Cannabis in Austria: the situation in 2017

Austria is, like other Germany, tolerant in terms of consumption and focused on supporting smokers. As early as 1971, Austria authorized cannabis possession at 10g per person.

Since 2008, the Austrians have relaxed these laws even further. There is no limit to the amount of cannabis you can carry on your person, and there is no risk to the consumer as long as there is no evidence of sales.

On the other hand, repression of sales has been taken a step further. Sharing a joint between buddies can be considered as drug distribution. The seller/distributor risks between 6 months and 3 years' imprisonment, a penalty often replaced by community service.

Vienna is also home to the hemp embassy.

Paradox of self-cultivation

Austrians are allowed to grow as many plants as they like, as long as they don't go into bloom. If the grower gets caught with flowering plants, In this case, he must provide proof that the plants are not intended for sale. The situation becomes more complicated if there are indications of a potential resale.

Medical cannabis is legal in Austria with a medical prescription. Patients have access to Sativex and dronabinol, but not dried flowers.

Clone shops

As a result of this judicial quirk, many companies called clone shops are springing up in the country. These companies sell smoking accessories and seedlings. Clone shops legally sell small cannabis plants, A formula that allows you to choose the variety of foot, from €10 per clone.

Austrians are also turning to feminized seeds, which are cheaper than clones. Feminized seeds are so successful that regular seeds are disappearing from the market.

In Vienna, an estimated 250,000 cannabis plants are sold every year. Clone shops lower their prices on Green Friday, one Friday a month. It's a huge success, so much so that stores often close early on this day.

Austria may be rather discreet on the European scene, but their cannabis distribution system already seems almost perfected. In 1971, Austria authorized the possession of 10 grams of weed, while France totally prohibited its consumption and possession. Austria also amended its drug legislation in 2008, while France's ours dates from 1970.

Théo Caillart