The Lithuanian Parliament is once again debating a proposal to legalize small amounts of cannabis after an extended break. If it acquires enough traction, this debate, which is being led by the Seimas Committee on Legal Affairs (Teisės ir teisėtvarkos komitetas, or TTK), may mark a sea change in the nation’s drug policy strategy.
An unfinished cannabis project comes back into the light
Since April 2023, the cannabis decriminalization measure that was first proposed years ago has been lingering in Lithuania. Due to procedural concerns, the Seimas at the time sent the measure back to the committee. During parliamentary debate, the Ethics and Procedures Commission had raised concerns about a violation, pointing to the absence of the necessary expert evaluation.
This delay came after the bill was first adopted by the Seimas by a single vote in 2022. The proposal sought to change the Lithuanian Administrative Offenses Code so that those found in possession of tiny amounts of cannabis and its derivatives, such as oil or resin, would only be subject to a warning or a fine of between €50 and €300. Fines of €300 to €1,000 may be imposed for repeated infractions. The law encountered an obstacle despite its initial momentum. There was not enough support for a related proposal to change the Criminal Code and make small-scale cannabis possession without the intent to distribute illegal.
Sabatauskas demands updates to the procedural
Julius Sabatauskas, the Social Democratic Party’s TTK Chairman, has brought the idea back to life in 2025. According to him, his latest effort only amends the bill to take into account modifications made to the law since it was first proposed. Sabatauskas claims that because of subsequent revisions, the original draft’s article numbers and references are no longer valid.
“This isn’t about promoting the bill itself—it’s about ensuring that all documents in the committee are in order so they can be debated properly in the Seimas if needed,” said Sabatauskas.
Noting that he hadn’t addressed the new idea with his party’s parliamentary group or calculated possible votes in favor of it, he underlined that his endeavor is more about legislative housekeeping than political advocacy.
A rise in political tensions
However, some people disagree with Sabatauskas’ impartial position. Agnė Širinskienė, a TTK member and a member of the Democratic party “For Lithuania,” asserts that intentionality plays a greater role. Committees have stalled numerous bills. “It’s clear that this one is being prepared for discussion in the main chamber because it’s being brought back to the agenda,” she told BNS.
Širinskienė pointed out that the cannabis decriminalization plan is neither a component of the government’s agenda in Lithuania or a subject that the ruling coalition had previously decided upon. Her comments suggest that the Social Democrats, certain Conservatives, and Liberals may have formed an alliance to advance the cannabis law without the complete support of the coalition. The Seimas attempted to change drug policy before. MPs turned down a more comprehensive plan in 2021 that aimed to decriminalize all drugs in tiny amounts for individual use.
It’s interesting to note that Lithuania’s national strategy on drug prevention and control for 2018–2028 includes addressed drug policy reform. Under the leadership of then-Minister Aurelijus Veryga, the Health Ministry developed that plan, which set out to decriminalize less dangerous drug-related offenses by substituting administrative sanctions for criminal ones. Despite debates among the public and experts over the efficacy of punitive policies, lawmakers have consistently been hesitant to relax drug prohibitions, as evidenced by the failure of the 2018 and 2021 proposals.
Democrats offer a balanced cannabis strategy
Members of the Democrats “For Lithuania” recently registered their own set of cannabis law amendments in a parallel. A more conditional approach to decriminalization is suggested by these concepts. They proposed to exclude from criminal prosecution anybody caught in possession of drugs without intending to distribute them, but only in certain situations.
For instance, if a person with a substance use issue willingly starts treatment, they may be able to avoid prosecution. The individual must complete educational courses. These courses cover the risks of drug and substance use. This is necessary to avoid criminal responsibility, even if treatment is not needed. This strategy suggests a restorative approach. It aims to balance public health education, personal accountability, and legal leniency.
The future of this plan is uncertain. It goes back to committee debates. The renewed interest in the cannabis bill could lead to deeper talks in Lithuania. This may affect country’s drug laws and public opinions. Sabatauskas claims he is just fixing technical issues.
Will the Lithuania’s Seimas shift from cannabis criminalization? Will it embrace a health-centered approach? That is the question. The assembly’s passage of the bill will test the coalition’s unity. Lithuania will face challenges as it rethinks its stance on minor drug offenses. The TTK currently captures attention, reflecting politicians’ readiness to shift from cautious procrastination to decisive action.