Volt Cyprus recently launched a proposal, considered radical for Cypriot standards, calling for the legalisation and regulation of cannabis in Cyprus.
The proposal was introduced as a measure to combat organised crime, which is believed to control the drug trade on the island. Volt draws on the experience of other European countries, such as Germany, Malta, and Portugal, arguing that “proper regulation can strengthen social cohesion, protect public health, and yield significant economic benefits.”
The regulation and legalisation of cannabis is certainly not a simple issue. It is a chapter that is difficult to open in a society with Cyprus’s characteristics, and it is certain that when formally submitted as a draft law, conservative circles will react strongly.
According to information from Phileleftheros, Volt is not expected to submit the draft law immediately. Their intention was to open a public dialogue around the issue, so that people could slowly begin discussing it, studying the data, and raising questions. To this end, the party will organise an open discussion on the topic soon, with the participation of experts and scientists knowledgeable in the field.
The Volt Proposal
The party’s position is that Cyprus’s overly strict cannabis law, compared to other European countries, results in the criminalisation of small possession charges, overburdening courts, stigmatising young people, and strengthening the black market. Their proposal is based on four pillars:
- Society and Health: Expand and de-stigmatise medical use, integrate Medical Cannabis into the General Healthcare System (GESY) for easy and wide access, treat addiction with a medical, not penal, approach, and implement quality health controls to protect citizens.
- Economy and Development: Create hundreds of jobs, boost agricultural production, investments, and thematic tourism, and generate tens of millions of euros in annual state revenue.
- Environment: Promote industrial hemp as a sustainable alternative for paper, textiles, and biofuels, contributing to CO$_2$ sequestration and soil restoration.
- Justice and Youth: End the unfair stigmatisation for minor offences, focus on prevention and education regarding risks and safe use instead of criminal prosecution, and redirect police and legal resources to combat organised crime and other serious offences.
Volt stresses that the legalisation and regulation of cannabis for adults over 18 years old does not constitute a “retreat” by the state, but a modern, scientific, and responsible reform based on scientific data. They believe in a pragmatic regulatory framework that will rely on more effective control of the currently shadow market, protect citizens, reduce crime, support public health, and serve development.
Psychiatrist Dr. Giorgos Mikellides: Pro-Regulation Argument
Speaking to Philenews, Dr. Giorgos Mikellides, a psychiatrist and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia Medical School, emphasised that “cannabis is, indeed, a psychoactive substance that affects brain function and mood.” He clarified that “like any such substance, it carries risks—especially for adolescents and individuals with a family history of psychosis or other psychiatric conditions.”
However, he underlined that “criminalisation, as proven internationally, does not reduce use. Instead, it transfers it to the black market, where there is no quality control, information, or protection. The adolescent or young person who buys cannabis today does not know the THC content, has no access to scientific guidance, and is exposed to illegal circles that often distribute other, much more dangerous substances.”
Dr. Mikellides argues in favour of regulation, which he believes allows for market control, citizen education, and the protection of minors. “Age limits, THC content limits, tax regulations, and frameworks for responsible use can be set. This means that society does not ‘legitimise’ use, but regulates it, as it does with alcohol and nicotine,” he added.
According to the psychiatrist, the argument that cannabis serves as a “gateway” to harder drug use is one of the most widespread myths. He explained that studies indicate the so-called “gateway effect” is not due to the substance itself, but to the illegal environment in which it is distributed. “When someone buys from illegal suppliers, they are exposed to other substances. Conversely, in countries where cannabis is legally regulated, this risk is reduced,” he specifically noted.
In comparing cannabis to alcohol, Dr. Mikellides stated that the data are impressive. According to The Lancet and the World Health Organization, cannabis has a significantly lower index of mortality, dependence, and aggression. Alcohol is linked to thousands of deaths every year from liver disease, traffic accidents, and violent incidents. Cannabis is not. However, he stressed that this does not mean it is harmless. “Excessive use, especially at young ages, can cause anxiety, panic attacks, cognitive slowdown, and, in vulnerable individuals, even psychotic episodes. The key word here is ‘regulation’ and ‘responsibility’,” he clarified.
He claimed that the benefits of organised regulation would be multiple, including: reduced crime, decongestion of courts, state revenue through taxation, new jobs, citizen protection through controlled products and information, de-stigmatisation and encouragement of treatment instead of punishment, and education/prevention so that young people know the risks before being exposed to them.
Regarding the question of whether state control over the quality and form of cannabis would reduce the risk of side effects, the psychiatrist answered positively—generally—concerning risks related to adulteration, contamination, or incorrect labelling. Overall harm, however, also depends on the quantity, frequency, and THC strength ($ Delta^9$-tetrahydrocannabinol). High potency and daily use increase the psychotic risk, which is where maximum potency limits, labelling, and user education can help.
Concerning the data from other countries, Dr. Mikellides mentioned that in Germany, which legalised cannabis from April 1, 2024, initial official data show a large drop in possession/consumption cases, but health authorities note it is still too early for conclusions. In Canada, where legalisation has been in effect since 2018, youth use does not appear to have surged, although there were slight increases in some health indicators in the first few years, with a large increase already occurring before legalisation.
“Cannabis is neither a ‘devil’ nor a ‘miracle’. It is a substance with potential and risks, requiring seriousness, knowledge, and proper political will. Our society matures when it dares to discuss based on data and not fear. Only then can we move from punishment to prevention, from stigma to knowledge, and from fear to responsibility,” Dr. Giorgos Mikellides concluded to Phileleftheros.
Cyprus Addictions Authority: Opposed and offering alternatives
The Cyprus Addictions Authority maintains a very cautious stance on the issue, clarifying that cannabis is a narcotic. In public statements, the Authority’s president, Dr. Christos Minas, claimed that “perceptions” and “theories” that cannabis is merely slightly heavier than a cigarette are not substantiated. According to data he presented, $25%$ of poisoning cases in European emergency departments are due to cannabis. He also referred to acute intoxication and various symptoms from overdose, including potential risks to the foetus during pregnancy, reduced attention, concentration, and reaction time, with all consequences affecting behaviour. He also stressed that complications in the cardiac and respiratory systems exist.
In the comparison made with smoking and alcohol, Dr. Minas conceded that many deaths across Europe result from poisoning and excessive use, but he stressed that these remain legal addictive substances.
The Authority’s position is that a small state like occupied Cyprus, with specific national and economic conditions, can easily control the cannabis phenomenon using specific pillars of a National Strategy. The Authority is also in favour of medical cannabis by prescription. Christos Minas clarified that he does not view legalisation as a priority right now. He referred to alternative methods such as de-penalisation, meaning that punishment could be conditionally suspended. For personal use, he noted that it could be transformed from a criminal to a non-criminal offence, similar to, for example, a parking violation. “These could be very carefully discussed and implemented, with social dialogue and discussion, if deemed suitable for Cyprus’s profile,” he said.