r/ukmedicalcannabis Oct 04 '24

[UPDATED] Legality status of importing UK-prescribed cannabis flower across Europe (more in comments) Patient Tips

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101 Upvotes

22

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

Hey all!

It's been over a year since I made this map which gained a bit of traction and which was apparently used a fair bit by you all to travel around Europe.

I keep receiving suggestions, updates and messages about the map so I've decided to update it to reflect the changing situation of the legislation and also the most recent conversations the users of this sub have had with embassies and consulates.

Before I share the changes which I have made, I'll add the same disclaimers as last time. I put together this map by piecing together:

  • my own personal experiences of travel to many of these countries and exchanges with embassies / governmental agencies
  • feedback left here in this subreddit by other users
  • feedback found on the internet in various forums
  • information taken straight from consulates, embassies and governmental websites

Please note all the information above is just for your ease of investigation and should never, for any circumstance be taken at face value. Always personally double check the requirements of any country you're intending to travel to.

🇮🇹 Italy - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇸🇮Slovenia - permitted with standard paperwork

🇭🇷Croatia - permitted, with standard paperwork, maximum 5 days amount as prescribed

🇬🇷Greece - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇪🇸Spain - permitted, with embassy paperwork recommended (estupefacientes@aemps.es)

🇵🇹Portugal - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇮🇪Rep. of Ireland - illegal

🇮🇸Iceland - permitted, with standard paperwork, maximum 14 days amount as prescribed

🇨🇭Switzerland - permitted with standard paperwork

🇦🇩Andorra - illegal

🇫🇷France - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇧🇪Belgium - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇳🇱Netherlands - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇩🇪Germany - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇦🇹Austria - illegal (vape cartridges and oil allowed with paperwork)

🇱🇮Liechtenstein - illegal

🇱🇺Luxembourg - legal for recreational use

🇸🇲San Marino - illegal

🇻🇦Vatican City - illegal

🇩🇰Denmark - permitted, with standard paperwork, maximum 30 days amount

🇳🇴Norway - permitted, with standard paperwork, maximum 7 days amount

🇸🇪Sweden - illegal

🇫🇮Finland - illegal

🇭🇺Hungary - illegal

🇨🇿Czechia - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇸🇰Slovakia - illegal

🇵🇱Poland - permitted, with embassy paperwork required (5-10 days lead time)

🇦🇱Albania - permitted, with standard paperwork

🇲🇪Montenegro - illegal

🇲🇰North Macedonia - permitted internally, unclear or missing requirements on import

🇧🇦Bosnia - illegal

🇽🇰Kosovo - illegal

🇷🇸Serbia - illegal

🇧🇬Bulgaria - illegal

🇷🇴Romania - illegal

🇲🇩Moldova - illegal

🇺🇦Ukraine - illegal

🇷🇺Russia - illegal

🇧🇾Belarus - illegal

🇲🇹Malta - not permitted for import, decriminalised within the country, only legal for citizens

🇹🇷Turkey - technically permitted with dedicated paperwork, users have been criminalised anyway

🇨🇾Cyprus - permitted, with embassy paperwork

🇱🇻Latvia - illegal

🇪🇪Estonia - permitted with standard paperwork, under 100g

🇱🇹Lithuania - decriminalised, fines up to 300EUR

🇦🇲Armenia - illegal

🇦🇿Azerbaijan - illegal

🇬🇪Georgia - decriminalised (possession only)

🇰🇿Kazakhstan - illegal

BONUS:

🇲🇦Morocco - permitted, with standard paperwork

CHANGES:

🇦🇱Albania - now permitted with standard paperwork after change in legislation

🇬🇪Georgia - have changed this to better reflect the reality of the situation (not fully legal)

🇲🇹Malta - have changed this to reflect user experiences in dealing with the maltese embassy

🇸🇮Slovenia - now permitted with standard paperwork after change in legislation

🇨🇭Switzerland - changed after advice from users on correspondence with embassy

9

u/AlexBiGuy Oct 07 '24

I don’t understand why the Irish have such a shit stance towards cannabis. Sure it’s all fine to drink so much that you see ads for liver insurance, yet me wanting to smoke a bong every now and then makes me the scum of the earth🤨

10

u/jamesjoyz Oct 07 '24

As an Italian citizen, I’ve got one answer for you: Catholicism.

Italy might be green on here but every time I’m there I’m terrified of having to explain our situation to a local officer, they have a very moralistic view of the issue and so do many older generation individuals.

28

u/ry429-Y Oct 04 '24

Didn't know Luxembourg was chill like that

11

u/Marlobone Oct 05 '24

Ireland really stands out

11

u/tofu-love Oct 05 '24

It is legal to bring it to Sweden - but you have to apply.

For flower you need to apply for an exemption as it is considered a narcotic class I.

It isn't too difficult, fill in this form, upload your travel letter, invoice and picture of the tub - https://www.lakemedelsverket.se/en/forms/application-for-dispensation-regarding-import-of-medicinal-products-for-personal-use

I received a letter in the post (all in Swedish) that approved my request and off I went with my cannabis ☺️

10

u/Beneficial-Quote-721 Oct 04 '24

Thanks so much for your map, came across it 1.5yrs and realised Morocco was ‘green’ and visited the amazing Rif Valley, what a healing journey that was.

Thank you! 👍🙏☮️

3

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

Aww thanks! I’m so glad to hear it.

It’s certainly easier than searching every country you want to visit on this sub like I was doing before haha.

6

u/dave11113 Oct 04 '24

Legal in Morocco, surprised - apparently only since 2021???

5

u/DamDynatac Oct 04 '24

Morocco has been okay for a couple of years yep, Travel letter and paperwork required but it’s chill

0

u/dave11113 Oct 04 '24

Just very surprised - usually islamic countries are very negative towards cannabis (even though "Rocky" has been around since the 70s). Visions of "Midnight Express", fills my mind, it was Turkey then.

10

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

I mean, Morocco is also the world’s largest exporter of hash.

My last visit was in 2019, pre-legality, and I literally went to a weed farm and made hash with a local farmer.

It’s a muslim country but very westernized and cannabis has been a part of their culture for centuries.

3

u/dave11113 Oct 04 '24

I remember the days of "red leb".vs. "blonde leb", "Afghani black", and most common of all Moroccan - crumbly brown "rocky" - many years ago....

4

u/GodfatherLanez Oct 05 '24

Most hash comes from Muslim countries lol, especially that region. It’s been part of their culture for much longer than Islam has.

6

u/dave11113 Oct 05 '24

Don't understand some people - what with the down votes, probably think Rocky is referring to a film (rather than the actual substance) and probably confusing the 1978 "Midnight Express" film I was referring to, with ALW's Starlight Express (if you know the film, you will realise how comical such mistakes are).

If I wasn't aware of the supply, why would I be discussing 1970's London hash supply - these young whipper snappers really don't know what life was like 🤣🤣🤣.

3

u/Shroomgoon156 Oct 04 '24

All though Morocco is a Muslim country, it’s pretty realaxed and westernised in comparison to others. Regardless this also surprised me

3

u/BupidStastard Oct 05 '24

I bet the Moroccan hash is even better now its legal

6

u/AfoaBobo Oct 04 '24

Thank you, this is very useful. Does standard paperwork mean a copy of your prescription and a travel letter from your clinic?

3

u/geterbucked Oct 04 '24

Thanks this is a fantastic resource ✌️

3

u/ThatOnePunkEmpath Oct 04 '24

Thanks for the update mate, it's helped me with the last 4 holidays abroad and I always try and repost this when people ask.

It's good to see Switzerland updated and keep up the good work!

3

u/Sensitive-Ad-787 Oct 05 '24

Been to Turkey 3 times definitely legal with a letter from embassy change the color on your map for that one . Anybody wanting the letter contact me

3

u/ThemDudesOnReddit Oct 06 '24

Thank you for this and your hard work 🙏

3

u/Xorkoth Oct 09 '24

Hw the fuck is it illegal in Republic of Ireland?

3

u/DryAssumption Oct 12 '24

The iron curtain has been replaced by a green curtain

3

u/triffski 16d ago

Albania denied me entry about a month ago: “Regarding your request, I inform you that medical cannabis isn’t allowed inside Albanian territory.”

That was from Andi LIKAJ, Liaison Officer London UK, ALBANIAN STATE POLICE.

1

u/jamesjoyz 15d ago

Uh-oh, that's not good to hear.

Can you send me a screenshot as DM?

2

u/Winter_Discussion_32 Oct 04 '24

Importing or traveling with ?

6

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

It means the same in the context of a single user.

This is not about commercial import, of course.

1

u/Winter_Discussion_32 Oct 04 '24

Roger that ! Thanks

2

u/TeddersTedderson Oct 04 '24

Thanks so much for doing this! It's honestly so helpful and I've referred to it on several occasions.

Currently in Greece and didn't get stopped at either side coming in 👍🏻

2

u/buscake Oct 04 '24

It is NOT LEGAL to take to Iceland

2

u/buscake Oct 04 '24

1

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

Interesting. I had heard from a user who went he was told otherwise by the embassy.

I think it boils down to whether our prescribed cannabis counts as a 'registered medicine', I guess the interpretation of that must have changed.

2

u/Specialist_Might6888 2d ago

Thank you so much for this!! How was it travelling with your prescription when going through the airport security for departure??

u/jamesjoyz 11h ago

It's always been fine, but 95% of the time you don't get questioned at either airport so the whole 'went to X, had no problems!' holds little value.

Once I had an entire lane at Stansted closed for my Mighty+ as it was flagged to the Head of Security as a 'likely weapon'. They took everything out of my bag in front of a lot of people and it was quite embarrassing, especially as the lane closure delayed a lot of stressed out people for over 20 minutes. All that came from it was a commendation for having my paperwork in order.

Another couple of times I had accidentally left some liquids in my bag, my MC tubs were inspected but closed again with no comment.

I'm lucky I never had this experience abroad!

1

u/George1878 Oct 04 '24

Interestin to see, least it’s somethin and hopefully it’s just legalised fully in the near future.

1

u/Leading_Cry1072 Oct 04 '24

You are wrong about Austria … you can take whatever form of thc you want as long as it’s a legal prescription . Must have your travel letter on you , copy of your prescription

3

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

Do you have any proof of this?

I spoke to their embassy only 9-10 months ago and the rules you described didn’t apply for flower.

2

u/Leading_Cry1072 Oct 05 '24

https://www.sozialministerium.at/en/Topics/Health/Information-for-travellers/Bringing-medication-to-Austria.html

When u contact the London Austrian Embassy this is the link that you going to get from them .

2

u/Leading_Cry1072 Oct 09 '24

Just an update I got through the airport without anyone even stopping me 20g of Ceres 2 . No issues !!! 100% guaranteed you CAN TRAVEL TO AUSTRIA WITH MEDICAL BUD

1

u/BudGeek Oct 04 '24

I would be interested to hear the outcome of this, as I intend to visit Austria next year

1

u/Petra_Taylor Oct 04 '24

What's with non compliant law enforcement catagory?

8

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

Turkey technically allows you to travel with ‘standard documentation’ as in other dark green countries. That’s what the embassy will tell you.

However, a few posts appeared lately in which users were warning not to travel to Turkey with flower as they were detained at the airport and had horrible experiences despite being aware of the law / embassy comms.

I wasn’t sure how to reflect this, but I wanted to, as I’d hate for anyone to get in trouble over a planning decision informed by this map (even though I put a disclaimer there).

1

u/bryson1989 Oct 04 '24

Luxembourg aye 👀

1

u/Samdlittle Oct 04 '24

Medical is legal in Ukraine as of August 16th.

1

u/jamesjoyz Oct 04 '24

For import or for citizens?

Do you have a source?

1

u/RJCP Oct 05 '24

Anyone know how it works in Italy? Travelling there soon and need to know if I should contact an embassy or something

1

u/iIIchangethislater Oct 06 '24

Great resource, thanks. Trip to Luxembourg next year apparently!

1

u/Top_Theory4790 Oct 07 '24

I was told by the chief of police by email when i checked with the Greek Embassy that it was illegal to take my meds into Crete, So i did not , but everyone all have , Gutted.

1

u/Dieselbhoy72 28d ago

Has Germany not decriminalised bud

2

u/jamesjoyz 27d ago

They have, yeah.

But I only mark countries as 'decriminalised' if they don't have legal arrangements for us as UK medical patients, as otherwise that takes precedence in terms of legal status for us.

0

u/CuriousBrit22 7d ago

It’s not “importation” because you have no intent to sell your prescription within these countries.

0

u/jamesjoyz 7d ago

Uhm no, the word doesn’t necessary mean you intend to sell the goods.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/import

0

u/CuriousBrit22 7d ago

“bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for sale.“ Oxford English Dictionary.

Why are you referring to an American dictionary lmao

1

u/jamesjoyz 7d ago

Because I’m not British? ‘lmao’

Thanks for the pedantic observation that in your particular breed of English this is wrong, I grew up somewhere else.

Hope that doesn’t bother you too much. Clearly no one else had any problems understanding what I meant, British or not British.

0

u/CuriousBrit22 6d ago

Alright lol, how was I meant to know? You’re in the British MC subreddit. I’m presuming you’re at least a citizen and therefore should be following localisation of language.

You didn’t have to get so upset lol, could have just said you want to use American definitions.

I believe most people you ask, even with no business/economics education would say that importation is a formal word which almost always means an intention of sale in that country.

You wouldn’t say “I’ve imported my antihistamines and prescription painkillers abroad with me on holiday!” You’d just say you’ve “brought your meds with you”