Cannabis Legalization: Where is Cannabis Legal?

22. 12. 2025

Cannabis is gaining increasing popularity in Europe. Studies have found that in some EU countries, up to one in ten adults use it recreationally. Moreover, governments are increasingly voting for decriminalization of this drug, and several countries are even seeking complete legalization. So what's the situation with cannabis in Europe? Where is it legal and where is it not? And what future awaits the European cannabis market?

Cannabis Legality in European Countries

As with other addictive substances, it's important to know the laws and regulations before considering consumption. You should familiarize yourself with the list below before thinking about using cannabis in the mentioned European states.
European countries where medical cannabis use is legal

Medical Cannabis Use

Recreational Cannabis Use Remains Illegal

countries where recreational cannabis use is legal

No government in Europe supports the legalization of cannabis sales for recreational purposes and in all countries, illegal sales are punishable by imprisonment. In recent years, several draft laws and initiatives in regions or cities have been proposed to national parliaments, but were rejected at the national level.

Coffee Shops in the Netherlands

Coffee shops in the Netherlands serve as cannabis stores, which began appearing in the 1970s. In 2014, there were 591 coffee shops in the Netherlands, with nearly a third located in Amsterdam.

Sale and personal possession are punishable by imprisonment under Dutch law. Coffee shops are tolerated provided they adhere to strict criteria published in the prosecution guidelines.

Which European Countries Might Legalize Cannabis in 2022?

The idea of cannabis legalization is relatively new in Europe, although each European country has a long history of legalization efforts.

In some European countries, the medical cannabis market has taken hold. Access to medical cannabis in Europe has helped spread knowledge about cannabis among many people and highlighted its healing effects. However, the stigma surrounding cannabis remains widespread in European society.

In December 2021, the Maltese government allowed its citizens to grow up to six plants at home, possess seven grams, and enable citizens to establish social cannabis clubs. Although sales are still prohibited, this represents an important milestone for the cannabis market in Europe. As Malta became the first EU country to legalize recreational cannabis, many are wondering which European country will be next to legalize recreational cannabis.

After legalization in Malta, enthusiasm for recreational cannabis legalization moved to Germany, when the new coalition government announced an intention to legalize recreational cannabis. However, at the current stage, no legalization plan exists. No proposals for regulating and creating a cannabis market in Germany have been developed yet.

It's too early to tell when and how the German coalition government will legalize cannabis. However, legalization would mean a fundamental turning point for the cannabis industry in Europe. The first European country to fully legalize cannabis will have a strong position to dominate the crucial initial phase of cannabis supply in Europe. It will attract numerous investments, new companies, and jobs.

Want to learn more about cannabis legalization? Visit our blog, where you'll find numerous articles about cannabis legalization in Czechia and other countries.