Is Marijuana Legal in Estonia?

Recreational marijuana use is illegal in Estonia, but the government has decriminalized it to a certain degree. This means that possession of cannabis for personal consumption is no longer a crime but a misdemeanor.

If you possess fewer than 7.5 grams of dry cannabis, there will be no punishment, but if you possess more than that, fines and possible detainment are considered.

Despite its decriminalization, you still cannot consume cannabis in public. This is to take into consideration the people around you. The same is true about ensuring that smoking occurs a reasonable distance from hospitals, schools, and playgrounds.

What Are the Medical Marijuana Laws in Estonia?

Estonia first legalized medical cannabis in 2005, primarily focusing on musculoskeletal and other pain-related conditions.

However, there remains no set medical marijuana program. The general process today is through a cannabis prescription from the local authority and is taken on a case-by-case basis. Without a prescription from the doctor, possession of cannabis is a misdemeanor.

Under recent Estonian legislation, patients can only be prescribed the derivatives of cannabis. These are often synthetic. Certain provisions can be made for patients to use the plant-based form, but the government would need approval.

To do this, medical marijuana patients must submit a request to the Stage Agency of Medicines to use fresh or dried forms of the cannabis plant for medical purposes.

In coordination with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the agency will consider the case and determine whether it is justified. This complicates the process of medical cannabis use in Estonia.

It is clear that Estonia’s laws regarding the medicinal use of cannabis are a bit outdated, but promising changes are to be expected soon.

As public understanding of the use of medical marijuana increases, so too does the interest to introduce new policies in favor of easier access to medical cannabis. Currently, however, medical cannabis in Estonia is limited to synthetic and low levels of THC.

How Much Cannabis Can I Possess in Estonia with an MMJ Card?

For medical marijuana, it seems to be that the 7.5-gram limit still applies. As discussed, the variety of cannabis available for medical use is severely limited, mainly because there aren’t many straightforward testing and regulation rules surrounding cultivation.

For this reason, access to cannabinoid-based medications is limited to synthetic forms, such as Marinol, unless the State Agency of Medicines makes an exception and allows a medical marijuana patient to use fresh or dried forms of marijuana.

How Do I Get Certified for Medical Cannabis in Estonia?

Becoming certified for medical cannabis use in Estonia is complicated. The first steps are to discuss your conditions with your healthcare provider, and if they believe it to be in your best interest, you can ask them to write a request to the Ministry of Social Affairs.

If approved, you can ask them to send another request to the State Agency of Medicines, as we covered earlier, which can allow the use of raw cannabis.

Since it is increasingly hard to get approved, if possible, have your doctor mention your treatment history and highlight that you have tried the traditional methods without luck (if that applies to you).

Estonia does not issue MMJ cards, so if you receive the necessary permissions, no further applications need to be made.

Is Telemedicine Allowed for Medical Cannabis Consultations in Estonia?

Yes, telemedicine is allowed. Launched in 2008, many hospitals and the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs support Estonia’s telemedicine program.

Medical cannabis consultations are treated with the same authority as any other practice.

Are There Any Employment Laws Protecting Medical Cannabis Cardholders in Estonia?

There is not much information regarding employment laws on medical cannabis use, as Estonia’s medical cannabis program is very undeveloped.

What Are the Medical Cannabis Product Testing Requirements in Estonia?

To ensure high-quality cannabis-based medicine, the INCB chooses a select number of licensed medications. There are no specific requirements apart from the consistently low THC levels.

Is It Legal to Grow Cannabis in Estonia?

Estonian policy regarding the cultivation of cannabis is significantly outdated, and only a few companies are authorized to grow cannabis.

Estonia is one of the leading hemp producers, exporting over 90% of what it grows. Many European countries, Estonia included, are increasing their sights on cannabis cultivation for economic benefit.

Farmers that are authorized to do so can only grow varieties of sativa. The current limit for THC content is 0.2%, though it is said to increase to 0.3% by the beginning of 2023.

Personal cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Estonia and punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

Where Is It Safe to Purchase Cannabis in Estonia?

The safest way to purchase cannabis in Estonia is by obtaining a prescription from a healthcare provider, as medical-grade marijuana is heavily regulated.

Apart from that, the only other way to get cannabis for personal use in Estonia is through unregulated sources. Only purchase cannabis from reliable and regulated sources or people you know and trust to ensure your safety.

Where Is It Safe to Consume Marijuana in Estonia?

While up to 7.5 grams of dry cannabis is decriminalized in Estonia, consuming medical or recreational cannabis in public is still illegal. Cannabis users should consume marijuana in their homes or hotel rooms to avoid fines or unwanted attention.