Marijuana is Smoked, Sold, and Grown in the Czech Republic
It’s a widely held belief that the Czech Republic has fully legalized marijuana. However, the reality is not as simple as it may seem. We decided to dive deeper into the topic and explain how the situation with legalization really looks like in the Czech Republic.
You’ll agree that seeing a young person with a joint in front of a bar or club in the Czech Republic is somewhat of a classic scene. Walking through the town center in the evening and catching a whiff of marijuana smoke might make you think you’ve wandered into Amsterdam, a city known for its culture and rules on cannabis. Everything appears as if marijuana use is allowed in the Czech Republic. However, marijuana itself remains illegal in the country, apart from its medical version, which was legalized in 2013, and CBD products that are sold everywhere.
Although it may seem easy to get cannabis in popular places, there are strict regulations and limits on what is allowed. If you want to know more about the terms, be sure to contact a local guide or explore the blog section of our site, where we explain the legal options in detail. Many tourists are smart to research beforehand, as certain issues can arise when navigating these complex laws.
Marijuana in Prague: Can a Doctor Prescribe It?
Medical marijuana contains minimal amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive substance in cannabis that causes changes in consciousness or behavior. Since 2021, the allowed THC content in medical products has been increased to 1%, up from the previous 0.3%. In typical recreational marijuana, THC content ranges from 9% and above. In some concentrated products (like hashish), THC can reach up to 50%.
Medical marijuana is available at regular pharmacies, but only with a doctor’s prescription. Currently, only about 200 doctors in Czechia are authorized to prescribe medical marijuana. The price of medical cannabis is around 172 Czech korunas per gram before VAT, with 90% of the cost covered by the patient’s insurance. All medical cannabis is imported, but soon Czech producers will enter the market, which might reduce the price.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed for conditions such as:
01.
Chronic pain
02.
Cancer
03.
Motor disorders
04.
Neurological issues
05.
Nausea and vomiting
06.
Loss of appetite
07.
Tourette syndrome
08.
Dermatoses and other skin conditions
According to the State Agency for Medical Cannabis, last year, cannabis was prescribed to 4,600 patients, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. The process of prescribing medical cannabis is regulated by law, with doctors applying an individualized approach since cannabis, like any other medication, can affect people differently. Special caution is exercised when prescribing marijuana to patients on other medications, especially those that strain the liver.
If all conditions are met, a patient can receive up to 180 grams of medical cannabis per month. Driving under the influence of cannabis is prohibited, as it poses risks to the driver and public safety.
CBD Products: What Are They and Why Are They Sold Everywhere?
You’ve probably seen tobacco shops that sell various CBD products in the form of oils, drops, and even dried cannabis flowers that resemble regular marijuana. These are all derivatives of cannabis but contain either trace amounts or no psychoactive substances at all. As such, they don’t produce the typical “high” associated with marijuana use. The sale of CBD products is fully legal in the Czech Republic, and they can be found everywhere—from tobacco shops to supermarkets and pharmacies, including on streets like Wenceslas.
CBD stands for «cannabidiol,» one of the many active compounds in cannabis plants. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “CBD does not produce any effects that would suggest it can be used as a drug or lead to addiction. There is currently no evidence that CBD products cause health problems.” Tourists often ask about the limit of CBD allowed, as related regulations are recent and differ between countries. It’s recommended to check before buying anything. Dealers or stores selling strong products might skip proper privacy measures, so it’s better to choose friendly, trusted places. If you need tips, visit shops that openly display pricing and menu options. Growers and vendors are pushing for liberal laws, as the services around CBD expand across Europe.
Regular THC Cannabis and the Law
Of course, the Czech Republic is not limited to CBD products and medical cannabis. Regular marijuana with high THC content is smoked here, and about 1 in 10 people in the country use it, according to official statistics from the National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addictions (2022). Unofficially, the number of marijuana users is even higher.
So why doesn’t anyone seem afraid? Why is it that in bars in Žižkov, even foreigners can buy little bags of “magic” marijuana, and some people grow it at home? This all comes down to the Czech Republic’s legal framework, which is relatively tolerant toward marijuana. But not always. Here’s a quick breakdown of the law:
- Growing cannabis with THC content above 1% is prohibited.
- Growing between 1 and 5 cannabis plants is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to 15,000 CZK.
- Growing more than 5 plants constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by up to 6 months in prison, a fine, or confiscation of property.
- Possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to 15,000 CZK. More than 10 grams could lead to up to 1 year in prison with confiscation of property.
- Selling, exporting, or importing cannabis is illegal and punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine.
- Smoking marijuana in public gives authorities the right to search you. While this doesn’t happen often in practice, it doesn’t mean it’s okay to do so.
- Smoking marijuana in a group can be considered distribution of drugs.
- Medical marijuana can only be grown with a license from the Czech Ministry of Health.
Under current legislation, cannabis with less than 1% THC can be grown on an area not exceeding 100 square meters.
It’s important to remember that laws and regulations surrounding cannabis cultivation are constantly changing. The most up-to-date information can be found in the law 200/1990 Sb.
When Will Legalization of weed Happen?
Since 1999, major cities in the Czech Republic have hosted annual marijuana legalization marches, with thousands of activists participating in Prague. The event, called Million
Marihuana March, took place this September. The participants advocate for the legalization of cannabis for personal use, arguing that marijuana is no more harmful than alcohol.
Ironically, some marijuana users are opposed to legalization. Their main concern is that once marijuana is legalized, home cultivation could be prohibited, and the government or private companies could be given control over production. This would increase costs for consumers.
Not just ordinary citizens, but also Czech politicians are involved in the debate. The Pirate Party has been actively promoting the idea of cannabis legalization in the Czech Republic for years. In September, party representatives claimed that once cannabis is legalized, the state could earn between 650 million and 1.8 billion CZK annually in taxes. They propose various regulatory measures, including the registration of users. Politicians believe that legalizing the market will help de-stigmatize cannabis use. According to European Parliament member Mikulas Peksa, Germany, Malta, and Luxembourg are preparing for potential cannabis legalization, and so is the Czech Republic.
«Legalization is coming!» – representatives of the Pirate Party recently declared on social media.
The National Coordinator for Drug Prevention, Jindřich Voboril (ODS), is working on the details of a law that could allow for the sale, use, and limited cultivation of cannabis. This law might come into effect in 2024.
We are not promoting or encouraging the use of illegal substances in this article. This text is purely informational and educational, created due to public interest in the topic. Take care of your health!