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Is Weed Legal in Portugal?
No, weed is not legal in Portugal—but it is decriminalised for personal use in small amounts. That means possession won’t lead to a criminal record, but it can still result in fines or other consequences. Recreational cannabis remains illegal, while medical cannabis is legal with a prescription.
What Does Decriminalised Mean?
In 2001, Portugal made headlines by decriminalising all drugs, including cannabis. This does not mean drugs are legal. It means that:
Possession of small amounts is treated as an administrative offence, not a criminal one.
Police may confiscate the cannabis.
You may be referred to a “dissuasion commission”, fined, or sent to treatment if necessary.
You're not going to prison for carrying a joint—but you're not free to use cannabis legally either.
How Much Cannabis Can You Legally Possess?
The Portuguese government sets possession thresholds for personal use. For cannabis:
Up to 25 grams of dry herb or 5 grams of hash is considered personal use.
Above that amount is considered trafficking and is a criminal offence.
Even within the personal limit, you may still face police action and be referred for assessment or fined.
Is Recreational Cannabis Legal in Portugal?
No. Recreational use of cannabis is still illegal in Portugal.
You cannot legally buy, sell, grow, or consume cannabis in public.
Cannabis is not sold in legal shops, and there are no licensed dispensaries for recreational users.
Possession is tolerated only under the decriminalisation framework—and only in small quantities.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Portugal?
Yes. Medical cannabis is legal in Portugal, but it's tightly regulated.
Patients must have a valid prescription from a licensed physician.
Approved medical uses include chronic pain, spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, nausea from chemotherapy, and others.
Medical cannabis is dispensed in pharmacies, usually as oils, extracts, or dried flower.
Home growing is not allowed, even for medical patients.
Can You Grow Your Own Cannabis in Portugal?
No. Cultivating cannabis at home is illegal for both recreational and medical purposes.
Even growing a single plant without authorisation can result in prosecution.
What About CBD in Portugal?
CBD products are legal only if they contain less than 0.2% THC, following EU guidelines.
However, CBD is regulated as a medicinal product in Portugal, so it cannot be freely marketed as a food supplement like it is in other countries.
Can Tourists Use Weed in Portugal?
Technically, no.
While you’re unlikely to be arrested for small personal possession, using cannabis as a tourist still violates local laws. Smoking in public or being caught buying weed can lead to fines or other consequences. There is no legal tourist access to cannabis, unlike in the Netherlands or parts of the US.
Summary: Is Weed Legal in Portugal?
Use Type | Legal? |
|---|---|
Recreational Use | ❌ No |
Personal Possession | ⚠️ Decriminalised |
Medical Use (with Rx) | ✅ Yes |
Growing at Home | ❌ No |
Buying in Shops | ❌ No |
CBD (under 0.2% THC) | ✅ Limited use |
Final Word
Cannabis is not legal in Portugal for recreational use, but it is decriminalised for personal possession. That means you won't be jailed for small amounts, but it's still not legally allowed. Medical cannabis is legal with a prescription and sold through licensed pharmacies.
If you're travelling to Portugal or living there, it’s important to know that using cannabis publicly or growing your own can still get you into legal trouble.