What was driving the decision to decriminalize weed as well as other substances in Portugal? In 1999, Portugal was ranked as the European country with the best amount of HIV between injecting end users.
Portugal was isolated from the globe for almost half a century underneath an authoritarian dictatorship until finally the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
Would like to smoke a joint with friends although touring by way of Portugal? You’ll should be thorough. Regardless of its status for liberal drug guidelines, Portugal nevertheless has rigorous regulations relating to smoking cigarettes marijuana. In concept, as described, it’s illegal to smoke weed in Portugal; on the other hand, it’s fairly a unique Tale in apply. Possession of twenty grams or a lot less of cannabis flower doesn’t currently cause felony charges.
For health-related cannabis, the rules are distinctive but nevertheless stringent: travelers should have a prescription and also a health-related letter explaining the necessity to the medication.
Weed in Lisbon, Lisbon the vibrant cash of Portugal, is known for its abundant history, amazing architecture, lively nightlife, and delicious meals scene. In case you’re looking to loosen up and take pleasure in the city using a joint in hand, you’re in the right spot.
If you prefer a little something more robust, Road sellers usually are your very best guess. Hash is way more preferred here, so you’re much more prone to score some high quality hash. Should you’re right after cannabis flower, however, it’s typically “mid” at very best—don’t assume everything far too strong.
However, this doesn’t suggest it’s formally permitted. During the night time, especially in fast paced bar and nightclub locations, there might be undercover police examining what consumers are carrying. If somebody is about the legal personalized-use restrictions, they are often stopped, questioned, plus the cannabis might be seized. Much larger quantities could also lead to an investigation or referral check here for drug remedy.
Decriminalization is fundamentally different from legalization. Under legalization, cannabis could be regulated and sold via licensed vendors, similar to alcohol. Under decriminalization, cannabis possession for personal use is handled as an administrative offense instead of a legal 1.
Health-related cannabis prescriptions are legal in Portugal (and are already due to the fact 2018), Nevertheless they don’t hand them out as they did back when California begun With all the same plan.
Decriminalization is not legalization: When possession of small quantities of weed is decriminalized in Portugal, buying and selling it remains unlawful. Therefore Even though you received’t check out jail for being caught with cannabis, You furthermore mght won’t be capable to wander right into a dispensary and buy a bag of weed like you could potentially in California or Canada.
Cannabis isn’t technically legal in Portugal, but you will find loads of vape stores offering equipment like bongs, pipes, and much more. In place of relying on punitive criminal justice actions, Portugal opted to employ far more enlightened solutions for instance warnings and smaller fines or gave All those caught with a private supply the chance to be referred to neighborhood commissions for support and treatment.
As of 2026, Portugal’s approach stays mostly unchanged. Leisure cannabis is not sold in dispensaries or retailers, and there's no lawful marketplace for THC goods. The region has legalized clinical cannabis since 2018, but recreational use exists inside of a gray zone in which it’s tolerated although not permitted.
There is not any lawful solution to buy THC cannabis in Portugal. Dispensaries and coffeeshops don’t exist. Whilst decriminalization safeguards possession, buying and offering continue to be unlawful. CBD solutions are your only lawful retail possibility, accessible at stores through key towns.
Algarve: The vacationer-weighty southern location has its have cannabis Local community, with informal networks reportedly operating in vacationer places. However, these run exterior official channels and they are tough to validate or obtain.