The proposal by Volt Cyprus to legalise cannabis has triggered reactions from the Cyprus National Addictions Authority, whose president, Dr Christos Minas, shared his views on the programme “Mesimeri kai Kati.”
Dr Minas stressed that “the Cyprus National Addictions Authority does not engage in disputes or question the motives behind any proposal or suggestion,” adding that “we must clarify the obvious.”
He explained that “the Authority operates in line with the National Strategy, which is approved by the Council of Ministers as well as by the National Authority for Narcotics.”
According to Dr Minas, “the National Strategy 2021–2028 does not separate prevention and treatment based on substances.” Instead, he said, “dependence is addressed holistically- whether it involves illegal or legal addictive substances- without isolating one or focusing on polyuse.”
“Cannabis is a drug”
Dr Minas emphasised that “treatment and prevention must be scientifically documented and targeted,” reiterating that “cannabis is a drug.”
He added that “the belief that cannabis is something only slightly stronger than a cigarette is not scientifically supported.”
Specifically, he explained that “cannabis use initially causes symptoms such as relaxation, euphoria, and sleepiness, which often encourage continued use.”
Continuing, Dr Minas noted that “25% of poisonings in emergency departments across Europe are due to cannabis.” He also warned of “varied symptoms caused by overdose, potential risks to the foetus from use during pregnancy, and reduced concentration and reaction time, with all the behavioural consequences that follow.”
See Volt Cyprus’s related post on the proposal for cannabis legalisation in Cyprus:
Η Κύπρος διατηρεί σήμερα έναν από τους πιο αυστηρούς νόμους περί κάνναβης στην ΕΕ, με αποτέλεσμα η ποινικοποίηση μικροκατοχής να επιβαρύνει τα δικαστήρια, να στιγματίζει νέους και να ενισχύει τη μαύρη αγορά. pic.twitter.com/jr4Xbeqy5S
— Volt Cyprus (@VoltCyprus) October 27, 2025
Also read: In Cyprus, child drug use starts as early as age 12, warns report
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