Find out about the legal status of medical and recreational marijuana in Denmark. Is marijuana illegal? Better safe than sorry!
Denmark is the site of one of Europe’s most frustrating cannabis legalization fights right now. The country may host Legoland. As recent events have proved, however, cannabis reform is anything but child’s play.
If aiming for a pot-themed extravaganza vacation, however, look elsewhere.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN DENMARK
Cannabis based medications are available here with a prescription. This includes Sativex, a full-plant-based spray. Marinol, a THC synthetic, is also available by prescription.
The first medical trial for bud cannabis has just been authorized. This will enable 1,500 patients to enter trials starting in 2018. Trials are also scheduled to last for four years.
88% of Danes support medical reform. Medical test results from trials are also likely to open the conversation more.
That is still the future however.
RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA IN DENMARK
50% of the population favours full legalization. However, cannabis is still illegal here. Technically, use of drugs including cannabis is not illegal. Everything else, starting with possession is.
This is a dichotomy that both confuses and upsets the Danes. There are many attempts to address it. City officials in Copenhagen keep trying one avenue. However their request for a drug trial has just been shot down for the fourth time by the federal government. Officials are responding to local drug-fuelled violence.
The "free town" section of the city called Christiana has long been tolerated as an open cannabis market. The original intent was to supply local residents with home grown weed. Unfortunately it has also turned into an open drug market. It attracts tourists and gangs alike.
In an effort to shut this down, the Christiana market was razed after a gunfight last fall. City officials are still trying to get a limited, regulated rec market off the ground.
So far, however, no dice.
If you are looking for relatively easy to buy hash or pot, head to Pusher Street. The stalls are shut down, but apparently the market is still active. It is dangerous, however. Avoid at night. And remember, what you are buying is still illegal.
If a cop stops you, you are in for a hassle. See Denmark’s Euphoriants Substances Act. The import, export, sale, purchase, delivery, receipt, production, processing and possession of marijuana are all criminal offenses.
A first offense warrants a fine. This may be downgraded to a warning if you have less than 10 grams of hash or 50 grams of bud marijuana.
Do not attempt to enter or leave the country in possession of the drug.
A city trial will probably be the next step towards full drug reform here. In the meantime, look for more medical trials.
In general, Danes are tolerant about cannabis use. Expect formal change to come here at some point. Just not soon.
SUPPORT THE LOCAL LEGALIZATION GROUP(S) IN DENMARK
The most popular part of reform here right now is medical reform. There are some groups though that are fighting for legalization. One of them is Hampe Partiet.
