We spoke with Pavel Bém, a Czech psychiatrist and former mayor of Prague in Vienna during the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) about the country’s latest reforms—from cannabis regulation to psychedelic therapy—and what they mean for the future of drug policy in Europe.
Czech Republic
The Challenge of the Emerging Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoid Market in Europe
The lucrative and unregulated market of semi-synthetic cannabinoids is rapidly expanding across Europe, raising public health concerns and posing a legislative challenge to policymakers. The solution lies not in prohibition but in regulation.
Navigating Tensions and Contradictions
INPUD organised a session during the 67th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, titled: “Navigating Tensions and Contradictions: addressing human rights challenges related to the lack of, and the unequal access to, treatment and harm reduction.” You can watch the full session here!
Introducing: CORE – Community Response to End Inequalities
CORE – COmmunity REsponse to End Inequalities aims to reduce inequalities in the HIV, TB and viral hepatitis responses by promoting, strengthening and integrating community responses that have proven key in reaching communities that have been traditionally underserved by mainstream prevention and healthcare services. Watch the introduction video by Drugreporter!
Ayahuasca Must be Shared with Respect and Responsibility – Interview with Karolina Kordys
Jaroslaw and Karolina Kordys were sentenced to 8 years in prison for leading ayahuasca ceremonies in the Czech Republic – but the president of the republic has announced that he will pardon them. We interviewed Karolina to mark this occasion.
How Will Czechia Legalise Cannabis?
The Czech Republic is the first country in Central-Eastern Europe that announced to make the non-medical use of cannabis legal. In this episode of Drugreporter Café, we present an interview with Jindrich Voboril, the National Drug Coordinator, who explained us how they will regulate the legal market.
5th European Harm Reduction Conference in Prague, Czechia
More than 400 professionals and community activists gathered in Prague to take part in the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference.
Harm Reduction Unmuted
More than 400 professionals and community activists gathered in Prague to attend the 5th European Harm Reduction Conference. Watch and share Drugreporter’s video report!
Czech Journalist Prosecuted for “Inciting Toxicomania” – Interview with Robert Veverka
Robert Veverka, an activist, a politician and the editor of the most popular Czech cannabis magazine, Legalizace, is being prosecuted for “inciting and promoting toxicomania.” Read our interview with him.
Here You Go, Tomáš
On July 6th 2021, our close friend, colleague, and world-renowned addictologist Tomáš Zábranský left us. This text, written by his friend and well-known cannabis activist Jindřich Bayer, is dedicated to him. It asks the question, how did it all start? What was the context for Tomas’ decision to contribute to reforming drug policy on a global level?
