where is marijuana legal in europe
Where Is Marijuana Legal in Europe?
Malta is set to become the first country in Europe to legalize recreational marijuana. Malta’s new law would allow individuals to possess up to seven grams of marijuana and grow up to six plants at home. A dedicated government authority is set to regulate the market and social clubs. Though sales of marijuana and cannabis-infused products remain illegal, Malta’s move is a major milestone in Europe’s cannabis space. Regardless of the legal status of cannabis in Malta, it’s clear that many European countries are moving in that direction. sign up for a medical marijuana card online gov ny
While it’s still illegal to use cannabis in most countries in Europe, attitudes about marijuana are slowly changing. Some countries are decriminalizing the drug while others are pushing for complete legalization. While marijuana laws across Europe have become more uniform since the EU was founded, there is still a significant difference between countries in the continent. In fact, the EU is currently working to make cannabis laws more consistent. For now, cannabis remains illegal in most of the European countries, but many of them are more lenient than their American counterparts.
While most European countries are moving toward legalizing recreational cannabis, Germany is currently in a holding pattern. In the near future, Austria could follow Switzerland’s lead by legalizing it for medical use. In the meantime, however, the COVID-19 pandemic may prove to be a serious stumbling block in the legalization process. It could stall legislative procedures and make political agendas volatile. This could delay the process of legalization in Europe, putting off the date for legalization.
The Netherlands is often associated with marijuana use. Although marijuana is not entirely legal in the Netherlands, it is decriminalized, and only minor offenses can lead to prosecution. Moreover, the Netherlands allows coffee shops to sell cannabis under certain conditions. In addition to a ban on alcohol, marijuana must not be advertised, and no more than five grams of the plant can be sold to one person. A person must be at least 18 years old to buy or consume marijuana.
Italy has recently legalized the cultivation of medicinal cannabis. While recreational use is still illegal, personal cultivation of marijuana is legal in Belgium. Nonetheless, cannabis use is illegal near schools and can result in fines from EUR8,000 to EUR800,000.
Although the Netherlands and France have the highest legalization rate in the world, they are not at the forefront of the process. In Europe, however, cannabis consumption is much higher than in the U.S. While it is still illegal, there is a growing market for recreational cannabis. A new poll by Hanway Associates shows that public sentiment in Europe is more similar to the U.S. than with North America. In the Netherlands, it’s largely a matter of history and culture.
In Portugal, marijuana consumption is allowed in coffeeshops. Though the Netherlands has legalized marijuana, it is still illegal to sell the drug. But coffeeshops can sell cannabis under strict guidelines. Amsterdam is the home of some famous coffeeshops. Portugal’s government is also a contender for legalization of marijuana. Portugal decriminalized drugs in 2000, and in recent years, it has become legal for medical use. However, most prescriptions are for cannabinoids.