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Cannabis legalization is a complex issue, even in countries that have managed to strike a balance.
The debate is fierce, mainly because of the false beliefs that are spread by all means. The prohibition is a cultural fact rooted in the mind of many. Still, now the numerous studies on the potential of cannabis are changing something in the perception of the substance.
You can now legally and easily find one of the best CBD buds online and use it in the European Union.
CBD flower can be used by people who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without getting high, such as those with insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain.
CBD products in Europe
The UK, together with Switzerland, legalized in 2018 the consumption of so-called light cannabis, cannabis Sativa deprived almost entirely of THC.
- Legal cannabis contains THC and CBD like any other cannabis plant. Still, the percentages of the two active ingredients are different from those of the illegal plant, and above all, they are regulated.
- Legal hemp can contain up to 0.2% THC, which rules out psychoactive effects, ensuring CBD relaxation and no other side effects.
Cannabis legalization: more quality, less crime
Prohibition has had many consequences. In its 2015 annual report, DNA — the National Anti-Mafia Directorate in Italy— stated that the deletion of the crime of producing and selling soft drugs — which accounts for more than half of the drug market — would generate a saving of almost EUR 900 million.
As a result of reduced expenditure between the judiciary, detention facilities, public order and security, it is an enormous amount of money, which could be used in the fight against hard drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and synthetic drugs.
There is another critical fact: it estimates the “turnover” of the cannabis black market. According to the National Anti-Mafia Directorate, it amounts to about 30 billion euro per year or about 2% of the national GDP.
More than half of this amount is related to the sale of only marijuana and its derivatives. Stopping prohibition and legalizing marijuana would be a historic move to fight organized crime successfully.
What about CBD in the rest of Europe?
There are many countries where the sale of cannabis is legal but subject to restrictions.
- The Netherlands does not have legislation allowing the production and sale of cannabis. Still, it is allowed to be produced, sold and consumed with restrictions on how and where it can be consumed: cannabis can only be sold and consumed in coffee shops, while smoking in public places is prohibited.
In addition to Italy, other countries have legalized cannabis with some restrictions on the percentage of active ingredient and quantities.
- In Belgium, personal consumption is illegal, but possession of up to 3 grams of cannabis is tolerated.
- In the Czech Republic, it is possible to possess up to 15 grams of marijuana and 5 grams of hashish for recreational purposes, thanks to the decriminalization of consumption. In contrast, medical marijuana can be purchased and consumed with a prescription.
- In Germany, the sale and consumption of cannabis for medical purposes is legalized on prescription, including private cultivation controlled by the State.
- CBD is also decriminalized in Spain, with limits for possession set at 40 grams, but consumption is only permitted in private, in one’s home or state-approved clubs. The sale, trade, transport, and consumption of cannabis in all public places remains prohibited.
- In France, the personal recreational use of marijuana is prohibited by law. Still, the consumption of cannabis light, hemp with a low THC content, which can be bought in specialized shops, is permitted.
- Finally, in England, it is legal to buy and consume cannabis for medical use, but the supply is still relatively limited, while recreational use is illegal.
Luxembourg is like California
Luxembourg will be the first European State to legalize cannabis for recreational use. The government of the small European State has begun legalizing recreational cannabis, making it the first state in the union to allow the sale and consumption of soft drugs.
Unlike the Netherlands, which lacks a defined framework and uses a regulatory vacuum to allow the sale and consumption of cannabis in designated areas, Luxembourg would have detailed legislation on using soft drugs, recognizing their importance.
The Deputy Prime Minister admits that Luxembourg’s drug policies have not worked; on the contrary, prohibitionism “has only made them more attractive to young people”.
The new legislation will allow recreational drug use by all citizens over the age of 18, while non-residents will be excluded. The State will regulate production and distribution through a dedicated body. The legislative process is expected to start at the end of the year and be completed by 2020.
What to expect about cannabis in Europe?
Should the legislative process change so users in Europe will be able to cultivate cannabis, process and transform the plant “to obtain its derivatives“, sell them and consume them for recreational purposes in any non-public place and particular premises “along the lines of the Dutch coffee shops”?
A real revolution should be coming over the following years all around the UK and Europe, especially if one considers that some of the countries are the most prohibitionist cannabis policies in Europe. It will be necessary to wait and monitor the activities of local politicians, who may oppose the path taken by part of parliament.
The new regulation is still far from entering into force, and it is not sure that it will see some changes.
Meanwhile, you can legally buy CBD oil, CBD hash, and CBD flowers in the UK and Europe on Justbob.shop.