Where is cannabis still completely illegal in Europe?

140 million of the 746 million Europeans live in a country where cannabis is still completely illegal.

Two countries are in the process of partial or full legalization: the Luxembourg, which is working on it, and the Netherlands, which plans to replace part of the illegal production which supplies coffeeshops with legally grown crops. Elsewhere, cannabis is mostly decriminalized to varying degrees, ranging from tolerance to full decriminalization.

Countries in Europe Where Cannabis Is Still Completely Illegal

The following list includes countries where there is no tolerance for adult cannabis use, and where decriminalization has not been implemented or is not currently under consideration. Some of the countries listed below have also legalized the medical use of cannabis to meet the needs of people with medical conditions. We also maintain an up-to-date list of countries in Europe that have legalized cannabis, along with the various possible legal statuses (legal, decriminalized, illegal).

Bulgaria: Cannabis is classified there as a Class A drug, alongside cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA. Until 2004, there was a policy of tolerance for personal quantities. However, since 2006, possession has been punishable by up to 6 years in prison and a fine of between 1,000 and 5,000 euros. In cases of cultivation, the prison sentence can be as long as 20 years, with a fine of 100,000 euros.

Cyprus: For adults, a prison sentence of 2 to 8 years may be imposed for the mere use of cannabis. Medical cannabis However, it has been permitted there since 2017 and was made more accessible in 2019.

France: The possession, sale, cultivation, and use of cannabis are illegal and still punishable by 1 year in prison and a fine of 3,750 euros. A a fixed fine of 200€ was implemented in 2020 to systematically crack down on simple use (possession or consumption) in public spaces. Medical cannabis is still in its infancy there as part of a A 2-year pilot program involving 3,000 people, launched in March 2021.

Ireland: The first country in Europe to introduce a bill to legalize cannabis, in November 2013. The bill was rejected by a vote of 111 to 8. Ireland is still exploring ways to legalize cannabis.

Poland: Despite a legislative effort in 2011 to stop the prosecution of consumers or the possession of small amounts, cannabis is still illegal in Poland. The use of Medical cannabis was legalized in June 2017.

Romania: In 2013, the medical use of cannabis derivatives was authorized, but cannabis continues to be classified as a «high-risk drug,» although the associated penalties are generally less severe than for other drugs. Offenses involving personal use are punishable only by a fine or imprisonment for 3 months to 2 years.

Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden: illegal and subject to severe penalties. Decriminalization was proposed in Slovakia but never came to pass.