On cannabis without prejudice discussion will break down further myths
The aim of the On cannabis without prejudice discussion is to break down entrenched prejudices and present not only the possible risks but also the benefits of cannabis based on facts. The sixth annual debate session will take place on March 11 at the Fortress of Knowledge at Palacký University, with the participation of leading experts in the field. Among other things, it will focus on the issue of psychomodulatory substances and legislative changes in this area, the use of cannabis as a technical crop in agriculture and various industries, and domestic and foreign experiences with medical cannabis.
“The main goal of the moderated debates is to destigmatize and decriminalize cannabis use. Since the first year, we have been trying to change the public’s view of cannabis and explain that the crop has a whole range of benefits not only in human and veterinary medicine, but also in agriculture, industry, and, last but not least, for the environment. Over time, there have been major changes, including in the use of medical cannabis. Many barriers have fallen, and this process is still ongoing. However, there are still many aspects of cannabis that need to be discussed, so we are not concerned that the topic will be exhausted. This year, we have again invited leading guests who will share their vast knowledge and experience,” said Petr Tarkowski, organizer of the series, debate moderator, and expert in the biochemistry of medicinal plants at the Czech Institute for Research and Advanced Technologies – CATRIN at Palacký University.
The main guest of the debate will be Viktor Mravčík, a leading Czech addiction specialist, author of the concept of psychomodulatory substance regulation, and advisor on drug policy, who works at the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and in the “Podané ruce” association.
He is the brains behind legislative changes in the field of psychomodulatory substances, the approval of which is unique in the world. For the first time, a group of substances has been defined that needs to be regulated, but not banned, due to their potential health or social impacts. The first item on the list of regulated psychomodulatory substances in the Czech Republic since this year is kratom. Now, only certified sellers in brick-and-mortar stores can sell it, and only to adults. Legislative changes in Czechia may inspire other countries, the issue is of great interest,” added Tarkowski.
The business world and academic environment will be represented by social and medical anthropologist Tomáš Ryška. In addition to working at the University of Economics in Prague and thirty years of experience in cannabis research, he is the director of Astrasana Pharma and founder of the “Kanape pro pacienty” (Sofa for Patients) project.
Hana Gabrielová, president of the Czechemp cannabis cluster and an internationally recognized expert on bioeconomics and cannabis cultivation, will talk about the use of cannabis in construction, agriculture, food processing, and the textile industry. The aim is to change the public’s perception of cannabis, which has a wide range of positive uses, from medicine in human and veterinary medicine, through food and textiles, to construction.
The debate will take place at 5:30 p.m. It is primarily intended for students of Palacký University, but others interested in the issue are also welcome. Admission is free.