Slovenian Lawmakers Move to Legalize Recreational Cannabis for Adults

New Legislation Seeks to Permit Possession, Home Cultivation, and Personal Sharing

Slovenia is poised to join the growing number of European countries embracing cannabis reform. Lawmakers in the country have introduced a bold new proposal to legalize adult-use marijuana, allowing for the personal cultivation, possession, and sharing of cannabis among individuals aged 18 and over. This development marks a major shift in Slovenia’s drug policy and positions it at the forefront of Europe’s slow but steady march toward legalization.

The proposed legislation comes in tandem with a separate medical marijuana bill that is also making its way through Slovenia’s National Assembly. Together, these proposals signal a robust legislative effort to reshape how the country handles cannabis access, regulation, and public health.

Public Support Emerges as Catalyst for Legislative Push

The move to file the new recreational cannabis bill follows the outcome of two non-binding advisory referenda held in June 2023. Slovenian voters voiced their support for loosening cannabis laws, with 67% in favor of allowing medical patients to grow their own marijuana and 52% supporting non-commercial adult-use legalization.

Although the referenda did not mandate legislative action, they demonstrated a growing public consensus in favor of reform. Lawmakers are now responding to that momentum, with members of the Freedom Movement (Gibanje Svoboda) and The Left (Levica) parties backing both the recreational and medical proposals.

Details of the Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation

The adult-use bill permits Slovenian residents to grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use, with a cap of six plants per household. Adults would be allowed to carry up to seven grams of dried cannabis flower in public and possess up to 150 grams at home. No more than 300 grams could be stored in a single household.

The bill also allows for marijuana to be shared among adults, as long as the transfer is non-commercial—meaning no payment or barter is involved. However, the proposal does not legalize the commercial sale of cannabis products, distinguishing it from fully regulated retail models like those in Canada or certain U.S. states.

Road Safety Measures Included in the Reform Plan

To address potential public health concerns, the legislation outlines a per se THC limit for drivers: three nanograms per milliliter of blood. Violations begin at a fine of 300 euros, increasing to 600 euros for levels between three and five nanograms, and up to 1,200 euros for higher concentrations.

Importantly, drivers who test at the lowest THC threshold but show no signs of impairment would not be penalized. The law aims to balance cannabis liberalization with clear public safety standards.

Employment Protections and Anti-Stigma Rationale

The bill includes labor protections by prohibiting routine THC drug testing by employers, unless impairment is suspected or safety is at risk. Lawmaker Sara Žibrat, one of the bill’s primary sponsors, emphasized the need to reduce the stigma associated with cannabis use, arguing that it is no more dangerous than legal substances like alcohol and tobacco.

Supporters believe that legalizing cannabis use and cultivation will encourage safer consumption practices, promote education, and reduce reliance on the illicit market.

Medical Cannabis Bill Progresses Despite Opposition

Alongside the recreational measure, Slovenia’s legislature is also considering a new medical marijuana bill. This proposal would remove cannabis extracts, plants, and resin from the country’s list of prohibited substances. THC would remain restricted unless explicitly used for medical or scientific purposes.

The medical legislation aims to provide better protection for patients and ensure consistent supply chains. According to a statement from the Freedom Movement, the objective is to eliminate unregulated products from the black market and make medical cannabis more accessible under regulated conditions.

Despite facing resistance including a 20–9 veto by the National Council the National Assembly later reaffirmed the bill with a decisive 49–11 vote, signaling strong legislative support.

Medical Cannabis Would Be Regulated Like Conventional Medicines

Under the new framework, Slovenia’s Public Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices would oversee the licensing and regulation of cannabis for medical use. The Ministry of Health would be responsible for scientific applications and issuing related permits.

The law mandates that all cannabis products meet the same safety, production, and distribution standards as traditional pharmaceuticals. Patients would need a prescription to access cannabis, which would be dispensed through pharmacies or authorized channels.

Eligible patients would include those with conditions such as cancer, severe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other qualifying ailments, according to lawmaker Nataša Sukić.

Cannabis in Slovenia: Current Legal Landscape

As of now, Slovenia permits the use of select cannabinoid-based medications, but whole-plant medical marijuana remains illegal. This gap in policy has pushed many patients toward unregulated sources and products, which lack oversight and consistency.

The dual efforts to legalize both recreational and medical cannabis are designed to address this issue from multiple angles reducing harm, protecting public health, and reflecting the will of the electorate.

Slovenia Joins Broader European Cannabis Reform Movement

Slovenia’s push for cannabis reform aligns with a broader wave of legislative changes across Europe. Germany recently implemented a partial legalization policy, allowing for possession and home cultivation, while Malta and Luxembourg have enacted their own national cannabis laws in recent years.

In Germany, cannabis social clubs are now operational, offering legal access to marijuana products for registered members. The German government has also hosted international summits to explore policy models that prioritize public health and economic equity.

Countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic are also exploring more progressive approaches to cannabis regulation, often with pilot programs or scientific studies informing long-term legislative strategy.

What’s Next for Slovenian Cannabis Reform?

The first hearings on Slovenia’s new recreational cannabis bill are scheduled for the fall of 2025. Lawmakers expect the legislation to undergo multiple rounds of review, amendments, and votes before it can become law.

If passed, Slovenia would become one of the first countries in Central or Eastern Europe to legalize personal cannabis use further signaling a shift in regional attitudes and laying the groundwork for possible future commercial markets.

In the meantime, both bills will continue to move through the legislative process, with public hearings, expert testimony, and committee debates shaping the final outcomes.

Whether Slovenia ultimately legalizes adult-use cannabis or focuses first on medical access, one thing is clear: the country is taking substantial steps toward modernizing its cannabis laws and aligning them with emerging global norms.