Croatia: Mirela Holy: "I expect that we will legalize marijuana, but be among the last countries in Europe."

Just few days ago, the German parliament endorsed the legalization of cannabis. 

What is the situation on Kosovo, we do not know as no one can't even mention this issue :) but yes, cannabis has been decriminalized in Kosovo and the situation in Croatia and whether the country will follow Germany's steps were investigated by croatian RTL journalists. 

The new regulations in Germany take effect from April 1st. This means that growing three marijuana plants at home or carrying up to 25 grams of weed will no longer result in legal consequences. 

Germany's legalization aims to combat the black market and enhance the protection of children and young people. 

Former Croatian Minister of Environmental Protection and the author of the "lex cannabis," Mirela Holy, which aimed to legalize marijuana in Croatia, shared her views with RTL journalists. 

While Mirela Holy welcomed the decision of the Bundestag, she emphasized that the allowance of three plants might be sufficient for recreational purposes but falls short for medical use. 

She suggested, 

"They are adequate for recreational purposes, but not for medical purposes. That's why we proposed going with nine female plants in full bloom. This approach considers touristic, economic, recreational, social, and ecological purposes. Let's not forget ecological purposes because hemp is a phytoremediator; it cleans the soil and absorbs CO2 much better." 

In the parliamentary debate on the "lex cannabis," it was mentioned that legalization could create 100,000 new jobs in ten years. 

Although the law did not pass then, the German trend might not provide significant help now. Mirela Holy expressed her concern, saying, 

"Other countries will surely be guided by Germany's example, and I regret that Croatia is not leading those countries. We could have far greater economic benefits if we were at the forefront. I expect that we will likely legalize marijuana, but we will be among the last countries in Europe." 

REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben

How does the rest of Europe stand on legalization? 

The Maltese were the first in Europe to decide to legalize marijuana three years ago, followed by the Luxembourgers last year. The Germans will join them next month, and this year they plan to do the same in the Czech Republic. 

Netherlands is where weed is technically illegal, but anyone can buy and consume it in famous "coffee shops." The same is in Spain, which has over a thousand cannabis social clubs.

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