The winds of change are blowing with the increasingly smelly smell of weed. More and more European countries are becoming increasingly tolerant of weed both medicinally and recreationally.

Although full decriminalization is far away in many countries, there is an increasing degree of tolerance regarding personal use and cannabis possession in a number of countries.

In this article, we’ll take a fresh dive into the topic with the most up-to-date information about the best European countries where you can smoke weed safely. 

#10 Is weed legal in Moldova?

Bet you didn’t expect to see Moldova on this list! Although Eastern Europe largely gets a reputation for severe treatment of cannabis users, Moldova has recently become somewhat of a safe haven, compared to some of its neighbors.

Weed in Moldova isn’t legal, but its recreational use has been decriminalized. Smoking cannabis in public has become an administrative charge and not a criminal one. However, growing your own weed as well as selling weed is illegal. The estimated quantity for personal use is 3 grams. 

Interestingly, there is no medicinal weed program in Moldova and medicinal cannabis is illegal and CBD products fall in a gray legal area. They are considered cannabis-related products but can be bought online.

#9 Is weed legal in Austria?

The cannabis scene in Austria is extremely vibrant with almost 40% of young people admitting to having tried smoking cannabis. The laws are somewhat of a gray area, with medicinal weed being decriminalized but remaining highly regulated and obtainable only with a doctor’s prescription. 

Recreational smoking is technically illegal but there is a de facto tolerance to cases of possession of minor amounts. Moreover, the judicial system in Austria is rather lenient and distinguishes between drug traffickers and people who use weed for health issues or that may have an addiction to it. Weed does not have a criminal statute as of 2016.

CBD products are completely legal, as long as they don’t contain more than 0.3% THC. Also, the sale of hemp plants and seeds is currently legal. However, growing your weed plants is still highly prohibited. 

#8 Is weed legal in Italy?

Cannabis is quite popular in Italy, with stores selling low-THC “cannabis light” products commonly found across the country. While recreational cannabis use is not legal, it is somewhat tolerated. Individuals typically don’t face legal consequences for personal use but that can vary across regions.

Medical cannabis is legal and can be prescribed by doctors, but all medical cannabis must be produced domestically by a military pharmaceutical plant or imported from abroad. CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.6% THC. 

Possession of cannabis is technically illegal, but enforcement is often lax for small amounts. Growing cannabis, however, remains illegal, with the exception of certain strains of agricultural hemp. As always, these laws are subject to change, so it’s important to stay updated on current regulations.

#7 Is weed legal in Germany?

Cannabis holds a significant place in Germany’s medical sector, with the country leading Europe’s medical cannabis market. Over 128,000 patients receive medical cannabis treatments annually, a testament to the widespread acceptance of its medicinal use. This is facilitated by Germany’s progressive stance on medical cannabis, which was legalized in 2017. Additionally, public health insurers are mandated to cover treatments involving medical cannabis, making it more accessible to patients who need it.

However, the landscape for recreational cannabis is different. Despite its popularity, the recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Germany, with laws prohibiting possession, cultivation, import, export, and sale. Enforcement of these laws is somewhat lenient for personal use, with individuals found in possession of small amounts typically avoiding prosecution. CBD products are legal and widely available. 

Growing cannabis, even for personal use, remains illegal. Despite the restrictions on recreational use, the popularity of cannabis and the leniency towards small-scale personal use suggest a complex and nuanced cannabis culture within the country.

#6 Is weed legal in Denmark?

Cannabis is pretty popular in Denmark. This is especially true in Christiania, a part of Copenhagen. But, even though many people use it, recreational cannabis is not legal in Denmark. Although possession is illegal, getting caught with small amounts usually does nto bring harsh penalties. Moreover, growing your own cannabis in Denmark is illegal.

Denmark is more open to medical cannabis. In 2018, they started a four-year program to test it out. CBD products, which are a type of cannabis, are also okay to use in Denmark. They just have to have less than 0.2% THC.

#5 Is weed legal in Croatia?

In Croatia, cannabis is quite popular, and there’s even a cannabis museum in the capital city, Zagreb. However, using weed recreationally is not legal. If you’re caught with a small amount, you’ll likely get a fine. However, if you’re caught selling, growing, or possessing large amounts of weed, you might get into serious trouble. 

On the other hand, using weed for medical reasons is legal. Doctors can prescribe it, and some businesses can even grow hemp for medical use. Products with CBD are also legal as long as they don’t have over 0.2% THC.

#4 Is weed legal in the Czech Republic?

In the Czech Republic, cannabis is quite popular. In fact, it’s ranked as one of the top cannabis-consuming countries in Europe. But, even though many people use it, recreational cannabis is not legal. However, the possession of up to 15 grams of flower, five grams of resin, and growing five plants was decriminalized and is subject to a fine. 

The country legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes in 2013. Businesses with a license can grow cannabis for medical purposes. Also, CBD products are completely legal. Overall, the Czech Republic is one of the most 420-friendly countries in the world. 

#3 Is weed legal in Portugal?

Portugal was one of the first countries in the world to implement progressive drug policies, treating drug addiction as a disease, rather than a crime. As an effect, in 2001 Portugal decriminalized all drugs. Although it’s still illegal to possess large amounts of cannabis or to sell or grow it, the overall lenient approach of the government has led to the continued popularity of cannabis among the Portuguese population.

When it comes to medical weed, Portugal has fully embraced the benefits of medicinal cannabis. The country fully legalized medical cannabis in 2018, allowing doctors to prescribe it for certain conditions. Additionally, CBD products are also legal in Portugal. They must, however, contain less than 0.2% THC.

#2 Is weed legal in the Netherlands? 

In the Netherlands, cannabis is quite popular, and the country is known for its coffee shops where cannabis is sold and consumed legally. However, while recreational cannabis use is not fully legal outside their premises, it is decriminalized, and possession of fewer than five grams for personal use is not penalized. This policy of tolerance has contributed to the country’s reputation as one of the most cannabis-friendly destinations in Europe.

On the other hand, the Netherlands has a robust medical marijuana program. Medical cannabis is legal and is provided to pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors by the Office of Medicinal Cannabis (OMC). CBD products are also legal in the country. 

When it comes to growing cannabis there is a tolerance for cultivating up to five plants. However, professional growers often get fined by law enforcement and may have their plants confiscated.

#1 Is weed legal in Spain?

In Spain, cannabis is quite popular, and the country is known for its cannabis clubs, similar to the coffee shops of Amsterdam but not exactly. See what are the differences between social clubs and coffee shops. While recreational cannabis use is not fully legal, it is decriminalized, and possession of small amounts for personal use is not heavily penalized. This policy of tolerance has contributed to the country’s reputation as a cannabis-friendly destination. For more details check this detailed guide on cannabis laws in Barcelona.

Spain has no legal provisions for medical professionals to prescribe cannabis. However, the decriminalization of recreational cannabis in Spain and various legal loopholes mean that accessing cannabis is easier than in other places where medical cannabis is illegal. 

Growing cannabis is not fully legal, but the cultivation of up to two plants for personal use is decriminalized when they are kept out of public sight. Despite these restrictions, Spain’s tolerant approach to cannabis use makes it a unique case in the global cannabis landscape.

Cannabis social clubs are a major part of weed culture in Spain. They’re a great place to learn more about weed and experiment with the substance in a regulated and safe environment. If you’e looking to join a laid-back and fun social club while in Barcelona, check out Smoke Signals.

Recap

In summary, various European countries are adopting more lenient stances on cannabis use, particularly for personal use. Spain and the Netherlands stand out with their unique approaches. Still, it’s crucial to stay updated on changing laws and consult local legislation before deciding about cannabis use. This information is purely educational and not legal advice. 

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws around cannabis can change, so always check your local laws. Our source is Cannigma. Always consult a legal professional before making decisions related to cannabis use.: