CANNABIS LEGALISATION: WHERE IS CANNABIS LEGAL?

Cannabis is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Studies have found that up to one in ten adults in some EU countries use cannabis recreationally. In addition, governments are increasingly voting to decriminalise the drug and several countries are even seeking full legalisation. So what is the situation with cannabis in Europe? Where is cannabis legal and where is it not? And what does the future hold for the European cannabis market?

The legality of cannabis in European countries

As with any other addictive substance, it is important to know the laws and regulations before you consider consuming it. You should familiarise yourself with the list below before you consider using cannabis in the European countries mentioned.

Use of cannabis for medicinal purposes

Recreational use of cannabis remains illegal

No government in Europe supports the legalisation of the sale of cannabis for recreational use and all countries have prison sentences for illegal sales. In the last few years, several bills have been proposed to national parliaments, as well as several initiatives in regions or cities, but these have been rejected at national level.

Coffee shops in the Netherlands

Coffee shops serve as cannabis outlets in the Netherlands and started to appear in the 1970s. In 2014, there were 591 coffeeshops in the Netherlands, almost a third of them in Amsterdam.

Sales and personal possession are punishable by imprisonment under Dutch law. Coffeeshops are tolerated provided they comply with strict criteria published in a directive from the public prosecutor's office.

Which European countries could legalise cannabis in 2022?

The idea of legalising cannabis has emerged relatively recently in Europe, although every European country has a long history of promoting legalisation.

In some European countries, the medical cannabis market is well established. Access to medicinal cannabis in Europe has helped to spread knowledge about cannabis among many people and has highlighted the medicinal effects of the plant. However, the stigma of cannabis is still widespread in European society.

In December 2021, the Maltese government allowed its citizens to grow up to six plants at home, hold seven grams and allow citizens to form social cannabis clubs. Although sales are still prohibited, this achievement represents an important cornerstone for the cannabis market in Europe. With Malta becoming the first EU country to legalise recreational cannabis, many are wondering which European country will be the next to legalise cannabis for recreational use.

Following the legalisation in Malta, the enthusiasm for legalising recreational cannabis shifted to Germany when the new coalition government announced its intention to legalise recreational cannabis. However, at the current stage there is no plan for legalisation. No proposals have yet been made to regulate and create a market for cannabis in Germany.

It is too early to say when and how the German coalition government will legalise cannabis. However, legalisation would mark a major turning point for the cannabis industry in Europe. As the first European country to fully legalise cannabis, it will be in a strong position to dominate an important early stage of cannabis supply in Europe. It will attract a lot of investment, new companies and new jobs.

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