Where is cannabis legal in Europe?

In April 2024, Germany legalized cannabis for recreational use, becoming the largest country in Europe to adopt this policy. The legalization was a symbolic and economic milestone: it represents an important step in the regulation of cannabis in a continent that, although slowly advancing, already shows signs of maturity in the sector.

Currently, 28 countries in the European Union have some form of legalization of marijuana, whether for medicinal or adult use. However, the European cannabis market is still considered small, with projected sales of around $1.2 billion in 2024, according to a report by Prohibition Partners. The forecast is that this number will reach $6 billion by 2034, a growth of over 400%.

Germany, the largest economy in the EU, also leads in the volume of legal cannabis sales. In 2023, it generated about $500 million, and the expectation is that this number will approach $1 billion by the end of 2025. With the legalization of adult use, Germany allowed possession of up to 50 grams and the cultivation of three plants per household, in addition to the creation of non-profit social clubs.

Cannabis in Europe: adult use is still restricted

Malta: In 2021, Malta became the first country in the European Union to legalize cannabis for personal use. It is allowed to cultivate up to four plants per household. Sales are conducted by non-profit cooperatives, a model different from that found in the United States.

Luxembourg: Legalized adult use in 2023. The country allows home cultivation under strict rules but still prohibits commercial sales. Medical cannabis has been authorized since 2018.

Germany: In addition to the recent legalization of adult use, the country maintains a robust medical cannabis system, allowing prescriptions by doctors and sales in pharmacies.

Medical cannabis use: Europe advances with different models

In Europe, the medical use of cannabis is regulated in various countries, but with varying levels of access. In general, sales occur in pharmacies, requiring a medical prescription.

Some countries, such as Cyprus, only allow cannabis oil. Denmark permits pharmaceutical medications like Sativex, but also botanical forms of marijuana in a pilot program. The UK's program allows the sale of flowers.

Other countries also have active medical programs: Czech Republic; France (pilot program until March 2026); Greece; Italy; North Macedonia; Norway; Portugal; Romania (only low THC); Switzerland; and Ukraine.

Decriminalization of cannabis: countries with more lenient policies

There are four countries in the EU that have broadly decriminalized marijuana. The largest is Spain, which has social clubs and allows authorized cultivation for export. The Netherlands, famous for its "coffeeshops," adopts a policy of "tolerance." Estonia and Slovenia have more recent decriminalization policies.

cannabinoid medications: another category in Europe

Pharmaceutical products made with THC or CBD — such as Sativex and dronabinol — are allowed in various European countries, but they differ from natural cannabis products. They are highly regulated and require a prescription.

Countries authorized for cannabinoid medications: Austria; Belgium; Croatia; Finland; Ireland; Liechtenstein; and Poland.

Cannabis is still illegal in parts of Europe

Despite the advances, cannabis remains illegal, both for adult and medical use, in many countries in Europe. Here are the places where the plant is still considered a prohibited drug:

- Andorra

- Bulgaria

- Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Belarus

- Hungary

- Iceland

- Kosovo

- Lithuania

- Latvia

- Monaco

- Moldova

- Montenegro

- San Marino

- Serbia

- Slovakia

- Sweden

Prospects for the cannabis market in Europe

While the United States recorded $32 billion in legal cannabis sales in 2023, the European market still compares to that of a single American state, like New Jersey. However, the growth outlook and the favorable regulatory environment in countries like Spain and Portugal are attracting significant investments.

International companies have heavily invested in the sector, seeing Europe as a long-term opportunity for the expansion of the global cannabis industry.

With information from Forbes