The Cannabis Embassy expresses its deep respect for Jindřich Vobořil, former National Drug Policy Coordinator of the Czech Republic (2010–2018, 2021–2024).
Mr. Vobořil’s contributions have been widely acknowledged,1 as he spearheaded innovative reforms grounded in science and human rights, particularly in the areas of cannabis regulation, harm reduction, and health-based approaches to addiction. His tireless efforts have positioned the Czech Republic as a model for progressive drug policies worldwide.
Mr. Vobořil’s resignation on 9 July 2024 (effective on 31 August), reportedly under pressure from various interest groups, is deeply regrettable. At the time of his departure, he was advancing a crucial bill to fully regulate Cannabis for all purposes.
During his mandate, Vobořil had advanced groundbreaking legislation, including the game-changing law on Psychomodulatory Substances to regulate the use of substances for other than medical, scientific, or food purposes in line with article 2 paragraph 9 of the 1961 Single Convention, measures to increase the availability of medicinal cannabis for patients, administrative simplification, amendments to the Criminal Code to decriminalise the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, etc.
Jindřich Vobořil during an informal bilateral meeting with the Cannabis Embassy, Brno, 16 March 2024.
His work remains a benchmark for thoughtful and evidence-based policy, which prioritises the protection of vulnerable populations, human rights, and public health.
We thank Jindřich Vobořil for his exceptional leadership and call upon policymakers globally to continue building on his achievements. We further encourage the Czech government to carry forward Mr. Vobořil’s vision for humane, modern legislation that reflects the needs of its citizens for science, human rights, and peace.
1 (a) The Cannabis Embassy met with Jindřich Vobořil, Viktor Mravčík, other Czech officials, and Czech civil society representatives, in a bilateral meeting on 16 March 2024 in Brno, Czechia.
(b) The Cannabis Embassy assisted in the drafting of a letter of support, endorsed by 76 international drug policy experts , which was reported on in the media and the Czech hemp cluster .
(c) The European Industrial Hemp Association also issued a farewell appreciation note .
(d) “Harm reduction is more realistic than absticence” he declared upon leaving office . His position will remain vacant after his departure.
16 March 2024 bilateral meeting with Czech government officials, Czech civil society representatives, and the Government of the Cannabis Embassy.
In recent years, the Czech republic has become a model in sensible drug policy. This feat was largely due to the tireless efforts of Jindřich Vobořil, the Czech Government’s National Drug Policy Coordinator (2010–2018, 2021–2024).
On 9 July 2024, reportedly under pressure from different interest groups, Jindřich Vobořil resigned from his Government positions, as he was in the final line before the presentation of a bill to regulate the market for psychoactive cannabis.
For us, experts in drug policy from around the world, Jindřich Vobořil has also been a vocal advocate of reason, science, and of a non-conflicted approach to the most sensitive topics, like the regulation of cannabis and other products, the inclusion of people who use drugs in policy design, and the access to prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and care programmes.
At all United Nations meetings, within the European Union apparatus, and in national drug policy dialogues across Europe, Asia, and South America, Vobořil has been the ultimate ambassador for the Czech Republic as a nation advancing human rights, international cooperation and dialogue, and a “peace on drugs.” Amidst often morose and low-level drug policy debates, Vobořil articulated an uncommon but solid and rational approach:
- Drugs and addiction policies must be aimed at protecting the most vulnerable groups of the population, namely children and adolescents, people in difficult situations, and people with mental health problems.
- The market for drugs needs to be regulated according to the degree of harm and the dependence potential associated with each product.
- Policy and intervention must be based on scientifically-proven information and evidence.
- The regulated availability of less harmful substances is more effective than a complete prohibition, from the point of view of prevention.
- Prevention and treatment deserve more attention (and budget) than the statutory regulations themselves and are, according to all indicators, the most effective part of addiction policies.
- Addiction policies must apply the “harm reduction” approach, that is, an approach aimed at minimising the harms and other negative impacts on human rights.
Vobořil’s track record in government is exemplary in implementing —or advocating for the implementation of— well-proven health and harm reduction initiatives, as well as novel and innovative policy approaches to drug control and regulation, criminal justice reform, and the protection of human rights.
15 years ago, Vobořil led efforts to decriminalise the possession of small quantities of drugs. Back in his position in recent years, he implemented a series of ground-breaking reforms, including applying dependence policies to activities such as gambling; opening medical cannabis access; raising THC threshold to 1% for industrial hemp farmers; regulating Psychomodulatory substances, or a Cannabis legalisation bill, still in the works as he leaves his position. Vobořil was a crucial advocate for, and supporter of WHO’s scientific review of cannabis and posterior international rescheduling. During the Czech presidency of the European Union, he headed the negotiations for the EU Council Conclusions on human rights-based approach in drug policies (15818/22, 9 Dec. 2022).
Although we were shocked to learn that private interests and moral entrepreneurs pressured him out of his position, we are grateful to Jindrich for years of effort, for his teachings, for leading by example, and for his tireless work. We call on all policymakers, worldwide, to learn from his achievements and follow in his courageous footsteps. We also call on the Czech government to continue Mr. Vobořil’s filed proposals on modern and more humane legislation, and to continue listening to his voice in this field.
