Legalizace, Czech Cannabis Magazine, Accused of “Promoting Drug Addiction”, Wins Case

In a significant ruling, the Czech Constitutional Court overturned a previous decision against Robert Veverka, a member of the Pirate Party and former editor-in-chief of the Czech cannabis magazine Legalizace, who had been accused of “promoting drug addiction.”

The Court ruled that restricting publications like Legalizace infringes upon the democratic principle of freedom of speech.

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Context: Arguments Against Legalizace

Robert Veverka and his publication, Legalizace, were accused of “spreading drug addiction.” Since 2010, the magazine had served as a platform for expert articles on cannabis, encouraging public discourse on topics ranging from cultivation practices to drug policy reform.

The Bruntál District Court initially sentenced Robert Veverka to probation and a fine, which was later increased to a quarter of a million crowns (10,000 euros) by the Ostrava Regional Court. The courts argued that Legalizace magazine provided instructions on obtaining and consuming cannabis illegally.

Veverka vehemently denied these allegations against himself and Legalizace, calling the judgment a “Bolshevik relic” and a threat to democratic freedoms.

The Constitutional Court’s Decision

On December 5, the Constitutional Court annulled the previous decisions against Legalizace, citing the fundamental importance of freedom of speech in a democratic society. Judge Tomáš Langášek stated that in cases of controversial speech, the preservation of freedom must take precedence, even at the risk of allowing potentially harmful discourse. He remarked:

“Without an open and free debate – even on controversial issues such as substance abuse – democracy cannot function effectively.”

This ruling for Legalizace requires the appellate court to reconsider the case, excluding articles deemed protected by freedom of speech.

The Damage Is Done to Veverka and Legalizace

These various legal battles financially ruined Veverka, forcing the closure of Legalizace in 2022 after 12 years and 69 issues. His fellow activists and members of the Pirate Party rallied behind him, raising funds and publicly defending his right to publish. Ivan Bartoš, former president of the Pirate Party, stated:

“The Pirates will always protect free access to information. The courts are criminalizing the sharing of information that is completely harmless to society.”

Despite the financial and emotional toll to himself and Legalizace, Veverka remains determined.

“This was about protecting freedom of speech and the right to information,” he said, vowing to continue advocating for rational drug policy reforms.

Cannabis activist Lukas Hurt, a partner of Robert Veverka and both co-editors of Konopí, a magazine focused on medical cannabis, hailed the decision, stating: “This decision is a victory, not only for cannabis but also for Europe [and] for the freedom of our plant and for democracy itself.”

This decision for Legalizace comes at a time when the Czech Republic is working to reform its drug laws in general and cannabis laws in particular, having recently decriminalized home cultivation while awaiting potential full legalization.

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(Featured image by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA via Pexels)

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