, and Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, and Malta, which have taken steps to legalize adult-use. And let’s not forget Portugal, which has decriminalized all drugs.
But it’s not just countries making moves – dozens of cities in the EU have also decriminalized cannabis at the city level. It’s clear that the tide is turning in favor of cannabis across Europe.
And Biortica Agrimed wants Australia to take note. “The EU comprises world class nations, and Australia should take any learnings that we can from the EU,” Varga urges. “We have the benefit, and indeed the privilege, to view how legislative frameworks have been built over-seas, what’s worked and working, and what the Australian industry and legislators should avoid. Australia really can do better.”
So let’s keep our eyes on this rapidly evolving cannabis landscape in Europe, and see what lessons we can learn Down Under.
