Is Weed Legal in Austria? (May 2024)

Yes, cannabis is legal in Austria, but just for medical use and scientific purposes. Recreational use of cannabis is illegal and hence punishable by either a fine or a prison sentence. However, Austrians still get to indulge in weed from the thriving illicit market. The mountainous country has a rich cannabis culture and it's easy to come across some good quality weed in the backstreets of Vienna. The government spends a lot of money each year trying to combat the illegal trade of cannabis as well as other narcotics. 

About Austria

Austria is a landlocked mountainous country that is found in the Eastern Alps of the south of Central Europe. It is made up of nine states including its capital Vienna. It is renowned for its historic architecture, beautiful natural scenery that is dotted with lakes and mountains, and vast wildlife. It has a very diverse population with minority communities speaking different dialects. The current population of Austria is about 9 million people. Austria, Germany, and Switzerland make up central Europe.

Is Weed Decriminalized in Austria?

Yes, weed was decriminalized in Austria from as far back as 1971.  The legal limit for possessing cannabis was set at 20 grams of cannabis (or 2g of pure THC). In 2008 the law was amended and the legal limit was removed, intent to distribute was subsequently criminalized. This means that one can face criminal charges for distributing as little as one joint of weed. At the same time, one can legally possess as much cannabis for as long as they can prove that it is for personal use.

Can You Grow Weed Legally in Austria?

Cultivation of cannabis is legal in Austria. However, the cannabis should not exceed 0.3% THC. Cannabis plants should not grow past the flowering stage where the buds begin to accumulate cannabinoids such as THC which is illegal. You can also purchase cannabis growing equipment from grow shops in Vienna. But bear in mind that cultivation is also restricted to personal use and should not be for distribution. 

Is Hemp Legal in Austria?

Yes, hemp is legal in Austria. Just like it is in other EU countries, it is legal to cultivate, produce, process, distribute,  transport, and use hemp in Austria for as long as it does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Austria has been the third leading producer of hemp in Europe, following after France and the Netherlands. Austria imports hemp seeds from the neighboring countries. The seeds must be certified and proven to contain minimal THC. Austria is a net importer of hemp fibers. In 2021, Austria exported hemp fibers worth $805 from Italy, Germany, Spina, Slovenia, and Czechia. In the same year, the country imported hemp fibers worth $2.3 million from the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Austria?

Yes, medical cannabis was legalized in Austria in 2008. The production of cannabis by the health ministry has been approved for pharmaceutical and scientific purposes. However, patients in Austria do not have direct access to cannabis in its pure forms. Synthetics in the form of Dronabinol and Sativex are available and issued on prescription. 

Is Recreational Weed Legal in Austria?

No. recreational cannabis is forbidden in Austria by the Addictive Drug Act.

Is CBD Legal in Austria?

Yes, cannabidiol derived from hemp is legal in Austria, though the laws are conflicting. The EU classifies CBD as a novel food under EU regulation 2015/2283 . Novel foods must be authorized before they are put on the market.  You cannot market CBD as a food supplement or as medicine in Austria. That said, you can easily access CBD from both online shops and store fronts in Austria.

Illicit Cannabis in Austria

There is a thriving illicit market for cannabis in Austria. According to the Hanf Insitut, the country spends close to €400 million each year on persecuting cannabis users. 

Will Austria Legalize Marijuana?

For now there are no signs that Austria is about to fully legalize weed. This is unfortunate because the government is losing millions of euros in potential tax revenues.  Patients in need of medical cannabis are also bearing the brunt of poor access to high quality cannabis. However, there is no reason to despair. Once Germany’s plan to fully legalize weed takes effect it will only be a matter of time before the neighboring countries rescind their tough stance.