On August 20, 2025, Slovenia’s new Medical and Scientific Cannabis Act will come into force. The law allows physicians to prescribe cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana, for any indication or condition based on their professional judgment. Prescriptions can be written on standard green (fully covered by health insurance) or white (fully covered by the patient) prescription forms, but only for up to one month of treatment per patient.
Key provisions for patients and physicians
Doctors now have the authority to decide which patients and conditions qualify for medical cannabis (marijuana).
Prescriptions are valid for a maximum of one month and are not renewable.
Patients must undergo a medical examination before the first prescription and then once a year to maintain eligibility.
Previously, cannabis (marijuana) could only be prescribed with special duplicate prescriptions and for limited conditions. The reform marks a fundamental shift, placing more responsibility on individual physicians.
Concerns of the Medical Chamber
The Slovenian Medical Chamber has expressed concern that the law introduces an anomaly into the health care system, as no other medicine is explicitly allowed for “any indication or condition” in Slovenian legislation.
Doctors fear that the law will create public expectations that they must prescribe marijuana in all cases.
Training is inadequate, as many physicians admit they lack knowledge about cannabis effects and prescribing practices.
The Chamber emphasized that professional associations, not legislators, should set guidelines for use.
Regulation of production and distribution
The law also regulates the production, trade and control of cannabis (marijuana) for medical and scientific purposes:
Production and trade licenses will be issued and revoked by the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (JAZMP).
JAZMP will also handle import and export licenses.
Within 6 months, the Ministry of Health must establish technical conditions for production, safety of facilities and supervision.
Within 90 days, the government must update the regulation on the classification of prohibited drugs, and the Ministry of Health must adjust the regulations on the classification and prescription of drugs.
JAZMP must establish electronic records within 18 months.
The outlook
The law represents a major step forward for patients seeking access to cannabis (marijuana) treatment in Slovenia. However, practical implementation will take time. Doctors will need additional training, regulators will need to provide detailed rules, and clear communication will be needed to manage public expectations.
Slovenia now joins a growing list of EU countries that allow the medical use of marijuana, combining greater patient access with strict oversight of production and distribution.
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