Filenews 27 December 2025 - by Ernest Moussas
A radical proposal for the Cypriot data was put to public debate by Volt Cyprus a few weeks ago, for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Cyprus. The proposal came to the fore as a measure that can strike at organized crime, which is believed to control the island's drug game. Volt draws on the experience of other European countries such as Germany, Malta and Portugal, which in their view shows that "the right regulation can strengthen social cohesion, protect public health and bring significant economic benefits".
The regulation and legalization of cannabis is certainly not a simple matter. This is a chapter that is difficult to open in a society with the characteristics of the Cypriot one and it is certain that when it is officially submitted as a bill, conservative circles will react strongly. According to information from "F", Volt is not expected to submit the bill immediately. Their intention was to open a public debate around the issue, so that people would slowly start discussing it, studying evidence and being concerned. To this end, the party will also organize an open discussion on the issue in the coming period, with the participation of experts and scientists who have knowledge on the subject.
Volt's proposal
The party's position is that the very strict cannabis law in Cyprus, compared to other European countries, has the effect of criminalizing petty possession burdening the courts, stigmatizing young people and strengthening the black market. Their proposal is based on four pillars.
1. Society and Health – Expansion and destigmatization of medical use, inclusion of Medical Cannabis in the GHS for easy and wide access, tackling addiction with medical, not criminal, approach, quality health control to protect citizens.
2. Economy and development – Creation of hundreds of jobs, strengthening of agricultural production, investments and thematic tourism, tens of millions of euros. annual revenues for the state coffers
3. Environment – Promoting industrial hemp as a sustainable alternative to paper, textiles and biofuels, contributing to CO₂ sequestration and soil restoration.
4. Justice and Youth – End unfair stigmatization for minor offenses, focus on prevention and information about risks and safe use instead of criminal prosecution, utilize and focus police resources as well as the legal service, on the fight against organized crime and other serious violations and offenses.
Volt emphasizes that the legalization and regulation of cannabis for adults over the age of 18 is not a "retreat" of the state, but a modern, scientific and responsible reform based on scientific data. It believes in a pragmatic regulatory framework that will be based on more effective control of the hitherto shadow market, will protect citizens, reduce crime, support public health and serve development.
Dr. Giorgos Mikellidis: Why he is in favour of regulation and legalization
Dr. George Mikellides, psychiatrist and Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine, University of Nicosia. Dr. Mikellidis emphasizes that "cannabis is, indeed, a psychoactive substance that affects the functioning of the brain and mood." It also clarifies the fact that "like any such substance, it has risks — particularly for adolescents and people with a family history of psychoses or other psychiatric conditions." However, he also emphasizes that "criminalization, as proven internationally, does not reduce use. Instead, it takes it to the black market, where there is no quality control, information or protection. The teenager or young person who buys cannabis today does not know the THC content, does not have access to scientific guidance and is exposed to illegal circles that often traffic other, much more dangerous substances."
Dr. Mikellidis argues in favour of the regulation, which in his view allows the control of the market, the education of citizens and the protection of minors. "Age limits, quantitative THC limits, tax regulations and frameworks for responsible use can be established. This means that society does not 'legalize' use, but regulates it, as it does with alcohol and nicotine," he adds.
According to the psychiatrist, the argument that cannabis is a "gateway" to the use of harder drugs is one of the most widespread myths, He explains that studies show that the so-called "gateway effect" is not due to the substance itself, but to the illegal environment in which it is trafficked. "When someone buys from illegal suppliers, they are exposed to other substances. On the contrary, in countries where cannabis is legally regulated, this risk is reduced," he specifically states.
According to Dr. Mikelidis, in comparing cannabis with alcohol, the data are impressive. According to the Lancet and the World Health Organization, cannabis has a significantly lower mortality, dependence, and aggression rate. Alcohol is linked to thousands of deaths each year from liver disease, traffic and violent incidents. Cannabis is not. But she emphasizes that this does not mean that she is innocent. "Excessive use, especially at young ages, can cause anxiety, panic, cognitive slowdown and, in vulnerable people, even psychotic episodes. The key word here is 'regulation' and 'responsibility'," he clarifies.
The benefits of an organized regulation, he argues, will be multiple and will include: reduction of crime – decongestion of the courts, revenues for the state through taxation and new jobs, protection of citizens through controlled products and information, destigmatization and encouragement of treatment instead of punishment and education – prevention so that young people are aware of the risks before they are exposed to them.
When asked if the control of the quality and form of cannabis by the state would reduce the risk of para-actions, the psychiatrist answers positively - as a rule - regarding the risks associated with adulteration, contamination or incorrect labelling. The overall harm, however, also depends on the amount or frequency and potency of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). High power and daily use raise the psychotic risk and that's where power limits, labels as well as user education help.
Regarding the numbers and what the examples from other countries show us, for Germany that legalized cannabis from April 1, 2024, Dr. Mikellidis states that the first official data show a large drop in possession / consumption cases, however for the health sector, the authorities point out that it is still early to draw conclusions. In Canada, where legalization has been in force since 2018, juvenile use does not seem to have skyrocketed, but in some health indicators there were mild increases in the first years, but with a large increase even before legalization.
"Cannabis is not a 'devil' or a 'miracle'. It is a substance with possibilities and risks, which requires seriousness, knowledge and the right political will. Our society matures when it dares to discuss with data and not with fear. Only in this way can we move from punishment to prevention, from stigma to knowledge, and from fear to responsibility", Dr. Giorgos Mikellidis.
Addiction Treatment Principle: Why it is against and what alternatives it sees
The Cyprus Addictions Authority takes a very cautious stance on the matter, making it clear that cannabis is a drug. In his public statements, the president of the Authority, Dr. Christos Mina, argued that the "perceptions" and "theories" about cannabis, that it is simply something a little heavier than cigarettes, are not substantiated. According to data he presented, 25% of emergency department poisonings in Europe are due to cannabis. He also referred to acute intoxication but also to a variety of symptoms from overdose that has to do with possible risks to the foetus during pregnancy, reduction of attention, concentration, reaction time, with all the consequences affecting behaviour. There are also, as he pointed out, complications in the heart and respiratory system.
In the comparison made with smoking and alcohol, Dr. Mina admitted that many deaths do occur throughout Europe from poisoning and overuse, however he underlined that they are still legal addictive substances.
The position of the Authority is that a small state such as Cyprus under occupation, with specific national and economic conditions, can easily control the cannabis phenomenon specifically with the main pillars of a National Strategy. The Authority is also in favour of medical cannabis with a prescription. Christos Mina clarified that he does not consider legalization to be a priority at the moment. He referred to other methods such as decriminalization, i.e. under conditions that there is no punishment and can be suspended. For personal use, he pointed out that it could be converted from a criminal to a non-criminal offense, as is the case with parking. "These could very carefully be discussed and implemented through social dialogue and discussion, if it is judged that they fit the profile of Cyprus," he said.
