I had a friend who had gone for a Europe trip last year. In spite of most of us telling him to read the laws related to weed there, he, being the overconfident man, did not listen. Eventually he needed the help of a Marijuana Defense Attorney.
They are the lawyers who has the legal capacity and knowledge of helping people who get into certain legal problems that are related to marijuana.
“But, do I really need them?”
You see, when it comes to Europe there is one thing that a lot of people do not really know. The laws here related to weed are pretty confusing. While some countries allow it, there are certain parts who have not yet decriminalized cannabis.
So, what does that mean? Well, in simple words, if you are in a place where weed is not legal and the police catch you, you can face several legal consequences.
Therefore, it is very important that you are aware of the legalities when cannabis is concerned. And if that is what you want to know, keep reading this blog till the end…
Laws Regarding Marijuana in Europe
As I have already told you above, when it comes to the laws regarding marijuana, they vary from country to country. Which means that while some countries allow you to carry and use the “stuff” there are countries where you can be jailed for the same.
Which is why it is best that you are aware of the marijuana laws before you go to the place. So what are these laws?
1. Legalization and Decriminalization
Firstly, there are two things that you need to know about marijuana consumption when it comes to Europe. These are the concepts of legalization and decriminalization.
As per the former, there are areas where the government has completely made weed legal. In other words, just like the consumption of alcohol or tobacco, people can buy and use marijuana without worrying about breaking the law.
On the other hand, as per decriminalization, there are certain parts of Europe where weed is still not legal. While this means that you will not have to go to jail if the police catch you with a small amount, you will have to pay a fine.
2. Strict Laws and Harsh Penalties
Secondly, there are place in Europe where you will have to face serious consequences of you are caught with weed. That’s right. In some countries, the laws related to marijuana are very strict.
In such places, you will not get the permission to have marijuana unless you have a special license that allows you to sell or grow weed for “medicinal purposes.”
Additionally, there can be places where you will have to face allegations and charges. These are the times when you might even get a criminal record in your history.
3. Medical Marijuana
Finally, the way in which one can categorise the laws related to weed in Europe falls into medicinal usage. Yes, you read that right.
Most European countries and their government allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. In such cases, you can consume cannabis legally with a doctor’s prescription.
However, I would like to stress on the point that the rules differ in various states; some accept only specific medications based on cannabis while others allow usage from raw marijuana.
Irrespective of that, you need to keep in mind that if you travel within Europe, you must be aware of their laws to avoid getting caught in legal troubles.
Where is Cannabis Legal in Europe?
“Is weed legal in Europe?” Believe it or not, this is one of the most common questions that people ask.
As for marijuana laws in Europe, they change constantly, while some countries have adopted a more liberal approach.
Here are some of the general categories according to which you can divide the countries:
1. Countries Which Fully Legalize Marijuana
- Malta: It is the first country in the entire EU to legalize recreational marijuana. As for personal use, people can possess a maximum of 7 grams of cannabis.
- Luxembourg: Adults can legally grow four cannabis plants in their houses and can use weed in privacy. But, public use is barred.
2. Countries Where the Use of Marijuana is Decriminalized
- Portugal: Portugal has decriminalized possession of small amounts of all drugs, including marijuana, in 2001. Therefore, when one is caught with a small amount of drugs, they would not be jailed but would instead receive a fine or compulsory attendance to rehabilitation programs.
- Spain: Cannabis is decriminalized for private use but only within personal spaces. In addition, there exist cannabis clubs that permit their members to use marijuana for consumption within the clubs. However, it is illegal to sell or consume marijuana in public.
- The Netherlands: Under the terms of law, marijuana is illegal. However, it is tolerated by the government in coffee shops where small quantities can be purchased without any legal hassle; nevertheless, the plant remains illegal when produced or sold on large scales.
3. Countries That Allow for Medical Marijuana
Third on the list are the countries where you can carry, sell, and grow weed for medicinal purposes. Yes, many European countries allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
They include Germany, Italy, Greece, Poland, and the UK, where patients are required to have a doctor’s prescription, and what type of cannabis can be used is mostly regulated by the government.
4. Countries With Strict Laws on Marijuana
- France: Both recreational cannabis and medical marijuana are prohibited, though access to the latter is even more strictly controlled.
- Sweden: It has very strict drug laws, and the scant possession of cannabis is likely to result in a heavy fine or even imprisonment.
- Hungary: Like in all other countries, cannabis is totally illegal and subject to severe punishment for mere possession or sale.
Penalties for Cannabis Possession
Elements of punishment differ for being caught with illegal marijuana in Europe, depending on the country. Here are some common penalties:
1. Fines: In countries where marijuana is decriminalized, a fine may have to be paid. Fines range from €50 to €500, depending on the country and quantity.
2. Community Service: Some countries substitute fines for community service for people caught with small amounts of marijuana.
3. Imprisonment: Countries with strict drug laws impose sentences even for those carrying small quantities. For example:
- In Sweden, possession of cannabis can lead to a sentence of six months.
- In Hungary, it can be severe, with larger amounts giving years of prison time.
4. Criminal Record: Even for amounts that may seem small enough to avoid jail time, getting apprehended for marijuana in some countries can lead to a criminal record, which can negatively affect job opportunities and future travel plans.
Marijuana Defense Attorney: Who Can Help You Legally?
Think about a hypothetical situation, where you (just like my friend) goes to Europe and the police catch you with weed. Well, who do you go to? Who can help?
As I have already mentioned in the beginning of the blog, the legal professional who can help you in such cases is a marijuana defense attorney.
These lawyers can help you if the police catch you in an illegal place with marijuana. These lawyers specialize in drug cases and can help you understand how to mitigate or eliminate penalties.
Here’s how they can help you out:
- Defend You in Court: A heavyweight sentence or imprisonment can be substantially reduced through a lawyer’s representation in court on behalf of a defendant.
- Negotiate a Lesser Sentence: In certain instances, they may strike a deal with the judge for a lenient sentence; rather, they’ll ask the judge to render a day in prison to lighten the punishment by converting it to community service.
- Assist in Record Expungement: The defense lawyers in some countries can help in the deletion of offenses related to drug charges so that it may not hinder your future.
Your Legal Guide: Cannabis Consumption in Europe
In conclusion, if you are ever in a situation where you are facing criminal charges for carrying or having weed in Europe, it is best that you take the help of a marijuana defense attorney who specializes in cannabis or drug cases.
But, when should you call them? The shortest answer to that is: when you receive a fine or are taken to jail.
Additionally, you should keep one more thing. Cannabis laws across Europe vary widely, with some countries allowing its use while others impose heavy penalties.
Therefore, if you plan on consuming marijuana, it is best to familiarize yourself with the laws of each country and remain out of trouble.
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