The Best Weed Friendly Countries In Europe For 2026

Europe's outlook towards cannabis has been shifting slowly over the years to a more thoughtful and tolerant approach. 

A 2022 poll conducted by Hanway Associates in partnership with Curaleaf, Cansativa, and Ince found that 55% of Europeans support regulated cannabis sales for adults. That's right, more than half of Europeans are saying, "Let's regulate cannabis responsibly and sensibly." 

A large part of this growing openness comes down to the fact that many Europeans view cannabis through the eyes of personal choice, social well-being, and public health rather than through the tinted lenses of fear, stigma, and criminalization.

And this change in perspective doesn't stop at the social level; it is also happening at the government level. Laws are evolving and adapting to the times, whether it's the monitored use of medical marijuana, the decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis, or the full legalization of the plant. More countries in Europe are leaning towards models focused on safety, fairness, and clarity. 

In this post, I'll tell you about the best weed friendly countries in Europe for 2026, so you can see what makes each nation unique and why they're an excellent choice for cannabis travelers and the cannacurious. 

Czech Republic 

If you're looking for one of the most relaxed spots in Europe when it comes to cannabis, the Czech Republic deserves a top spot on your list. The country has a long-standing reputation for being tolerant toward cannabis use, with Prague primarily known for its open-minded vibe and vibrant nightlife. 

As of now, possessing 10 grams of weed or less and cultivating five plants at home is decriminalized and will result in a fine of up to 15,000 CZK.

But on January 1st, 2026, cannabis will be legalized in the Czech Republic for adults over the age of 21, allowing them to cultivate up to three plants at home, possess up to 100 grams in their homes, and possess up to 25 grams in public.

Key Points 

• Recreational legalization starting on January 1st, 2026.
• Adults over the age of 21 will be allowed to possess 25 grams of cannabis in public, 100 grams in their homes, and can cultivate no more than three plants in their homes.

Luxembourg 

Luxembourg may be one of Europe's smallest countries, but when it comes to cannabis, it's making some pretty big moves. In 2021, Luxembourg became the second EU nation to legalize home cultivation and personal use, setting itself apart from its larger neighbors. 

Now, citizens and residents can grow up to four weed plants in their homes for personal use. The possession of cannabis in public is still considered an offence, and the possession of 3 grams or less in public may result in a fine between €25 and €500. 

Key Points 

• Possession of up to 3 grams of cannabis may result in a fine between €25 and €500. (anything above this is an arrestable offence) 
• Citizens and residents over 18 can legally grow up to 4 plants per household. 
• It's legal to use cannabis in a private residence. 
• Using cannabis in public is an offence. 

Malta 

Sunny Malta made history in 2021 by becoming the first country in the EU to legalize recreational cannabis, marking a significant step forward for such a small country.

Now, citizens and residents of Malta over the age of 18 can carry up to 7 grams of cannabis in public, keep up to 50 grams of cannabis in their homes, and cultivate up to four weed plants in their homes for personal use. Citizens and residents can even join cannabis associations where members can grow and share their harvest in a community setting.

Key Points 

• Citizens and residents over the age of 18 can carry up to 7 grams of flower in public and keep up to 50 grams in their home.  
• They can also grow up to four plants in their homes.
• Non-profit cannabis associations are allowed. 
• Weed-friendly, but not for tourists. 

Netherlands

When people think of weed friendly countries in Europe, the Netherlands, primarily Amsterdam, usually pops up first. The country has built an iconic reputation thanks to its coffeeshops, where citizens, residents, and tourists over the age of 18 can enjoy cannabis in a relaxed, social setting. 

Technically, cannabis is still illegal in the Netherlands, but under their famous tolerance policy, the possession of 5 grams of cannabis or less will not result in an arrest or imprisonment. 

Since 2023, the Netherlands has been experimenting with pilot programs to regulate cannabis production. These pilot programs allow coffeeshops in specific municipalities to buy cannabis from licensed suppliers. Ever since the tolerance policy was introduced, coffeeshops have been operating in a very tricky environment, having to source their product from underground suppliers due to the cultivation, large-scale sale, and large-scale storage of cannabis being illegal.

Depending on how the pilot program goes, we may see all the coffee shops in the Netherlands buying their cannabis from licensed suppliers.

Key Points 

• Citizens, residents, and tourists over the age of 18 can purchase up to 5 grams of cannabis from licensed coffeeshops. 
• Citizens, residents, and tourists over the age of 18 can possess up to 5 grams of cannabis in public and private. 
• Cannabis can still be confiscated if found in possession of under 5 grams. 

Portugal 

Portugal is often celebrated as one of the leaders of progressive drug policy. Back in 2001, the country decriminalized the possession of all drugs, pledging to treat drug use as a health matter rather than a criminal one. 

Now, individuals found in possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis or 5 grams of hashish for personal use will have their flower or hash confiscated and be referred to the Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction. 

Key Points 

• Possession of 25 grams of flower or less is an administrative offense, not a crime.
• Possession of 5 grams of hash or less is an administrative offense, not a crime.
• Lisbon and Porto are primarily known for their tolerant, laid-back atmosphere. 

Spain 

Spain's relaxed approach towards cannabis is tolerance as long as it stays private. While it's illegal to buy, sell, and possess cannabis in public, it is legal for citizens and residents over the age of 18 to possess up to 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of it in their homes and grow their own plants for their own enjoyment.

Spain also carved out its unique spot on Europe's cannabis map thanks to its famous Cannabis Social Clubs. These private, member-only associations let citizens and residents come together to cultivate and share cannabis in a community-focused environment. 

While cannabis isn't technically 100% legal, private use and cultivation are allowed, which is why these clubs can thrive. 

Spain's legal gray areas have fostered a laid-back environment where people can enjoy cannabis without heavy restrictions. Pair that with the country's warm climate, lively festivals, and relaxed coastal vibe, and it's easy to see why Spain has become such a favorite among cannabis explorers. 

Key Points 

• Cannabis Social Clubs allow private and shared use among members. (not accessible to tourists) 
• Public use and public possession can result in a fine between €601 and €30,000. 
• Citizens and residents can possess up to 100 grams of cannabis in the home. 
• Private use and personal cultivation are permitted under Spanish law. 

Switzerland  

Switzerland is ahead of the curve when it comes to cannabis reform in Europe. As of now, cannabis with less than 1% THC is legal, and the possession of 10 grams or less with a THC content above 1% will not be punishable by law, and the person will receive a fine. 

But things look like they're changing for the better. For the last two years, Switzerland has been running pilot programs allowing participants to access cannabis for recreational purposes legally. And it seems like these pilot programs have been working because just recently, Swiss policymakers drafted a new law to sell regulated cannabis through either licensed retailers or online.

Key Points 

• Possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis that has over 1% THC is decriminalized and will result in a fine. 
• Cannabis with 1% THC or less is fully legal and widely available to buy over the counter in stores. 

Conclusion

Europe's cannabis landscape offers a wide range of options for any 420 enthusiasts. Some countries, like Portugal and the Czech Republic, focus on decriminalization and harm reduction, while others, like Luxembourg and Switzerland, are testing new models that could shape the future. Spain brings its own flavor with private use and cultivation, and of course, the Netherlands will always hold its place in any list of weed friendly countries.