Cannabis tourism around world: Europe

We begin this fourth chapter of our cannabis tourism journey around the world by exploring our own old continent—Europe—where many countries have adopted a more open approach in recent years toward both the medical and recreational use of our beloved plant.

Among all the countries that make up Europe, those highlighted below have legalized or decriminalized the medical and recreational use of cannabis and are therefore among the most suitable destinations for cannabis-minded travelers.

Malta

In 2021, Malta became the first European country to legalize recreational cannabis. This means that, within certain limits, it is legal to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis.

Unfortunately, tourists cannot legally purchase cannabis, as access is limited to members of non-profit Cannabis Social Clubs, which are open only to Maltese residents.

The island of Malta boasts a rich history spanning more than 7,000 years. Visitors can admire magnificent prehistoric temples, colorful architecture, and countless historical landmarks that make the island one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating destinations.

It is illegal to consume cannabis in public or to bring it into or out of the country. Although you won't be able to buy cannabis during your stay in Malta, you might make friends with locals who share your passion and are willing to enjoy it together!

Germany

Germany is the latest country to join the short list of European nations that have legalized recreational cannabis. Since 2024, adults have been allowed to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis under German law, although strict restrictions still apply to tourists.

Visitors to Germany cannot join cannabis clubs, which are currently the only licensed outlets authorized to distribute recreational cannabis in the country.

Public consumption is permitted, except in designated non-smoking areas and within 100 meters (328 feet) of schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, and public sports facilities.

But just like the Maltese, Germans are generally friendly people, so you may well find locals willing to share a smoke and good conversation.

Spain

Although Spain is often promoted as a cannabis paradise, the country's cannabis legislation has several nuances that are essential to understand if you want to explore its vibrant cannabis scene as a visitor.

First of all, cannabis remains illegal in Spain. However, the private consumption and cultivation of small quantities for personal use have been decriminalized.

Barcelona is a world-class destination in its own right. Add to that the city's approximately 250 Cannabis Social Clubs, and its appeal to cannabis-minded travelers becomes more than obvious.

Private Cannabis Social Clubs, such as MARISANA, operate within a legal gray area, collectively cultivating cannabis for their members in exchange for a membership fee.

However, relatively few clubs strictly adhere to this model. Many provide small quantities of cannabis to their members, typically displayed in large glass jars, much like those found in Dutch coffee shops or licensed dispensaries in the United States.

In practice, visitors may be able to obtain cannabis through these clubs, usually after becoming members and consuming it within the club's private premises, since smoking cannabis in public is illegal in Spain and may result in fines.

Italy

Italy's cannabis laws are considerably more complex. Following the approval of Law 242/2016—which authorized the cultivation of low-THC cannabis varieties for industrial purposes—a thriving market for cannabis light emerged across the country.

Today, many Italian cities have specialized shops selling hemp flowers, cosmetics, edibles, and other products containing only trace amounts of THC.

These businesses operate in a legal gray area, as Italian legislation does not explicitly prohibit the sale or possession of hemp flowers and certain hemp-derived products.

By contrast, high-THC cannabis remains illegal under Italian law. Although possession of small amounts has been decriminalized, it may still result in administrative penalties, including fines or the suspension of a driver's license.

In May 2024, the Italian government proposed new regulations that would prohibit the sale of certain THC-free hemp products, including hemp flowers.

Netherlands

Amsterdam has long been regarded as the European capital of cannabis. However, cannabis is technically not legal in the Netherlands; only the sale and consumption of small quantities in coffee shops is tolerated.

Consuming cannabis in public is illegal and prohibited in many areas, especially in Amsterdam's Red Light District.

Although the Dutch government has previously announced plans to tighten cannabis regulations, it is still very easy to obtain cannabis throughout the country, both for residents and tourists. So, you can still enjoy a Dutch joint with relative ease.

Conclusion

Based on everything discussed throughout this article, we can easily draw two conclusions, even if they may seem somewhat contradictory at first:

Countries where cannabis is decriminalized: Destinations where you can enjoy cannabis with relatively few issues:

Spain and the Netherlands

In these countries, cannabis may not be fully legal, but it can generally be enjoyed without major difficulties. In most cases, it is simply a matter of knowing which Cannabis Social Clubs or coffee shops to visit in order to enjoy your experience in a safe and controlled environment.

Countries where cannabis is legal: Suitable destinations, but with fewer options for tourists:

Malta, Italy and Germany

If your goal is to enjoy a holiday with direct access to legal cannabis, these countries may not be the ideal destinations, as their regulations tend to be quite restrictive for tourists.

Although cannabis can be consumed in these countries, tourists generally cannot access it legally. In most cases, the best option is to get to know local cannabis enthusiasts who can offer guidance—or perhaps even invite you to share their experience.

Finally, you can also read our Blog article: Cannabis Tourism Across Europe, where you'll find even more information to complement everything covered in this article.

TO BE CONTINUED →

Europe

We begin this fourth chapter of our cannabis tourism journey around the world by exploring our own old continent—Europe—where many countries have adopted a more open approach in recent years toward both the medical and recreational use of our beloved plant.

Among all the countries that make up Europe, those highlighted below have legalized or decriminalized the medical and recreational use of cannabis and are therefore among the most suitable destinations for cannabis-minded travelers.

Malta

In 2021, Malta became the first European country to legalize recreational cannabis. This means that, within certain limits, it is legal to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis.

Unfortunately, tourists cannot legally purchase cannabis, as access is limited to members of non-profit Cannabis Social Clubs, which are open only to Maltese residents.

The island of Malta boasts a rich history spanning more than 7,000 years. Visitors can admire magnificent prehistoric temples, colorful architecture, and countless historical landmarks that make the island one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating destinations.

It is illegal to consume cannabis in public or to bring it into or out of the country. Although you won't be able to buy cannabis during your stay in Malta, you might make friends with locals who share your passion and are willing to enjoy it together!

Germany

Germany is the latest country to join the short list of European nations that have legalized recreational cannabis. Since 2024, adults have been allowed to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis under German law, although strict restrictions still apply to tourists.

Visitors to Germany cannot join cannabis clubs, which are currently the only licensed outlets authorized to distribute recreational cannabis in the country.

Public consumption is permitted, except in designated non-smoking areas and within 100 meters (328 feet) of schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, and public sports facilities.

But just like the Maltese, Germans are generally friendly people, so you may well find locals willing to share a smoke and good conversation.

Spain

Although Spain is often promoted as a cannabis paradise, the country's cannabis legislation has several nuances that are essential to understand if you want to explore its vibrant cannabis scene as a visitor.

First of all, cannabis remains illegal in Spain. However, the private consumption and cultivation of small quantities for personal use have been decriminalized.

Barcelona is a world-class destination in its own right. Add to that the city's approximately 250 Cannabis Social Clubs, and its appeal to cannabis-minded travelers becomes more than obvious.

Private Cannabis Social Clubs, such as MARISANA, operate within a legal gray area, collectively cultivating cannabis for their members in exchange for a membership fee.

However, relatively few clubs strictly adhere to this model. Many provide small quantities of cannabis to their members, typically displayed in large glass jars, much like those found in Dutch coffee shops or licensed dispensaries in the United States.

In practice, visitors may be able to obtain cannabis through these clubs, usually after becoming members and consuming it within the club's private premises, since smoking cannabis in public is illegal in Spain and may result in fines.

Italy

Italy's cannabis laws are considerably more complex. Following the approval of Law 242/2016—which authorized the cultivation of low-THC cannabis varieties for industrial purposes—a thriving market for cannabis light emerged across the country.

Today, many Italian cities have specialized shops selling hemp flowers, cosmetics, edibles, and other products containing only trace amounts of THC.

These businesses operate in a legal gray area, as Italian legislation does not explicitly prohibit the sale or possession of hemp flowers and certain hemp-derived products.

By contrast, high-THC cannabis remains illegal under Italian law. Although possession of small amounts has been decriminalized, it may still result in administrative penalties, including fines or the suspension of a driver's license.

In May 2024, the Italian government proposed new regulations that would prohibit the sale of certain THC-free hemp products, including hemp flowers.

Netherlands

Amsterdam has long been regarded as the European capital of cannabis. However, cannabis is technically not legal in the Netherlands; only the sale and consumption of small quantities in coffee shops is tolerated.

Consuming cannabis in public is illegal and prohibited in many areas, especially in Amsterdam's Red Light District.

Although the Dutch government has previously announced plans to tighten cannabis regulations, it is still very easy to obtain cannabis throughout the country, both for residents and tourists. So, you can still enjoy a Dutch joint with relative ease.

Conclusion

Based on everything discussed throughout this article, we can easily draw two conclusions, even if they may seem somewhat contradictory at first:

Countries where cannabis is decriminalized: Destinations where you can enjoy cannabis with relatively few issues:

Spain and the Netherlands

In these countries, cannabis may not be fully legal, but it can generally be enjoyed without major difficulties. In most cases, it is simply a matter of knowing which Cannabis Social Clubs or coffee shops to visit in order to enjoy your experience in a safe and controlled environment.

Countries where cannabis is legal: Suitable destinations, but with fewer options for tourists:

Malta, Italy and Germany

If your goal is to enjoy a holiday with direct access to legal cannabis, these countries may not be the ideal destinations, as their regulations tend to be quite restrictive for tourists.

Although cannabis can be consumed in these countries, tourists generally cannot access it legally. In most cases, the best option is to get to know local cannabis enthusiasts who can offer guidance—or perhaps even invite you to share their experience.

Finally, you can also read our Blog article: Cannabis Tourism Across Europe, where you'll find even more information to complement everything covered in this article.

TO BE CONTINUED →

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