Best Countries to Visit This Summer Where Cannabis Is Decriminalised

In addition to the legal status of cannabis in many jurisdictions, the difference between decriminalization and legalization is also important for travelers. Legalizing cannabis products creates a regulatory environment; you can buy cannabis, sell it, and consume it under an established set of rules. In contrast, decriminalizing marijuana doesn’t create a regulatory environment. However, having a small quantity of marijuana for personal use will rarely lead to an arrest – however purchasing it is technically against the law.

Further, how much is considered personal use vs. distribution varies widely from country to country. With that understanding, here are some popular destinations to consider this summer.

Portugal

The Portuguese drug reform began with decriminalizing all types of drugs (not only Cannabis) in 2001. Today, the country can be considered as one of the countries in the world where it is possible to apply harm reduction strategies on a large scale. As a result of this law, when someone possesses personal amounts of substances (which do not exceed 10 daily portions), he will appear before a “Dissuasion Commission” instead of being charged. In terms of cannabis, we should note that 25g of dry cannabis herb or 5 g of hash represent approximately the maximum allowed amount. Thus, Portugal represents one of the places in

Europe where you have relatively few restrictions for cannabis tourism, if you consume your cannabis discreetly. Lisbon and the Algarve are obviously popular tourist destinations during the summer months due to their pleasant climate, delicious food and beautiful coast line. But there are also other regions like the Alentejo and the Douro valley that are definitely worth visiting by travelers who prefer a quieter environment. However, since supply remains prohibited, buying cannabis is based on an unofficial market where there are many risks involved.

Netherlands

The Dutch model is really one-of-a-kind. While cannabis is technically illegal under the country’s laws, a long-standing practice of toleration – gedoogbeleid — has resulted in an established system of coffeeshops where licensed establishments can sell limited amounts of cannabis for personal use. Amsterdam is clearly the main attraction; however, other cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht and Haarlem also have their own coffeeshop scenes that are generally far less crowded than Amsterdam’s during July and August.

It should be noted that there have been some recent policy developments. In the Netherlands, the government has expanded its legal supply pilot program to include coffeeshops located in many different cities. The government hopes this will provide a regulated environment for the entire cannabis supply chain. As for purchasing, it is quite simple. Adults age 18 years old and above may purchase up to 5 grams at a time from licensed retail sellers. Purchases must either be consumed on-site or taken home for private use. Public consumption of cannabis is now heavily restricted in downtown Amsterdam.

Spain

The cannabis scene in Spain is very unusual. For personal use, there is no criminal penalty for using or growing cannabis. Therefore, “cannabis social clubs” are formed as private membership organizations where members grow cannabis and provide it to other members (for example, they do not sell cannabis). These clubs exist throughout Spain, but none have grown faster than those in Barcelona. In theory, anyone can be a member of a cannabis club, regardless if you live in the area; however, each club varies in terms of how transparent and welcoming they are toward tourists.

The reason why so many people visit Barcelona during the summer months to buy cannabis is because of the beautiful weather, unique architecture, and delicious food. Not many people realize that buying cannabis through a cannabis social club requires becoming an actual member of the club instead of being able to simply go into the store and make a purchase. Many good cannabis clubs also require you to know someone who already belongs to the club before you are allowed to join. Buying from street vendors (or even in your hotel room) greatly increases the chance of buying low-quality cannabis and/or getting ripped off.

Czech Republic

Prague, as well as being a relatively tolerant central european city towards cannabis use has also been a destination for people looking to buy high-quality bud. There are no criminal penalties for anyone caught carrying less than ten grams of cannabis. A number of places sell cannabis in the form of hemp or CBD, which can have higher THC levels. While this is technically illegal, enforcement is very low key compared to other major cities in Central europe.

The Czech Republic’s countryside is perfect for Summer Cycling and Hiking.

Germany

In addition to its shift away from the war on drugs, Germany has also made significant changes to its cannabis policy since April of this year. The new policy allows adults (18 or older) to be allowed to carry up to 25 grams in their possession outside of private residences. Additionally, they can have up to 50 grams inside private residences. Home growers may grow up to 3 plants. Also, under German law, there are “Cannabis Social Clubs” which are non-profit organizations that allow individuals who are members of these clubs to both grow and consume.

Germany is an example of the first major European economy to transition from a full decriminalization policy to a partially legalized policy. Germany does not currently have a commercial cannabis retail market established with “Licensed Shops”, however it is anticipated that will occur soon. However, for those traveling to Europe this Summer, Germany will offer the largest allowance of cannabis among mainstream European destinations. There are many groups associated with cannabis in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. In addition, Berlin’s summer music festivals and events continue throughout June July August September

Switzerland

Since Switzerland has decided to remain an independent nation of the European Union (EU), it is able to pursue its own direction. The possession of small amounts of marijuana is “decriminalized”, and therefore you will receive a fine instead of being charged criminally. There is also a pilot program that allows regulated sale of marijuana in many major Swiss cities (including Zurich and Basel) as of 2023. If you participate in this pilot program, you can purchase your marijuana at licensed vendors. However, registration may limit participation by short term travelers. Also, as long as they have less than 1% THC content, CBD products are commonly sold and available throughout Switzerland. This is a much looser regulation than those in place in the U.K.

Uruguay and Canada — for those going further

Both countries are completely regulated by law. However, both countries have restrictions on how they allow access to residents that differ from one another. Uruguay has a pharmacy based licensed distribution model. The model allows only registered residents to purchase licensed cannabis. Canada has an adult retail distribution model which will be open to all adults with no matter where you reside. This will make Canada the most legalized country for UK tourist travel.

A Note on Practical Caution

Decriminalising drug use does not equal “no consequences” for such actions. A fine is still a penalty. Even in places where drugs can be consumed (in private) without penalty, many places carry additional penalties for consuming in public areas, schools, etc. Hotel/ Accommodation policies regarding smoking / using substances are independent of each country’s laws — most hotels and accommodations have indoor no-smoking policies regardless of whether it is allowed by local laws.

Traveling back into the UK with ANY form of cannabis will still result in a significant crime being committed against you, regardless of what laws were in place where you acquired them.