Cannabis Regulation Through the “Without Right” Clause in Article 2(1) of EU Framework Decision 2004/757/jha on Illicit Drug Trafficking

Several EU states have shown initiatives towards a more lenient approach to the regulation of cannabis cultivation and trade for recreational use. One possibility that is being investigated is whether a national regulatory system for controlled trade of recreational cannabis can be developed in accordance of the EU Framework Decision 2004/757/jha. The ‘without right’ -clause in Article 2(1) of this decision, from a linguistic point of view, does seem to allow the introduction of such a licensing system. In fact, such a system would not cross the system or the purpose of the Framework Decision, if such licensing system does not result in cross-border effects or the hindering of transnational cooperation in combatting cross-border drug trafficking. However, this possibility is only of theoretical nature considering the clear and strict obligations ensuing from the UN narcotic drugs conventions. In order to regulate recreational cannabis within the boundaries of public international law, states can: (1) denounce the UN narcotic drugs conventions; (2) deviate from the obligations of the UN conventions on the basis of positive human rights obligations; (3) create an inter se agreement between like-minded states that deviates from the UN conventions; and (4) denounce the UN drugs conventions and re-access subsequently with a reservation allowing for regulation of recreational cannabis. We argue that these options can have a combined strengthening effect and indeed present a legally sound and politically viable opportunity to regulate recreational cannabis without denouncing the whole UN drug control system.