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2024 is proving to be quite the year for cannabis across Europe. A few milestones have already occurred in a legal sense. In late 2023, the first regulated sales of adult-use cannabis took place in Switzerland. Right at the beginning of 2024, he first European non-profit cannabis club was opened in Malta.
It may have been seen as an illegal substance for a long time, but cannabis regulation in the EU is rapidly changing. North America has raced ahead with legal cannabis market, and most likely put the EU on notice. Adult-use legalization is closer than ever to the delight of cannabis fans. With over 20 European countries regulating the use of medicinal cannabis, let’s take a look at the latest policy changes.
Countries Where Cannabis Will Soon be Legal
Germany
Proposals to legalize cannabis in Germany were introduced in 2022. Per government officials, talks are already taking place, so Germany is expected to introduce some kind of legal framework that will eventually make recreational cannabis use legal in the country. A staged approach is the most likely idea. What we know is that in the first phase the proposed law will permit personal cannabis use and home cultivation, while a second phase will see the introduction of legal commercial supply chains. A variety of cannabis products can also be used by adults in Germany – you can find more information here.
There’s been significant interest in establishing cannabis clubs, which will also lead to the opening of many jobs. There’s no set date yet, but if the law passes, it will quickly lead to legal cannabis use in Germany.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic also proposed ideas for cannabis regulation in 2024. It’s a bit more optimistic than Germany regarding the dates, with experts expecting legalization as early as in 2024. The drafted law proposes permitted sale of up to 5g. per day. Cultivation will also be legalized, with distribution taking place through a regulated and commercial market.
Plans for home cultivation and cannabis clubs were mentioned, although the government failed to say something about a commercial adult-use market, which is most likely the result of pressure from the opposition. Nevertheless, we’ll be waiting for news from this market to see which approach the Czech Republic takes.
Countries Where Cannabis is Legal
Malta
In 2021, Malta became the first country in the European Union to legalize cannabis for adult use. The policy changes came via the Cannabis Reform Act which says that consumers are permitted to carry up to 7g. of cannabis in public. They can also grow up to 4 plants at home without worrying about the legal aspect.
It’s not all ideal. Malta has taken the non-profit approach, requiring users to purchase cannabis via formally regulated membership non-profit cooperatives. This means you won’t find cannabis to buy in Maltese pharmacies, dispensaries, or stores. So far, six companies have obtained licenses to operate cannabis clubs, with the first one going live in January 2024. That’s supposed to open up jobs which will further support the country’s economy.
The government believes that going with full-blown legalization is against the principles of harm reduction. The country stands against maximization of profits, which is a unique approach when you consider what many others have done.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg legalized personal use of cannabis in mid-2023. Home cultivation up to 4 plants is allowed, while purchase and transportation of cannabis in legal spots is prohibited. People with over 3g. of cannabis for personal use are facing reduced fines between €25 and €500. Possessing larger quantities carries a risk of prison sentence.
The new policy changes in Luxembourg are part of a pilot programme whose goal is to eventually provide legal access to cannabis for non-medical use through registered dispensaries.
Countries with Legalized Cannabis Use via Pilot Programmes
The Netherlands
While Amsterdam has been considered the European capital of recreational cannabis tourism, technically speaking, the sale of cannabis for recreational purposes is illegal. Furthermore, the country has recently introduced policy changes which limit alcohol sales and imposes fines for smoking marijuana in public.
Just before the end of 2024, the government introduced a new policy named Wietexperiment. A number of licensed cultivators are now permitted to supply cannabis to select coffee shops. This is a start-up phase of a larger pilot programme which will last for around 6 months. All cultivators and coffee shops will be closely monitored and evaluated during that period.
If public order is threatened or harmed in any phase, the government will stop the start-up phase. After 6 months, details will be shared about the experiment with the public. After that, the programme will enter a transition phase that should eventually see coffee shops move toward legal sale of regulated cannabis products.
Switzerland
Similar to the Netherlands, Switzerland has adopted a pilot programme for cannabis legalization. At the moment, six pilot programmes are underway in Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Bern, Basel-Landschaft, and Biel. Swiss residents have access to legal cannabis from verified points of sale that are closely monitored. The government has partnered with universities to monitor the effects of cannabis adult use on public health. If everything passes as it should, the country may move to full-blown cannabis legalization.
Conclusion
Times have changed a lot in regards to cannabis legalization in the past few decades. New democratic winds are blowing when it comes to cannabis legalization, with countries beginning to realize the benefits of such moves. Whether it’s a commercial market or non-profit legalization, European residents and businesses will both benefit from the legalization of cannabis for recreational use.
Such moves are already taking place in many European countries, with others waiting on the sides. Cannabis decriminalization is something many have dreamed off in the past, and it’s finally coming to Europe.
It remains to be seen how many countries follow the examples set by Malta or the pilot programmes in Switzerland and the Netherlands. One thing’s for sure – cannabis legalization is coming soon, and there’s no one to oppose these bills and eventual laws.
