This article provides an overview of the current state of cannabis regulation in selected European countries at the end of 2024.
Questions about cannabis legislation are examined, with a focus on recreational use and additional information on medical and commercial use. The various sectors are evaluated based on the available information on the current regulatory status and future prospects for market development. The report forms the basis of the analysis. Cannabis laws in Europe: questions and answers for policymaking of the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA). Additional information is available at info@ighanf.ch accepted.
When reading this document, please note that every effort has been made to ensure that the current report is accurate at the time of its preparation, but this is a very dynamic area and it is possible that the situation may have changed by the time the document is published.
Non-medical cannabis (THC)
Developments in the European hemp sector are dynamic. The focus of THC regulation is the model of "collective cultivation", which is increasingly establishing itself as a regulatory approach in European countries (MLT / DE / CZ / PL / ESP). At the same time, "scientific pilot trials" are gaining in importance, especially in the Netherlands, Switzerland and in planned projects in Germany.
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids and industrial hemp
The different approaches to industrial hemp and non-psychotropic cannabinoids in Europe reflect the tensions between progressive and restrictive regulations. Italy is at risk of isolation in the growing European CBD market due to its strict regulations. In contrast, developments in the UK and the Czech Republic show positive prospects for the sector. The latest signals in Germany, which point to the abolition of the intoxication clause, which makes it difficult to market industrial hemp and CBD to consumers, are also encouraging.
Medical cannabis
In Germany, the medical sector is seeing record numbers. The Czech Republic, Denmark and Spain are planning to expand their medical cannabis programs. In the Netherlands, the monopoly in the medical sector is to be broken by 2026 and other manufacturers besides Bedrocan are to be granted approval. In Luxembourg, the prescription of cannabis flowers is to be restricted and Poland wants to make telemedicine for the prescription of cannabis more difficult.
Insights
Overall, it turns out that there is a lack of clear framework conditions for cannabis across all market segments and that there is a significant need for regulation. The medical and non-medical cannabis markets mutually benefit from positive political developments. However, they are in tension with regard to prices and target groups. In order to ensure that the various sectors develop evenly, clear demarcation criteria are essential.
Content
1. Switzerland
2. Germany
3. Netherlands
4. Czech Republic
5. Malta
6. Luxembourg
7. Spain
8. Poland
9. France
10. Great Britain
11th Italy
1. Switzerland
Non-medical cannabis (THC)
The year 2024 was marked by the continued development of comprehensive cannabis regulation. Federal Office of Public Health is preparing a corresponding Draft lawThe public consultation on the new cannabis law is scheduled for summer/autumn 2025. Work on the draft is well advanced and will be completed towards the end of 2024.
Switzerland has, with its proven four-pillar policy (prevention, therapy, harm reduction and repression) and its evidence-based approach, it has created a solid foundation to develop an internationally pioneering model of cannabis regulation. The "Swiss Cannabis Model" relies on scientifically supported pilot teststo better understand the effects of regulated distribution and to develop long-term regulations. The focus is on protecting minors, quality control and curbing the black market. The pilot projects received very positive media coverage.[1] There are currently 6 pilot trials active and can accommodate up to 18 subjects.
| Personal and collective cultivation | unknown |
| Legal consumption / possession / decriminalization | partially |
| trade in propagation material | no |
| road traffic regulations | 1,5µg/L |
| Scientific Experiments | ja |
| Positive political developments | ja |
| development industry | ja |
| opinion on regulation among the population | positive |
| quality standard | ja |
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids and industrial hemp
In the area of industrial hemp with less than 1% THC, the situation is still tense due to competition from Italy and other countries. An update of the enforcement aid for CBD and other non-psychotropic cannabinoids was published on April 12, 2024. The adapted interpretation of international law on cosmetics containing cannabinoids is worth highlighting. When producing CBD or other cannabinoids for cosmetic products, the plant part is irrelevant as long as no intermediate product has a THC content of more than 1,0% during the entire manufacturing process. In October 2024, a new tobacco law was introduced, which also regulates the marketing of industrial hemp flowers and other products sold as tobacco substitutes. The production area for industrial hemp, which is declared as agricultural land, has decreased significantly since 2020.
| Marketability of products containing cannabinoids (except food) | ja |
| Industry friendliness (funding / production costs / banks / insurance) | partially |
| industrialization | partially |
| Sustainability | partially |
| Acceptance | ja |
| Legal Certainty National | partially |
| Taxation of flowers (tobacco / special tax) | no |
Medical cannabis
There is no legal requirement to prescribe medical cannabis in Switzerland since 2022. Exception permit no longer required. Initially, after the abolition of the individual permit, only a few medical cannabis flowers were prescribedCannabis prescriptions increased slightly in 2024.
| patient access | partially |
| Prices Patient (Flowers) | 10-15 CHF |
| narcotics prescription | ja |
| Reimbursement | partially |
| telemedicine | ja |
| delivery of flowers | ja |
| competition from alternative regulated sources | partially |
| market development in general | partially |
2. Germany
Non-medical cannabis (THC)
On Friday, February 23.02.2024, 407, the German Bundestag passed the Cannabis Act (CanG) with a clear result of 226 yes votes to XNUMX no votes. Germany regulates cannabis in 2024 as one of the first countries in Europe.
Since April 1, 2024, the possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis (25 grams outside the home) and the cultivation of up to three plants for personal use are legal in Germany. Since July 1, 2024, after successful registration in the respective federal states, "cannabis clubs" with up to 500 members can cultivate cannabis and distribute it to their members. Consumption is permitted (except near schools, kindergartens, playgrounds and sports facilities and in pedestrian zones between 7 a.m. and 20 p.m.).[3] You can find out what applies in Germany in the IG Hanf article: Comparison of the regulatory models Switzerland / Germany – IG Hanf Schweiz
| Personal and collective cultivation | ja |
| Legal consumption / possession / decriminalization | ja |
| trade in propagation material | ja |
| road traffic regulations | 3,5µg/L (Serum) |
| Scientific Experiments | no |
| Positive political developments related to cannabis | no |
| development industry | partially |
| opinion on regulation among the population | partially |
| quality standard | partially |
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids and industrial hemp
The new law (CanG) still prohibits the use of industrial hemp. Germany has so far missed an opportunity to correct this situation. Cannabis flowers and products with little THC remain illegal because the abuse clause (intoxication clause) remains in place. This is incomprehensible from a Swiss perspective. In this country, it is recognized that cannabis with less than 1% THC content poses no realistic "risk" of intoxication.
The political blockade in November 2024 is making reforms in hemp and cannabis regulation more difficult. This leads to legal uncertainty, which is not beneficial for the hemp industry. regressions with the existing regulation and planned draft laws, such as the liberalization of industrial hemp, are on the brink [4]
| Marketability of products containing cannabinoids (except food) | partially |
| Industry friendliness (funding / production costs / banks / insurance) | partially |
| industrialization | partially |
| Sustainability | partially |
| Acceptance | partially |
| Legal Certainty National | no |
| Taxation of flowers (tobacco / special tax) | - |
Medical cannabis
The medical sector is seeing record numbers, both in terms of prescriptions, as was the case with imports. In addition, the approval reservation The health insurance reimbursement for certain groups of doctors has been abolished. Presumptionthat certain companies and consumers are using the low-threshold hurdles for medical prescription to their advantage.
Graphic: Imports of the year 2024, cannabis for medical and scientific purposes in kilograms, BfArM – FAQ Medical Cannabis. Continue data available in the category: Medical Cannabis Trafficking – Import/Export.
| patient access | ja |
| Prices Patient (Flowers) | 5-15 Euro |
| narcotics prescription | no |
| Reimbursement | partially |
| telemedicine | ja |
| delivery of flowers | ja |
| competition from alternative regulated sources | no |
| market development in general | ja |
3. Netherlands
Non-medical cannabis (THC)
The Netherlands has had a system in place since the 1970s that tolerates the limited sale of cannabis in coffee shops. This means that the purchase and consumption of small amounts of cannabis in coffee shops is permitted, but coffee shops must continue to source their supplies from the illegal market. To address this "backdoor problem", the Dutch government has launched a pilot project for a closed supply chain to test whether regulated and controlled supplies to coffee shops are possible. The Dutch controlled cannabis supply chain experiment is testing regulated production and sale of cannabis in ten municipalities. The aim is to curb illegal trade, ensure quality and minimize health risks. The impact on crime, health and market transparency will be studied over four years in order to consider a possible nationwide introduction.[5]
| Personal and collective cultivation | no |
| Legal consumption / possession / decriminalization | ja |
| trade in propagation material | ja |
| road traffic regulations | 3 µg/L (mixed consumption 1 µg/L) |
| Scientific Experiments | ja |
| Positive political developments related to cannabis | partially |
| development industry | partially |
| Social interaction / opinion on regulation in the population | partially |
| quality standard | no |
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids and industrial hemp
Industrial hemp is permitted in the Netherlands, but is subject to strict regulations, including a maximum THC limit of 0,2%, as is common in many EU countries. Cultivation in greenhouses or indoors is not permitted. Only certain varieties may be grown. This limits the possible uses compared to countries such as the Czech Republic or Switzerland, where the limit is 1%.
| Marketability of products containing cannabinoids (except food) | partially |
| Industry friendliness (funding / production costs / banks / insurance) | partially |
| industrialization | ja |
| Sustainability | partially |
| Acceptance | ja |
| Legal Certainty National | partially |
| Taxation of flowers (tobacco / special tax) | - |
Medical cannabis
The Netherlands is also a pioneer in the regulation of medical cannabis. Since 2003, medical cannabis has been available there on prescription, provided exclusively by state-licensed producers. This structure ensures controlled access for patients, but prices remain high, making access difficult.[6] Cannabis is not covered by health insurance. The medical cannabis market is challenged by the possibility of purchasing it through coffee shops. Bedrocan is currently the only licensed producer of medical cannabis in the Netherlands, with the Bureau Medicinal Cannabis (BMC) overseeing the entire supply chain, including production, export and distribution. However, the Dutch government plans to end this monopoly by 2026 in order to open up the market. This would allow other companies to participate in the market.[7]
| patient access | partially |
| Prices Patient | hoch |
| narcotics prescription | ja |
| Reimbursement | no |
| telemedicine | ja |
| delivery of flowers | ja |
| competition from alternative regulated sources | ja |
| market development in general | partially |
4. Czech Republic
Non-medical cannabis (THC)
The Czech government is currently drafting a bill to legalize recreational cannabis use, but surprisingly dropped plans for a commercial, regulated market. The current draft only includes provisions to legalize home cultivation and to establish "cannabis clubs" where consumers can consume cannabis. While this legislation allows consumption and limited production, it does not provide a legal infrastructure for trade or controlled commercial availability.[8]
| Personal and collective cultivation | ? |
| Legal consumption / possession / decriminalization | partially |
| trade in propagation material | ? |
| road traffic regulations | 2 µg/L |
| Scientific Experiments | no |
| Positive political developments related to cannabis | partially |
| development industry | no |
| Social interaction / opinion on regulation in the population | positive |
| quality standard | no |
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids and industrial hemp
The cultivation of industrial hemp in the Czech Republic is legal and is growing due to the demand for environmentally friendly materials and organic products. The market is supported by research and new cultivation methods. Politically, industrial hemp is largely unproblematic and is regulated in a comparatively progressive manner, with the THC limit set at 1%.[9]
| Marketability of products containing cannabinoids (except food) | ja |
| Industry friendliness (funding / production costs / banks / insurance) | partially |
| industrialization | partially |
| Sustainability | partially |
| Acceptance | ja |
| Legal Certainty National | partially |
| Taxation of flowers (tobacco / special tax) | ? |
Medical cannabis
In January 2013, the Czech Parliament passed a resolution to legalize cannabis for medical purposes. The market for medical cannabis in the Czech Republic is growing steadily. From 2019 to 2020, the amount of cannabis dispensed for medical purposes quadrupled.[10] In 2023, approximately 210 kg of cannabis were prescribed, which represents a huge increase compared to previous years.[11] There are six licensed producers and part of the production is exported, especially to Germany and Poland. Statutory health insurance covers 90% of the costs of medical cannabis.[12] From 2025, general practitioners will also be able to prescribe cannabis without specific training.[13]
| patient access | partially |
| Prices Patient | ? |
| narcotics prescription | ja |
| Reimbursement | ja |
| telemedicine | ja |
| delivery of flowers | ja |
| competition from alternative regulated sources | partially |
| market development in general | partially |
| production volume / export / import |
5. Malta
Non-medical cannabis (THC)
Malta is the first EU country to have comprehensively regulated the recreational use of cannabis. Since the entry into force of the Responsible Use of Cannabis Act In December 2021, adults up to possess 7 grams of cannabis and four plants for personal use. Public consumption remains prohibited and is punishable by fines of up to 500 euros, especially in the presence of minors. Private consumption is permitted up to 50 grams of cannabis stored as long as they are out of sight.
In addition, the law allows the establishment non-profit cannabis clubs (“Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations”). These associations are allowed to offer members a maximum of 7 grams per day and 50 grams per month. Strict regulations regulate quality controls, minimum distances to schools and a ban on advertising. The control is carried out by the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC).[14]
| Personal and collective cultivation | ja |
| Legal consumption / decriminalization | ja |
| trade in propagation material | ? |
| road traffic regulations | ? |
| Scientific Experiments | ja |
| Positive political developments related to cannabis | ja |
| development industry | ja |
| Social interaction / opinion on regulation in the population | positive |
| quality standard | ja |
6. Luxembourg
Non-medical cannabis (THC
According to a law passed in June 2023, adults are allowed to grow up to four cannabis plants in their own homes or gardens. However, these plants must not be visible to the public, for example on balconies or windowsills. Consumption is only permitted in private areas. In addition, possession of up to three grams of cannabis in public is punishable by a fine of between 25 and 500 euros, while larger quantities are still punishable.[15]
| Personal and collective cultivation | partially |
| Legal consumption / decriminalization | partially |
| trade in propagation material | no |
| Regulation of Road Traffic (Thoroughbred) | 1 µg/L |
| Scientific Experiments | no |
| Positive political developments related to cannabis | partially |
| development industry | no |
| Social interaction / opinion on regulation in the population | partially |
| quality standard | no |
Non-psychotropic cannabinoids and industrial hemp (<1% THC)
In Luxembourg, hemp with a THC content below 0,3% is increasingly considered an important raw material, especially in the construction, textile, lifestyle and sustainable product sectors. Industrial hemp can be grown and traded legally, provided the relevant EU guidelines are complied with.
| Marketability of products containing cannabinoids (except food) | ja |
| Industry friendliness (funding / production costs / banks / insurance) | partially |
| industrialization | partially |
| Sustainability | partially |
| Acceptance | ja |
| Legal Certainty National | partially |
| Taxation of flowers (tobacco / special tax) | ja |
Medical cannabis
Luxembourg plans to remove medical cannabis in flower form from the health system by 2025. Instead, standardized cannabis products such as oils and capsules will be preferred, as they are considered safer and more precise in dosage. The Ministry of Health aims to improve medical care and reduce abuse. However, critics fear restrictions for patients who have previously relied on flowers.[16]
| patient access | partially |
| Prices Patient | ? |
| narcotics prescription | ja |
| Reimbursement | partially |
| telemedicine | ? |
| delivery of flowers | no |
| competition from alternative regulated sources | no |
| market development in general | partially |
7. Spain
In Spain, recreational use of cannabis is not legal but decriminalized. Consumption in private spaces is permitted, while public consumption and visible cultivation can be punished. Cannabis social clubs provide a legal space for members to consume cannabis, based on a legal gray area.[17]
| Personal and collective cultivation | ja |
| Legal consumption / decriminalization | partially |
| trade in propagation material | ja |
| road traffic regulations | ? |
| Scientific Experiments | no |
| Positive political developments related to cannabis | partially |
| development industry | partially |
| Social interaction / opinion on regulation in the population | ja |
| quality standard | no |
After a long delay, the Spanish Ministry of Health has presented a draft to legalize medical cannabis for certain conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Prescriptions will only be issued by specialists and through hospital pharmacies. However, some patient representatives criticize the regulation as being too restrictive, fearing that patients could turn to unregulated sources. The proposal will be further examined before it is finalized.[18]
8. Poland
The Polish government, particularly the Ministry of Health, supports a possible decriminalization of cannabis possession up to 25 grams and the cultivation of up to three plants for personal use. The aim of this reform is to reduce criminal pressure on consumers and to ease the burden on police work. According to surveys, around 73,4% of the Polish population support these changes. However, there is political resistance, including from the President, which could make implementation difficult.[19]
Poland is restricting medical cannabis prescriptions via telemedicine and requiring in-person doctor visits to curb abuse. This is intended to increase safety but makes access more difficult, especially for chronically ill people and those in remote areas, which could encourage illegal alternatives. Experts are divided: some welcome stricter rules, others warn of risks from limited supply.[20]
9. France
In France, medical cannabis is allowed in a pilot program that gives patients with certain illnesses access to cannabis medicines. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, but the sale of CBD products, provided they have a THC content of less than 0,3%, is permitted with reservations. The market is developing under strict regulation.[21]
10. Great Britain
In the UK, there are plans to increase the THC limit for industrial hemp from 0,2% to 0,3% to increase the competitiveness of the UK hemp industry. This adjustment would align UK regulations with international standards and encourage hemp cultivation without additional health risks.[22]
11th Italy
Italy has a particularly strict stance towards CBD and hemp flowers. Since August 2023, the government has been planning further restrictions, including a general ban on hemp flowers and "cannabis light", which could massively affect the Italian hemp industry.
The European Commission is currently investigating Italy's new rules against the trade in CBD and hemp flowers. These measures, proposed by the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, could severely restrict the trade in hemp flowers and classify CBD as a narcotic. This has led to significant protests from industry representatives and legal challenges, who argue that these measures could violate EU rules on the free movement of goods and fair competition.[23]
Sources
[1] SRF News Videos – Cannabis is sold under controlled conditions and in good quality – Play SRF,
Cannabis study by the city of Zurich: City draws a positive conclusion – News – SRF,
Switzerland aktuell – La Cannabinothèque: Regulated access to cannabis – Play SRF
Smoking weed: Zurich starts the largest cannabis study in Switzerland
[2] Swiss cannabis pilot trials raise eyebrows
[3] Questions and answers about the Cannabis Act | BMG
[4] First traffic light, then cannabis ban?: The Union is looking for allies against legalization
[5] Background information and experiment design | Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment | Government.nl
[6] Bureau Medicinale Cannabis | Bureau for Medicinal Cannabis
[7] Netherlands expands cannabis production and threatens Bedrocan
[8] Cannabis cafés and self-growing: Czechia presents draft of new marijuana law – Prague, Czech Republic
[9] Czech Republic increases limits for THC industrial hemp | THC.guide
[10] Medical cannabis consumption has quadrupled in the Czech Republic – Prague, Czech Republic
[11] Medical Marijuana Prescriptions In Czech Republic Topped 200 Kilos For The First Time In 2023 – Brno Daily
[12] Cannabis law and legislation in the Czech Republic – Damalion – Independent consulting firm.
[13] Czech General Practitioners To Start Prescribing Medical Cannabis In 2025
Sources
[15] New rules for the consumption and cultivation of cannabis – News – Portail de la Police Grand-Ducale – Luxembourg
[16] Luxembourg to phase out medical cannabis flower on prescription
[17] Is Weed Legal in Spain? 2024 Marijuana Laws | The Cannigma
[18] Spain to legalize cannabis to treat chronic pain and effects of chemotherapy | Sur in English
[19] Poland Ministry Of Health Supports Decriminalizing Possession Of 25 Grams Of Cannabis, Cultivation Of 3 Plants – Volkswagen (OTC:VWAGY) – Benzinga
[20] Medical Cannabis e-Prescriptions in Poland: New Rules
[21] Medical Cannabis & Cannabinoid Regulation 2024 – France | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners
[22] ACMD advice on reform to hemp licensing fee (accessible) – GOV.UK
[23] Italy wants to restrict burgeoning “Cannabis Light” industry – SWI swissinfo.ch