Cannabis map - status Europe - where is marijuana legal?

Cannabis in Germany: ✅

From April 1, 2024, adults (18 years and older) in Germany will be allowed to carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use and store up to 50 grams at home . Additionally, the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants for personal consumption is permitted. So yes, smoking weed is now legal in Germany .

From July, ' cannabis social clubs ' will allow limited cultivation and purchase.

Public consumption is permitted only to a limited extent; smoking marijuana is not permitted within sight of children's and youth facilities or sports venues . In pedestrian zones, consumption is permitted after 8 p.m. Cannabis remains prohibited for minors.

Hemp in Austria: 🚫

In Austria, the possession, cultivation, sale, and processing of THC-containing hemp and other cannabis products is prohibited . However, hemp shops are permitted to operate legally, as they do not sell THC-containing products.

It is legal by law to grow an unlimited amount of cannabis plants as long as they are prevented from flowering and the owner can prove that they do not intend to produce psychoactive cannabis.

Products containing CBD are freely available for sale . Possession of cannabis can result in imprisonment of up to one year or fines. Smaller amounts for personal use often result in a registration in the drug registry with no further consequences.

Cannabis in Switzerland: ✅

Possession of less than ten grams of cannabis is considered an administrative offense . Products containing less than one percent THC are not subject to the Narcotics Act and can be freely purchased.

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 bill was not completed in time. The legalization of 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 legal for people over 18 , as has possession of up to 5 grams per person . The authorities also tolerate sales in coffee shops. However, the cultivation and purchase of cannabis in large quantities are prohibited.

In the Netherlands, cannabis is considered 'illegal but not punishable' , which means 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 legal loophole allows for consumption in one's own home.

In addition, the law allows the cultivation of cannabis exclusively for personal use, whether for medical reasons or for recreational use.

Cannabis in Portugal: ✅

Portugal has 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 consumption and possession of small amounts are considered only administrative offenses. Up to ten daily doses (25 grams) are exempt from punishment.

People caught with drugs receive support from the Drug Addiction Warning Commission. Repeat offenders face fines or driver's license revocation.

Cannabis in Croatia: 🚫✅

Medical use is legal for certain illnesses. Medications must be purchased through licensed pharmacies, and medical use is limited to 7.5 grams per month. Recreational use remains illegal, but has been decriminalized since 2013.

Traveling with medical cannabis can be problematic, as plants or flowers are illegal. Violations result in fines of €700 to €3,500, and selling it leads to criminal penalties of up to three years in prison.

Cannabis in Slovenia: 🚫✅

In Slovenia , possession of cannabis is illegal , but personal consumption 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 offenses are often treated leniently, but repeated offenses typically 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 personal use . In 2017, the government legalized the medical use of cannabis, and a year later, lifted the ban on cultivation and production. This allows pharmaceutical companies and industrial producers to cultivate cannabis legally.

Hemp in the Czech Republic: ✅

Cannabis consumption has been legalized in the Czech Republic since 2010, as has possession for personal use. Cultivating up to five hemp plants for personal use and possessing 10-15 grams of marijuana have been decriminalized. Further legalization steps are currently being discussed, meaning cannabis laws may change in the near future.

Cannabis in Malta: ✅

In 2022, Malta became the first country in the EU to legalize the consumption and cultivation of cannabis . However, trade remains prohibited. Adults are permitted to possess up to 7 grams of cannabis and cultivate four plants . In 2023, six cannabis social clubs were licensed, but tourists cannot legally purchase cannabis, as only club members who are residents have access. Consuming cannabis in public is punishable by a fine of approximately €235.

Cannabis in Belgium: ✅

Since June 2003, possession of cannabis for personal use has not been prosecuted. The limit is three grams or one plant. However, 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 marijuana use 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 generally not consumed in public places, and the police do not actively seek out users. Alcohol consumption is the country's biggest problem; first-time offenders are usually given a written warning.