Is Weed Legal in Norway? (April 2024)

Yes, cannabis is legal in Norway but restricted to medical use only. Norway has some very strict cannabis laws. There exists a thriving illicit market for cannabis in Norway nonetheless.

About Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe that's known for its numerous mountains, glaciers, and coastal fjords. It borders the Scandinavian peninsula together with Finland and Sweden. The capital Oslo is known for being home to the Nobel Peace Prize award.

Medical Cannabis in Norway

Norway legalized medical cannabis back in 2016. Two synthetic forms of cannabis Sativex and Bedrocan are available as prescription meds. Approved physicians can prescribe medical cannabis for a range of conditions including MS and cancer. However, cannabis can only be prescribed as a last resort and as a consequence it is hardly ever prescribed. Patients have reported being treated suspiciously when they ask their doctors to prescribe medical cannabis. Only patients with very severe conditions get lucky to get prescriptions. This includes patients with cancer or severe epilepsy. Furthermore, medical cannabis is quite costly and will not be covered by the welfare system. Medical cannabis patients spend close to 3,000 Norwegian kroner every month. Consequently, it is not uncommon for Norwegians to seek treatment in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands. 

Is Cannabis Decriminalized in Norway?

Possession of small amounts of cannabis, not exceeding 15 grams, has been decriminalized in Norway. A user found with such an amount can either receive a fine or they can face imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months. In December 2017, Norway’s parliament voted to have cannabis decriminalized so as to allow the government to focus more on health promotion and harm reduction. This move came as a surprise, considering the country’s previous hard stance against marijuana. Norway’s prime minister stated that the drug rules had been “detrimental and meaningless” and resulted in more harm than good. He insisted that the focus should be on treatment and not punishment. Norway was the first Scandinavian country to decriminalize cannabis. In 2021, Norway’s Attorney General published decriminalization guidelines stating that possession of small amounts of cannabis can no longer be punishable. In addition, police were no longer allowed to search the cars and homes of those who had been found with small amounts of weed that can be ascertained to be for personal  use.

Is Hemp Legal in Norway?

No, hemp has not been legalized in Norway. Historically, Norway used to cultivate industrial hemp but it was banned in 1094.

Is CBD Legal in Norway?

Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in Norway. Because Norway is not a part of the EU it does not have to adhere to CBD rules set by the EU. In Norway, all CBD products should have zero THC.

Can I Grow Cannabis in Norway?

It is illegal to cultivate cannabis in Norway. Despite this law, some Norwegians still cultivate cannabis at home. Those found guilty of this offense can receive a sentence of up to two years. 

Will Norway Legalize Recreational Cannabis?

For the longest tie, Norway maintained very strict anti-marijuana laws. In 2021, Norway adjusted their laws to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis. At the same time, a recent survey showed that cannabis is widely used in Norway, especially by the younger demographics. There are grassroot efforts by the Young Liberals of Norway, the youth league of the Norwegian political party Venstre, and other like-minded groups towards the full legalization of cannabis in Norway.