Cannabis in Norway

History of Cannabis in Norway

Norway has traditionally been among the strictest countries in Europe regarding cannabis, which is classified as a controlled substance under narcotics regulations. This stance has long been supported by most political parties. However, it has been challenged for several years by reform groups, such as the Association for Humane Drug Policies and NORML Norway, as well as by the Young Liberals and the Greens, who advocate for legalization and regulation.

From a medical standpoint, the shift has been very gradual. As of November 2016, only one person in Norway had been authorized to legally use medical cannabis. In March 2018, the government established a working group tasked with preparing a reform of drug policy, the rationale for which—referred to as «drug reform»—was to replace punishment with a health-based response for users.

This bill to decriminalize the use and possession of small quantities was introduced by the government in 2021, but it was rejected by Parliament (the Storting) on June 3, 2021, after the Labor Party broke ranks. In June 2025, a reform on prevention and treatment was adopted (Prop. 112 L), but it deliberately stopped short of decriminalization: drugs remained prohibited, and the use and possession of small quantities remained punishable offenses.

Cannabis Legislation in Norway

Recreational cannabis: prohibited; fines for small amounts

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Norway. Under the Penal Code and the Medicines Act, the possession and use of narcotics, including cannabis, are punishable by a sentence of up to six months in prison. In practice, possession of a small amount (up to 15 grams) for personal use is generally punishable by a fine, particularly for a first offense. More serious offenses, such as the illegal production, import, export, or distribution of narcotics, are punishable by up to two years in prison, and in serious cases, up to ten years. Cultivation is prohibited for any purpose unless prior authorization has been granted.

Medical cannabis: strictly regulated exceptions

Norwegian law classifies cannabis as a narcotic, which in principle may not be used for medical purposes. There are a few exceptions:

• Two approved drugs, available only by prescription: Sativex (a cannabis extract-based oral spray containing CBD and THC) and Epidyolex (a CBD oral solution).
• Licensed physicians Physicians authorized to prescribe Group A medications may prescribe cannabis-based products that are not authorized in Norway, provided their THC content is less than 1 %.
• Hospital specialists may apply to the Norwegian Medicines Agency for an exemption for unregistered products containing more than 1 % of THC.
• Imports within the Schengen Area This is permitted for products legally purchased in the country of origin (for example, from Dutch or Danish manufacturers), up to a limit of 7 days’ supply with a foreign prescription and 30 days with a statement from a Norwegian doctor.

CBD

The regulations governing CBD are stricter here than elsewhere in Europe. CBD is not psychoactive and is not listed as a prohibited narcotic in the regulations. However, the Norwegian Medicines Agency considers CBD derived from cannabis extracts to be a controlled substance, regardless of its THC content, which makes CBD products sold elsewhere in Europe illegal without a prescription. Since Norway is not a member of the European Union, it also does not apply the European rule on industrial hemp containing less than 0.3 % of THC.

Culture and Industrial Use

The cultivation of cannabis is permitted with prior approval from the Norwegian Medicines Agency, which generally grants such approval only for medical or scientific purposes. The importation of narcotics for industrial use, including cannabis, may also be authorized by the agency. Authorized entities must comply with the conditions set forth in their approval.

News and Outlook

The debate in Norway has long centered on the decriminalization of personal use, which was ultimately rejected in 2021 and then set aside by the 2025 reform. Key issues to watch include the possibility of a new decriminalization bill, expanded access to medical cannabis, and potential changes to CBD regulations, as policymakers seek to assess the risks and benefits of a regulatory framework similar to those in Germany or the United States. Follow our Cannabis News in Norway See below for updates to the law.