The proposal for changes to criminal law, which was submitted to the government’s Legislative Council by the Czech Ministry of Justice, includes partial legalization of home cannabis cultivation and possession, along with other reforms. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek (ODS) plans to present the details to Czech President Petr Pavel in October.
According to the minister, the proposal aims to support crime victims and restore relationships with offenders. It also reforms the punishment of petty crime, promotes the use of alternative sentences, and partially decriminalizes and legalizes the personal cultivation and possession of cannabis. Additionally, it updates the rules for handling violations of alternative sentencing conditions.
“The proposed changes are part of the Ministry of Justice’s efforts to modernize the Czech criminal justice system,” said Blažek.
The governing parties had previously agreed on legalizing home cannabis cultivation and limited possession for personal use.
A later-released report states that, currently, possessing “more than a small amount,” which constitutes a criminal offense, is defined as five plants or 10 grams of dried cannabis. Under the new proposal, the threshold for distinguishing between a misdemeanor and a criminal offense would be set at five cannabis plants and 50 grams of cannabis. Individuals would be allowed to have up to 100 grams of cannabis in their home.