Cannabis in Germany: ✅
From April 1, 2024, adults (aged 18 and over) in Germany will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and store up to 50 grams at home . In addition, the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants for personal consumption is permitted. So yes, smoking weed is now permitted in Germany .
From July, ' cannabis social clubs ' will allow limited cultivation and purchase.
Public consumption is only permitted to a limited extent; smoking weed is not permitted within sight of children's and youth facilities or sports facilities . Consumption is permitted in pedestrian zones from 8 p.m. Cannabis remains prohibited for minors.
Hemp in Austria: 🚫
In Austria, the possession, cultivation, sale and processing of hemp containing THC and other cannabis products is prohibited . However, hemp shops are allowed to operate legally as they do not sell any products containing THC.
It is legal under the law to grow an unlimited amount of cannabis plants as long as they are prevented from flowering and the owner can prove that he does not intend to produce psychoactive cannabis.
Products containing CBD are freely available for sale . Possession of cannabis can result in prison sentences of up to one year or fines. Smaller quantities for personal use often only result in an entry in the drug registry with no further consequences.
Cannabis in Switzerland: ✅
Possession of less than ten grams of cannabis is considered an administrative offence . Products with less than one percent THC are not subject to the Narcotics Act and can be purchased freely.
Since August 2022, the ban on cannabis for medical purposes has been lifted, allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis medicines for certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis or chronic pain.
Cannabis in Luxembourg: 🚫✅
Cannabis is not yet fully legal there. Although legalization was originally planned for 2019, the draft law was not completed in time. The legalization of the cannabis trade was also rejected in 2021.
Instead, the cultivation of up to four hemp plants for personal consumption is permitted, and possession of small amounts is decriminalized. However, possession of more than three grams of cannabis in public is punishable by law.
Marijuana Netherlands / Holland: ✅
Since 1976, consumption has been permitted from the age of 18 , as has possession of up to 5 grams per person . The authorities also tolerate sales in coffee shops. However, growing and buying cannabis in large quantities is prohibited.
In the Netherlands, cannabis is considered 'illegal but not punishable', which means that it is tolerated as long as certain rules are followed - for example, no advertising for its use.
Cannabis in Spain: ✅
Spain: A special case for cannabis. While the consumption or possession of cannabis in public is illegal, a loophole in the law allows consumption in one's own home.
In addition, the law allows the cultivation of cannabis exclusively for personal use, be it for medical reasons or for recreational use.
Cannabis in Portugal: ✅
In Portugal, there is a liberal approach to cannabis possession. Possession of the drug has been legal for over 20 years, but cultivation and sale are punishable. Cannabis is decriminalized, meaning that consumption and possession of small amounts are only considered an administrative offence. Up to ten daily doses (25 grams) are exempt from punishment.
People who are caught with drugs receive offers of help from the 'Commission for Warnings Against Drug Addiction'. Repeat offenders face fines or the withdrawal of their driving license.
Cannabis in Croatia: 🚫✅
Medical use is legal for certain illnesses. Medicines must be purchased from licensed pharmacies, and medical purchases are limited to 7.5 grams per month. Recreational use remains illegal, but has been decriminalized since 2013.
Travelling with medicinal cannabis can be problematic as plants or flowers are illegal. Violations result in fines of €700 to €3,500, and selling leads to criminal consequences with three years in prison.
Cannabis in Slovenia: 🚫✅
In Slovenia , possession of cannabis is illegal , but personal use has been decriminalized. The law defines 'personal use' as a small amount for private consumption.
Cannabis in Italy: 🚫✅
In Italy , cannabis consumption is not illegal, but possession and sale are. First-time offenders are often treated leniently, but repeated offences usually result in administrative sanctions. In 2007, the Italian government recognized the therapeutic benefits of THC and legalized cannabis for medical purposes.
Cannabis in Greece: 🚫✅
In Greece, the consumption and distribution of cannabis is illegal , although the law is less strict for limited private use . In 2017, the government legalized the medical use of cannabis, and a year later it lifted the ban on cultivation and production. This allows pharmaceutical companies and industrial producers to grow cannabis legally.
Hemp in the Czech Republic: ✅
Since 2010, the consumption of cannabis has been legalized in the Czech Republic, as has possession for personal use. The cultivation of up to five hemp plants for personal use and the possession of 10-15 grams of marijuana have been decriminalized. Further legalization steps are currently being discussed, which means that cannabis laws may change in the near future.
Cannabis in Malta: ✅
Since 2022, Malta has been the first country in the EU to legalize the consumption and cultivation of cannabis . However, trade remains prohibited. Adults are allowed to possess up to 7 grams of cannabis and grow four plants . In 2023, six cannabis social clubs were licensed, however tourists cannot legally purchase cannabis as only club members who are residents have access. Consumption of cannabis in public is punishable by a fine of approximately 235 euros.
Cannabis in Belgium: ✅
Since June 2003, possession of cannabis for personal use has not been prosecuted. The limit is three grams or one plant. Nevertheless, a fine of 75 to 125 euros is imposed, which increases for repeat offenders.
Cannabis in Estonia: 🚫✅
Estonia has a medical marijuana policy, but reforms are lagging behind. Recreational use of weed is decriminalized , with possession of small amounts considered a minor offense. Up to 7.5 grams of dried flowers is considered a small amount.
Cannabis is not generally consumed in public places and the police do not actively seek out users. Alcohol consumption is the country's biggest problem; first-time offenders will in most cases get away with a written warning.
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