Why Medical Cannabis in Poland Was Classified in the Same Group as Heroin and Fentanyl

Poland has classified medical cannabis as a high-risk substance (Group I-N) alongside heroin and fentanyl. The move contradicts scientific evidence of its low addictive potential, complicates patient access to treatment, and undermines the healthcare system’s credibility. Advocates and experts are calling for reclassification in line with international standards and updated regulations.

On November 7, Poland classified medical cannabis as a Group I-N substance, alongside heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. This group is reserved for substances with high addictive potential that may only be used for medical, scientific, or industrial purposes. This classification has sparked controversy, especially given numerous studies highlighting the low addictive potential of cannabis.

Group I-N encompasses substances considered highly dangerous. In contrast, Group IV-P (substances with significant medical applications and low abuse potential) includes benzodiazepines like diazepam and alprazolam, which, despite their high addictive properties, are classified as less dangerous. This inconsistency underscores the need to rethink the classification of psychoactive substances.

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The Absurdity of Cannabis Classification in Poland

Scientific research consistently shows that cannabis has a low addictive potential and minimal harm compared to substances in the same Group I-N classification. Unlike heroin or fentanyl, cannabis is relatively safe for medical use, as evidenced by its broad application in treating pain, anxiety disorders, and neurological diseases.

Poland’s current classification system contradicts modern scientific understanding. Placing cannabis in Group I-N undermines the system’s credibility and complicates patients’ access to effective treatments.

New Regulations Effective November 7, 2024

As of November 7, 2024, Poland’s Ministry of Health introduced changes to prescription regulations for potent narcotics and psychotropic substances. These changes include medical cannabis, now requiring an in-person doctor’s visit for a prescription. Patients can no longer obtain prescriptions for medical cannabis via telemedicine, significantly hindering access to treatment.

While the new rules aim to prevent misuse, they impose unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on medical cannabis patients, disregarding its scientifically established low harm.

Consequences of Medical Cannabis Misclassification

Patients who could benefit from medical cannabis therapy face numerous bureaucratic hurdles and social stigma. The lack of access to this treatment diminishes their quality of life and forces some to seek alternatives on the black market.

Misplaced classification priorities also lead to overlooking genuinely dangerous substances like pregabalin. Its rising misuse in Poland highlights the urgent need for its regulation.

The unwarranted classification of cannabis erodes trust in the system. Neglecting contemporary scientific findings renders current regulations outdated and ineffective.

International Cannabis Context

The World Health Organization and the United Nations have long recommended reclassifying cannabis into less harmful and more medically viable categories. For example, the United States is progressing toward changing cannabis’s classification at the federal level.

If Poland fails to align with international standards, it risks falling behind countries that have already enacted reforms in this area. Reclassifying cannabis could improve patients’ quality of life and enhance the credibility of Poland’s healthcare system.

Actions Toward Change

In response to current regulatory absurdities, the Wolne Konopie association submitted a letter to the Ministry of Health’s Psychoactive Substances Risk Assessment Team, emphasizing:

• The inconsistency of cannabis classification with modern scientific knowledge.
• The need to regulate pregabalin as a controlled substance.
• The importance of a thorough review of classification criteria.

Experts and activists expect the Ministry of Health to take steps toward reclassifying cannabis and updating regulations in line with contemporary scientific understanding.

Conclusion

The absurd classification of cannabis hinders the development of medical therapies and undermines the credibility of the healthcare system. Poland must strive for changes aligned with modern standards and scientific evidence.

We urge the public and policymakers to support initiatives aimed at reforming the classification of psychoactive substances. Only collective action can drive the desired changes and improve medical cannabis patients’ quality of life.

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(Featured image by Jonathan Cooper via Pexels)

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