Weed Laws in Europe: Complete Country by Country Guide [2026]
Weed laws in Europe: Complete country by country guide to cannabis laws across Europe. Which European countries have legalized weed, which are decriminalized, and which remain illegal in 2026?
Weed Laws in Europe: Complete Country by Country Guide [2026]
Planning to travel or just curious about cannabis laws across the continent? This comprehensive guide covers weed laws in Europe country by country. Europe has some of the most progressive cannabis policies in the world, but laws vary dramatically between nations. From Germany's recent legalization to the Netherlands' famous tolerance policy, understanding European cannabis laws is essential for travelers and enthusiasts.
Quick Reference: Europe Cannabis Laws Overview
| Legal Status | Countries | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Legal | Germany, Malta | Licensed dispensaries, regulated markets |
| De Facto Legal/Tolerated | Netherlands | Coffee shops, de facto legalization |
| Decriminalized | Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Slovenia | No jail for possession, fines or treatment |
| Medical Only | Poland, Greece, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, Ireland, UK, Austria | Medical cannabis programs |
| Illegal | France, Sweden, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine | Criminal penalties |
Europe Cannabis Legalization Map
LEGAL / DE FACTO LEGAL (Green):
š©šŖ Germany
š³š± Netherlands
š²š¹ MaltaDECRIMINALIZED (Yellow):
šµš¹ Portugal
šŖšø Spain
š®š¹ Italy
š§šŖ Belgium
šØšæ Czech Republic
šŖšŖ Estonia
šš· Croatia
šøš® Slovenia
MEDICAL ONLY (Blue):
š¬š· Greece
šµš± Poland
š«š® Finland
š©š° Denmark
š³š“ Norway
š±šŗ Luxembourg
š®šŖ Ireland
š¬š§ United Kingdom
š¦š¹ Austria
š±š» Latvia
š±š¹ Lithuania
ILLEGAL (Red):
š«š· France
šøšŖ Sweden
ššŗ Hungary
š·š“ Romania
š§š¬ Bulgaria
š¦š± Albania
š§š¦ Bosnia and Herzegovina
š·šø Serbia
š²š° North Macedonia
š²šŖ Montenegro
š½š° Kosovo
š§š¾ Belarus
š·šŗ Russia
šŗš¦ Ukraine
šØš¾ Cyprus
š²š¹ Malta (non-EU)
š®šø Iceland
šØš Switzerland (decriminalized, non-EU)
š³š“ Norway (see above)
š»š¦ Vatican City
š¦š© Andorra
š±š® Liechtenstein
š²šØ Monaco
šøš² San Marino
Fully Legal / De Facto Legal Countries
Germany š©šŖ
Status: Legal (recreational and medical) Legalized: April 2024 Possession limit: Up to 25g in public, 50g at home Cultivation: Up to 3 plants per person Age requirement: 18+ Purchase: Cannabis Social Clubs (non-commercial) ā up to 50g per member per month
Germany's Cannabis Law (2024):
- Germany became the first major European economy to fully legalize cannabis
- Legal purchase through "Cannabis Social Clubs" ā non-profit member organizations
- No commercial dispensaries (unlike Canada/US states)
- Consumption allowed in private spaces and designated consumption rooms
- Public consumption prohibited near schools, sports facilities, and pedestrian zones
Traveler notes:
- Germany is now a cannabis-friendly destination
- Cannabis Social Clubs require residency (not for tourists)
- Possession of 25g or less is legal for anyone 18+
- Don't bring cannabis across borders (still a crime)
More info: Is weed legal in Germany?
Netherlands š³š±
Status: De facto legal (tolerance policy) Policy: "Gedogen" (toleration) since 1976 Possession: Technically illegal, but not prosecuted for ā¤5g Purchase: Coffee shops (licensed dispensaries) Cultivation: Illegal (supply remains criminalized) Age requirement: 18+ (18+ for coffee shops, some cities set 21+)
The Dutch Tolerance Policy:
- Coffee shops can sell cannabis without fear of prosecution
- Coffee shops must follow strict rules:
- Residents only: Many cities (especially Amsterdam) require Dutch ID to enter coffee shops
- "Front door/back door policy": Coffee shops can sell (front door) but can't legally acquire (back door) ā supply remains illegal
Traveler notes:
- Amsterdam coffee shops often require residency (Dutch ID) since 2013
- Tourists may be turned away from Amsterdam coffee shops
- Some cities (Maastricht, Rotterdam) enforce residency strictly
- Other cities (Utrecht, The Hague) may allow tourists
- Always check local policy before visiting
More info: Is weed legal in the Netherlands?
Malta š²š¹
Status: Legal (recreational and medical) Legalized: December 2021 (first EU country to legalize) Possession limit: Up to 7g in public Cultivation: Up to 4 plants per household Age requirement: 18+ Purchase: Non-commercial (grow your own or cannabis associations)
Malta's Cannabis Reform:
- First EU country to fully legalize recreational cannabis
- No commercial dispensaries yet
- Cannabis "clubs" or associations allowed
- Consumption in public prohibited (except private residences)
- Small amounts (ā¤7g) decriminalized ā fine not jail
Traveler notes:
- Malta is very cannabis-friendly
- No dispensaries for tourists (yet)
- Bringing cannabis across borders is illegal
- Respectful consumption in private is tolerated
---
Decriminalized Countries
Portugal šµš¹
Status: Decriminalized (all drugs) Policy: Drug decriminalization since 2001 Possession: Not a crime, administrative offense (fine or warning) Quantities: Up to 25 days' supply (ā25g cannabis) Cultivation: Illegal (criminal offense) Purchase: Illegal (no legal market)
Portugal's Model:
- Pioneered drug decriminalization in 2001
- All drugs treated as public health issue, not criminal justice issue
- Possession results in:
- Dissuasion Commissions ā administrative bodies that review cases
- Dramatic reduction in drug-related deaths and incarceration
Traveler notes:
- Possession of small amounts won't result in arrest
- But there's no legal way to purchase cannabis
- Don't bring drugs across borders
- Portugal is often cited as a model for drug policy reform
More info: Is weed legal in Portugal?
Spain šŖšø
Status: Decriminalized (personal consumption and cultivation) Policy: Constitutional Court ruling 2015 Possession: Not a crime in private spaces Cultivation: Legal for personal use (in private) Purchase: Illegal (no dispensaries) Cannabis Social Clubs: Grey area ā tolerated in some regions
Spain's Approach:
- Personal consumption in private is constitutionally protected
- Growing cannabis for personal use is legal (in private residences)
- Cannabis Social Clubs operate in a legal grey area:
- Public consumption is illegal
- Sale/distribution remains criminal
Traveler notes:
- Cannabis Social Clubs often require residency
- Some clubs accept tourists (Barcelona especially)
- Research clubs carefully before visiting
- Don't consume in public
More info: Is weed legal in Spain?
Italy š®š¹
Status: Decriminalized (personal possession) Policy: Decriminalization via court rulings Possession: Administrative fine (not crime) for small amounts Quantities: Based on "daily dose" threshold (ā0.5-5g depending on court interpretation) Cultivation: Decriminalized for small-scale personal use Medical cannabis: Legal since 2013
Italy's Cannabis Laws:
- Personal possession results in fine, not criminal charges
- Cannabis Light: CBD-rich cannabis (ā¤0.5% THC) widely sold in shops
- Medical cannabis program available for patients
- Court rulings have gradually expanded decriminalization
- Consumption in public prohibited
Traveler notes:
- Small amounts result in fine, not arrest
- CBD cannabis widely available
- No legal dispensaries for THC cannabis
- Respect local laws and consume in private
More info: Is weed legal in Italy?
Belgium š§šŖ
Status: Decriminalized (adult possession) Policy: Decriminalization since 2003 Possession: Not prosecuted for adults 18+ (up to 3g) Cultivation: One plant per household tolerated Medical cannabis: Legal since 2019
Belgium's Policy:
- Adults 18+ not prosecuted for possession up to 3g
- Minors face criminal penalties
- No legal market (black market persists)
- Medical cannabis available by prescription
Traveler notes:
- Possession of 3g or less won't result in prosecution
- No legal way to purchase cannabis
- Don't bring across borders
Czech Republic šØšæ
Status: Decriminalized (small amounts) Policy: Tolerance for personal use Possession: Not prosecuted for small amounts (typically <10g) Cultivation: Up to 5 plants tolerated Medical cannabis: Legal since 2013
Czech Cannabis Policy:
- Prague has cannabis clubs and tolerant culture
- Police generally ignore small-scale possession
- Medical cannabis available from pharmacies
- Recreational not legal but tolerated
Traveler notes:
- Prague is relatively cannabis-friendly
- Don't consume in public
- Respect local laws
Estonia šŖšŖ
Status: Decriminalized (small amounts) Policy: Not criminalized for personal use Possession: Fine for small amounts (not jail) Medical cannabis: Legal since 2019
Croatia šš·
Status: Decriminalized (consumption in private) Policy: Consumption not illegal in private spaces Possession: Administrative fine for small amounts Medical cannabis: Legal since 2015
Slovenia šøš®
Status: Decriminalized (small amounts) Policy: Fine not jail for personal use Medical cannabis: Legal since 2017
---
Medical-Only Countries
United Kingdom š¬š§
Status: Medical only (recreational illegal) Possession: Up to 5 years prison, unlimited fine Medical cannabis: Legal since 2018 (very restrictive) CBD: Legal if ā¤0.2% THC
UK Cannabis Laws:
- Medical cannabis legal on paper but extremely restricted:
- Recreational cannabis remains illegal with strict penalties
- CBD (ā¤0.2% THC) is widely available
Traveler notes:
- UK has strict cannabis laws
- Don't bring cannabis to the UK
- CBD products are legal and widely available
More info: Is weed legal in the UK?
Greece š¬š·
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2017 Recreational: Illegal with fines CBD: Legal
Greece's Medical Program:
- Medical cannabis available by prescription
- Some cultivation for export
- Recreational possession results in fines
- Moving toward reform
Poland šµš±
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2017 Recreational: Illegal (prison possible) Note: Medical program very limited
Finland š«š®
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2008 (very limited) Recreational: Illegal Possession: Can result in prison
Denmark š©š°
Status: Medical only (but Christiania exists) Medical cannabis: Pilot program since 2018 Recreational: Illegal Christiania: Freetown in Copenhagen with tolerated cannabis market
Norway š³š“
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2016 (very limited) Recreational: Illegal Liberal Party: Advocating for reform
Luxembourg š±šŗ
Status: Medical only (moving toward legalization) Medical cannabis: Legal since 2018 Recreational: Decriminalized (legalization planned) Future: Luxembourg announced plans to legalize (first European country to announce)
Ireland š®šŖ
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2019 (under Access Programme) Recreational: Illegal Movement: Citizens' Assembly recommended legalization
Austria š¦š¹
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2017 Recreational: Illegal Cultivation: Small amounts tolerated
Latvia š±š»
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal since 2023 (very limited) Recreational: Illegal
Lithuania š±š¹
Status: Medical only Medical cannabis: Legal for specific conditions since 2019 Recreational: Illegal
---
Illegal Countries
France š«š·
Status: Illegal Possession: ā¬200 fine (on-the-spot) for small amounts Medical: Pilot program (expanding) Policy: Zero tolerance Government: Strictly opposed to legalization
France's Approach:
- Some of Europe's strictest cannabis laws
- ā¬200 on-the-spot fine for possession (decriminalized in practice, but still illegal)
- Medical pilot program expanding
- Unlike neighbors, France shows no movement toward recreational legalization
Traveler notes:
- France is not cannabis-friendly
- Don't consume or possess cannabis in France
- CBD is legal and widely available
More info: Is weed legal in France?
Sweden šøšŖ
Status: Illegal Policy: Zero tolerance Possession: Can result in prison Cannabis: Viewed as serious drug, not soft drug Attitude: Strong anti-cannabis stigma
Hungary ššŗ
Status: Illegal Policy: Strict prohibition Possession: Prison possible Medical: Very limited
Romania š·š“
Status: Illegal Policy: Prohibition Possession: Criminal offense
Bulgaria š§š¬
Status: Illegal Policy: Strict prohibition Possession: Criminal offense
Balkan Countries (Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo)
Status: Illegal (most) Policy: Generally strict prohibition Exceptions: Some decriminalization in certain areas Medical: Limited or non-existent
Russia š·šŗ
Status: Illegal Policy: Strict prohibition Possession: Criminal offense (prison possible) Attitude: Very anti-cannabis
Ukraine šŗš¦
Status: Illegal Policy: Prohibition Medical: Very limited medical program
---
Non-EU European Countries
Switzerland šØš
Status: Decriminalized (not EU) Possession: Small amounts not prosecuted Cultivation: Small amounts tolerated Medical: Legal Future: Pilot programs for legalization
Switzerland's Approach:
- Cannabis not prosecuted in small amounts (under 10g)
- Medical cannabis legal
- Pilot programs for full legalization in some cities
- CBD cannabis widely available
Iceland š®šø
Status: Illegal Policy: Prohibition Medical: Not available
Norway š³š“ (See Medical-Only section above)
Microstates (Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)
Status: Generally Illegal Policy: Varies, mostly prohibition Note: Small countries often adopt policies of neighbors
---
Cannabis Tourism in Europe
Top Cannabis-Friendly Destinations (2026)
- Amsterdam, Netherlands ā The classic destination, but restrictions apply
- Berlin, Germany ā Now fully legal, vibrant cannabis scene
- Barcelona, Spain ā Cannabis social clubs, tolerant culture
- Prague, Czech Republic ā Relaxed enforcement, cannabis culture
- Ljubljana, Slovenia ā Small but cannabis-friendly
- Zurich, Switzerland ā Decriminalized, pilot programs
- Valletta, Malta ā Legal cannabis, Mediterranean vibes
Cannabis Travel Tips
Before you go:
- Research current laws (they change frequently)
- Understand possession limits
- Know where consumption is allowed
- Don't bring cannabis across borders
- Respect local customs and laws
While traveling:
- Consume in private when possible
- Don't drive under the influence
- Be discreet in public
- Don't buy from street dealers
- Know emergency contacts
Important warnings:
- Border crossings: Cannabis laws don't apply across borders
- Airports: Federal jurisdiction, zero tolerance
- Driving: Many countries have roadside drug testing
- Public consumption: Generally illegal even where possession is tolerated
---
The Future of Cannabis in Europe
Current Trends (2026)
- Germany's legalization (2024) is shifting the conversation
- Luxembourg announced legalization plans
- Switzerland running legalization pilot programs
- EU-level discussion about unified cannabis policy
- Czech Republic debating full legalization
- Portugal's model gaining influence across Europe
Predictions for 2026-2030
- More countries will legalize following Germany's lead
- EU framework may emerge for cannabis regulation
- Medical programs will expand significantly
- CBD market will continue growing
- Cannabis social clubs model may spread
- Cross-border recognition of medical cards may develop
---
Internal Resources
Looking for cannabis laws in specific European countries?
- Is weed legal in Germany? ā Full legalization details
- Is weed legal in France? ā Strict laws explained
- Is weed legal in the UK? ā Medical-only program
- Is weed legal in Italy? ā Decriminalization details
- Is weed legal in Spain? ā Cannabis social clubs explained
- Decriminalized vs Legal: What's the Difference? ā Understand the terms
---
Frequently Asked Questions
Which European countries have legalized weed?
As of 2026, two European countries have fully legalized recreational cannabis: Germany (legalized April 2024) and Malta (legalized December 2021). The Netherlands has a de facto legalization through its famous tolerance policy (coffee shops), though cannabis remains technically illegal. Several other countries have decriminalized possession or are moving toward legalization, including Portugal, Spain, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Can tourists buy weed in Amsterdam?
It depends. Since 2013, many Dutch cities including Amsterdam have implemented a "resident-only" policy for coffee shops, meaning you need a Dutch ID to enter. However, enforcement varies, and some coffee shops still serve tourists. Policies can change, so always check current local regulations before visiting. Also note that while you can consume in Amsterdam, bringing cannabis across international borders remains a serious crime.
What is the cannabis capital of Europe?
Several cities compete for this title. Amsterdam remains the most famous historically, but Berlin (now that Germany has legalized) is emerging as a top destination. Barcelona is renowned for its cannabis social clubs, while Prague offers a relaxed culture and enforcement. The "capital" depends on what you're looking for: legal accessibility (Berlin), coffee shop culture (Amsterdam), or social clubs (Barcelona).
Is weed legal in the UK?
No, recreational cannabis is illegal in the United Kingdom. Possession can result in up to 5 years in prison and unlimited fines. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2018, but the program is extremely restrictive with very few prescriptions issued. CBD products containing less than 0.2% THC are legal and widely available. The UK maintains some of Europe's strictest cannabis laws.
Which European country was the first to legalize cannabis?
Malta was the first European Union country to fully legalize recreational cannabis in December 2021. However, Uruguay was the first country in the world to legalize (2013), and Canada was the first G7 nation to legalize (2018). Within Europe, the Netherlands has had the longest-standing de facto legalization through its tolerance policy dating back to 1976, though cannabis remains technically illegal there.
Is cannabis legal in Eastern Europe?
Most Eastern European countries maintain strict cannabis prohibition. Countries like Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Ukraine have illegal status with criminal penalties. However, the Czech Republic has decriminalized possession of small amounts and has a tolerant approach in Prague. Slovenia and Croatia have also moved toward decriminalization. Eastern Europe is generally more conservative than Western Europe on cannabis policy.
Can I travel between European countries with cannabis?
No, absolutely not. Even if cannabis is legal in both your departure and destination countries, crossing international borders with cannabis remains illegal under international law. Border crossings are federal jurisdictions, and cannabis possession at airports or border crossings can result in serious criminal charges, regardless of the laws in the countries you're traveling between. Always purchase and consume cannabis within the country you're visiting, and never transport it across borders.
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Last Updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with official government sources before traveling.
Sources: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), European Union Drug Agency, national government websites, legalization advocacy organizations
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