Medical Marijuana: Who Gets Cannabis on Prescription

07/19/2021 Author: Jolana Š 9 min read

Cannabis Treatment on Prescription: Who and When Is It Prescribed

Medical cannabis raises many questions. Let's look at the regulation of its use in the Czech Republic and discuss in which areas it can help and what its risks are.

Legal status of cannabis in the European Union (as of 25 September 2026)

The EU has no single cannabis law: it sets a common framework for hemp farming, trade and drug trafficking, while recreational use is regulated by each Member State.
CBD lawfully produced in one Member State may in principle be sold in another; a national ban is allowed only if it is suitable to protect public health and does not go beyond what is necessary. The Court held that such CBD is not a narcotic drug under the 1961 Single Convention (Articles 34 and 36 TFEU, Case C-663/18 Kanavape, paras 76 and 96).
Industrial hemp qualifies for CAP direct payments only if the THC content of the variety does not exceed 0.3 % (Art. 4(4) Regulation (EU) 2021/2115); THC control methods are set by the Commission (Art. 60(4)(a) Regulation (EU) 2021/2116).
Member States may restrict how hemp is grown, for example ban indoor hydroponic cultivation, if the restriction is suitable and proportionate for protecting public health (Case C-793/22 Biohemp Concept, 4 October 2024).
Member States must make intentional unlawful cultivation of cannabis plants and drug trafficking a criminal offence (Art. 2(1)(b) Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA, as quoted in Case C-271/23).
Rules on recreational cannabis differ widely: Germany allows adults to possess up to 25 g in public, 50 g at home and three plants (§ 3 and § 9 KCanG), while in Czechia personal use becomes a criminal offence only above 5 plants, 200 g at home or 50 g elsewhere, and plants with up to 1 % THC are excluded (§ 285 Czech Criminal Code).

“Články 34 a 36 SFEU musí být vykládány v tom smyslu, že brání vnitrostátní právní úpravě, která zakazuje uvádět na trh CBD, který je legálně vyprodukován v jiném členském státě, v případě, že je extrahován z celé rostliny cannabis sativa, a nikoli pouze z jejích vláken a semen, ledaže je tato právní úprava s to zaručit naplnění cíle ochrany veřejného zdraví a nepřekračuje meze toho, co je k dosažení tohoto cíle nezbytné.”
[Translation: “Articles 34 and 36 TFEU must be interpreted as precluding national legislation which prohibits the marketing of CBD lawfully produced in another Member State when it is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant in its entirety and not solely from its fibre and seeds, unless that legislation is appropriate for securing the attainment of the objective of protecting public health and does not go beyond what is necessary for that purpose.”]
Court of Justice of the European Union, 19 November 2020, Case C-663/18 (Kanavape)

This overview is based on legislation and case law in the legal database Europaius. It is not legal advice.

Medicinal Cannabis: A Current Scientific Perspective

For millennia, civilizations have recognized the therapeutic properties of cannabis as genetic material of great value. Historical studies reveal that thousands of years ago the special characteristics of these genetics were already known. Today, the scientific analysis of collectible seeds and their cannabinoid profiles generates a fascinating debate within the research community.

Chemical Composition and Cannabinoid Profiles

The collectible seed varieties we find today present extraordinarily diverse chemical profiles. Each genetic develops a unique combination of major cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), along with more than 100 additional cannabinoid compounds that define its aromatic identity and intrinsic properties.

Modern research has identified that certain genetics may contain THC concentrations ranging from 0.3% to 21%, while CBD levels can vary from 0.1% to 19%. This variability makes each genetic line a unique specimen for specialized collectors.

Scientific Studies on Cannabis Genetics

A study published in 2017 in the Journal of Pain Research analyzed the properties of different genetic lines. Researchers James M. Corroon Jr., Laurie K. Mischley, and Michelle Sexton documented the distinctive characteristics of various varieties, establishing correlations between specific cannabinoid profiles and their aromatic properties.

The study revealed interesting patterns regarding collector preference for certain genetics. The data showed that varieties with balanced cannabinoid profiles are particularly attractive for genetic conservation purposes.

Cannabis Sativa vs Cannabis Indica Varieties: Distinctive Genetic Profiles

Collectible seeds are mainly classified into two major genetic families: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Each presents morphological and chemical characteristics that make them unique for specialized collectors.

Characteristics of Sativa Genetics

Sativa varieties are characterized by developing taller plants with narrow, elongated leaves. Their terpene profiles tend to be more complex, with a predominance of terpenes such as limonene and pinene, which confer distinctive citrus and fresh aromas.

From a cannabinoid standpoint, many Sativa genetics present particular THC:CBD ratios that make them specimens of great value for genetic preservation. Their longer flowering periods allow for a more complete development of the aromatic profile.

Profiles of Indica Genetics

On the other hand, Indica varieties stand out for their more compact structure and broad leaves. Their terpene composition usually includes a higher concentration of myrcene and linalool, generating more earthy and relaxing aromatic profiles.

These genetics have historically shown a tendency to develop cannabinoid concentrations that make them especially valued by collectors seeking to preserve lines with traditional sedative properties.

The Role of Terpenes in Collectible Genetics

Terpenes constitute one of the most fascinating aspects of collectible seeds. These aromatic compounds not only define the olfactory profile of each genetic but also interact in a complex manner with cannabinoids, creating what scientists call the "entourage effect".

Main Terpenes and Their Characteristics

Among the most relevant terpenes we find:

Myrcene: Imparts earthy aromas and is abundant in genetics known for their relaxing properties
Limonene: Provides citrus notes and is found mainly in Sativa varieties
Pinene: Generates fresh aromas reminiscent of pine and can be found in both genetic families
Linalool: Provides floral fragrances and is common in varieties with calming profiles

Conservation of Genetic Material

The preservation of these unique genetics represents a crucial aspect for biological diversity. Each variety of collectible seeds constitutes a genetic reservoir that may contain unique combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes developed over decades of selection.

Specialized collectors understand that keeping these genetic lines intact is essential for future scientific research. The genetic material represented by these seeds may contain valuable information about the natural evolution of cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

Regulation and Legal Framework for Collectible Seeds

The current regulatory framework establishes specific criteria for the classification and conservation of cannabis genetic material. Regulations define precise parameters regarding the cannabinoid contents permitted for collection and genetic conservation purposes.

Scientific Classification Criteria

Seeds intended for collection must meet specific standards regarding:

Genetic purity and line stability
Documentation of the expected cannabinoid profile
Traceability of genetic material
Appropriate conservation conditions

This regulation ensures that collectors have access to authentic genetic material that is well documented, preserving the integrity of each line for future generations of researchers and conservationists.

Future of Cannabis Genetics Research

The research prospects surrounding collectible seeds are promising. Advances in plant genomics and terpene analysis are opening new avenues to better understand the genetic diversity of these varieties.

The scientific community continues to study how environmental, genetic, and cultivation factors influence the final expression of cannabinoids and terpenes, valuable information for collectors interested in preserving genetics with specific characteristics.

In short, collectible seeds represent a unique genetic heritage that combines history, science, and biological conservation, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to preserve extraordinary varieties for future generations.