Cannabis-Based Medication in the Case-Law of the European Court of Human Rights Cover Image

Liečba na báze cannabisu v judikatúre Európskeho súdu pre ľudské práva
Cannabis-Based Medication in the Case-Law of the European Court of Human Rights

Author(s): Romana Gulášová
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Health and medicine and law, Court case
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Nakladatelství Karolinum
Keywords: European Court of Human Rights; private life; health care; cannabis-based medication

Summary/Abstract: The paper examines the issue of cannabis-based medication in the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. The aim of the text is to identify legal standards and obligations of the Council of Europe Member States arising from the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms regarding access to cannabis-based treatment. Through a qualitative analysis of case-law, the author explores the intersection between the patient’s personal autonomy and the state’s discretion to regulate narcotics. The analysis confirms that although the Convention does not explicitly guarantee a right to health, the issue of medical cannabis use falls under the scope of Article 8 (right to respect for private life). While states enjoy a wide margin of appreciation in health care policies and narcotics regulation, they are obliged to ensure a predictable and effective legal framework and to fairly balance the interests of the individual against those of the public when sanctioning cannabis use for medical purposes.

  • Issue Year: 72/2026
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 127-144
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Slovak
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