Stavanger, Norway

From 2025, recreational cannabis will remain illegal in Norway. Possession, consumption, and distribution are punishable under the Norwegian Penal Code and the Medicines Act. While small quantities (up to 15 grams) are generally punished with fines, larger quantities or trafficking-related offenses can lead to imprisonment of up to two years, and up to ten years in serious cases. Despite previous efforts to decriminalize drug possession, including a failed 2021 bill, Norway maintains a harm reduction approach, stating that drug users should not be prosecuted for small amounts for personal use.

Medical cannabis is legal but subject to strict restrictions. Only a few approved cannabis-based medications, such as Sativex and Epidyolex, are available by prescription from Norwegian doctors. Non-approved cannabis medications with a THC content of less than 1% may also be prescribed under strict regulations. CBD products are considered medicinal products, meaning they require a prescription and must contain no more than 1% THC to be legal. While Norway remains strict regarding cannabis, the ongoing debates about legalization, including proposals from politicians like Arild Hermstad, point to the potential for future policy changes.