Short answer: partly.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Portugal, but personal-use follows different rules. You can’t legally buy, sell, or grow it, yet having a small amount for yourself is decriminalized. This means you won’t normally face criminal charges. Medical cannabis is legal and controlled by the government. Industrial hemp products are allowed, provided they meet EU rules.
Top things to remember
- Possession of small amounts usually leads to civil measures, not criminal charges.
- Medical cannabis is legal and requires a prescription.
- Recreational sales remain prohibited and tourists should avoid street sellers.
Understanding How Cannabis Laws Work in Portugal
Cannabis in Portugal falls into a unique legal category that visitors should understand before traveling. Recreational marijuana remains illegal, but the country has followed a policy of decriminalization since 2001. Possession of small, personal-use quantities is a civil infraction instead of a criminal offense.
The general guideline for what is considered personal use is the amount estimated for ten days of consumption:
- Up to around 25 g of cannabis flower
- About 5 g of hashish
Exceeding those limits may lead to criminal charges related to drug use or trafficking.
Medical cannabis is legal and regulated under specific legislation. At the same time, CBD and hemp products are allowed if they meet EU requirements. For tourists, the rules are the same as for residents: no criminal penalties for personal possession, but production, sale, and public consumption remain illegal.
The Current Situation of Medical Cannabis in Portugal
The government approved medical cannabis in 2018. The key laws are Law no. 33/2018 and Decree-Law no. 8/2019, which set the rules for cultivation, import, distribution, and patient access. Patients must receive a special prescription and can only access cannabis-based medicines when standard treatments are ineffective or produce serious side effects.
For international visitors, the rules are strict: tourists generally cannot access medical cannabis unless they have the appropriate prescription and documentation. This keeps the system tightly regulated while still allowing eligible patients access.
For travelers researching cannabis in Portugal or planning cannabis tourism, medical access exists but remains limited to those who qualify under national rules.
How Cannabis Purchases Work in Portugal
The country does not have dispensaries or licensed stores selling THC products for recreation. The only legal sales channels are pharmacies, and these are limited to approved medical cannabis products for patients with a valid prescription. For anyone researching cannabis in Portugal or planning cannabis tourism, this distinction is crucial.
Because recreational sales are illegal, tourists cannot legally buy marijuana within Portugal. Some visitors turn to informal or black-market sources, but this remains illegal and is not considered safe or advisable.
Industrial hemp is legal under specific rules and can be grown locally. Still, CBD retail remains a complex area due to EU novel food regulation and Portuguese enforcement agencies treating extracts as controlled substances.
Rules for Using Cannabis in Public and Private Spaces
Even though possession of small, personal-use amounts is decriminalized, public use is technically still illegal in Portugal. In practice, you will see people consuming cannabis in certain places such as parks, beaches, artistic neighborhoods, and nightlife districts. As long as it’s discreet, away from children, and not disturbing others, most people don’t react or get involved. However, this doesn’t mean it’s officially allowed. At night, especially in busy bar and nightclub areas, there may be undercover police checking what people are carrying. If someone is over the legal personal-use limits, they can be stopped, questioned, and the cannabis may be seized. Larger quantities can also lead to an investigation or referral for drug treatment.
Private spaces are more flexible, and smoking in your own accommodation, hotel room, or Airbnb may be permitted under house rules. It’s always safest to confirm with the property first.
Rules for Entering or Leaving Portugal With Cannabis
Bringing recreational cannabis into or out of Portugal is illegal, regardless of the quantity. Border authorities treat the transport of THC products as a controlled-substance issue under Portugal’s drug legislation, and travelers who attempt to import or export it without authorization may face fines, confiscation, or further investigation.
For medical cannabis, the rules are different but still strict: travelers must carry a prescription and a medical letter explaining the need for the medication. INFARMED (the national medicines authority) advises that visitors may take only the amount needed for up to 30 days and recommends bringing documentation to show at customs if requested.
Airport controls in Portugal are generally strict regarding controlled substances, but procedures focus more on verification than on punishment. Travelers caught carrying recreational cannabis at customs may have it confiscated and could be questioned about trafficking.
How Police Handle Cannabis and What Risks Travelers Should Know
Law enforcement in Portugal generally focuses on public safety rather than punitive measures. Police are not known for aggressive enforcement of small possession, and the legal framework emphasizes health support rather than arrest. Suppose someone is caught with amounts below the personal-use limit. In that case, the most common outcome is confiscation or referral to a Dissuasion Commission, which evaluates the situation from a public health perspective. Larger quantities, dealing, and trafficking remain serious criminal offenses and can lead to prosecution.
The realistic risk of arrest for personal-use amounts is low, but fines and administrative procedures are possible. Public consumption can draw attention from authorities and may result in penalties. Visitors should also be cautious in nightlife and tourist districts where street sellers approach travelers. These vendors often claim to sell marijuana, yet the product may be fake or unsafe.
How Portuguese Society Views Cannabis Use
Portugal generally has a relaxed attitude toward personal drug use, and that includes cannabis. The country’s shift to a public health model in 2001 changed how society views these substances. Most locals don’t view occasional cannabis use as shocking or socially unacceptable, as long as it is discreet and doesn’t cause disturbances.
In private settings or among friends, cannabis use is often tolerated, especially in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto. Younger generations and creative communities tend to be more open to it. At the same time, older or more traditional groups may still view it with caution. There is also a growing presence of CBD shops, cannabis cafés, wellness stores, and harm-reduction organizations, which contribute to a visible cannabis-friendly scene without breaking the law.
Practical Tips for Visitors and Cannabis Travelers
On the streets, you might hear informal slang like erva, ganja, or charro when people refer to marijuana. However, openly asking strangers for cannabis is discouraged, especially in tourist zones where many street sellers offer poor-quality or fake products. If you are looking for legal options, the safest choice is to stick to licensed CBD or hemp retailers, which are now common in major cities.
Cultural events and alternative music festivals may attract cannabis-friendly crowds, but consumption still remains subject to local laws. As for accommodation, some guesthouses and private rentals advertise themselves as “420-friendly” on international booking platforms, but this depends entirely on the property’s rules. Always confirm with the host beforehand.
Final Notes and Safe-Travel Reminder
If your goal is to understand cannabis in Portugal and how the laws apply to tourists, the most critical takeaway is to stay informed and stay within the legal framework. Regulations can evolve, so it is always a good idea to check the most recent rules from the official Portuguese authorities before you travel. Remember that decriminalization doesn’t mean full legalization, and activities such as selling, importing, or openly consuming cannabis remain prohibited.
Keep personal-use amounts low, avoid street sellers, and never transport cannabis across borders without proper medical documentation. Safe, responsible behavior will keep your trip enjoyable while staying on the right side of the law.