Is Marijuana Legal in Norway?

No, cannabis is not legal in Norway, although attempts at serious drug reform have been made in recent years. Traditionally, Norway has been one of the strictest countries in Europe regarding cannabis possession, but this may be changing.

In 2020, a decriminalization bill narrowly failed to pass in the Norwegian parliament, and strong voices continue to fight for drug reform.

The reform was inspired by the Portuguese drug policy, under which all personal use of drugs and possession of small amounts for individual use would have been decriminalized.

Unfortunately, the bill did not pass parliament, with 44% in favor and 56% against it. However, these statistics indicate that a significant proportion of the country favors reform, and activists and advocacy groups remain hopeful that subsequent attempts will be successful.

In the meantime, possession and cultivation of marijuana are illegal, with varying degrees of punishment for possession, depending on the amount. Up to 15 grams of marijuana is considered a “personal use” amount and is generally punished with a fine (especially for first-time offenders).

Possessing more is punished more severely, and repeat offenders, growers, and dealers can end up behind bars. Possessing a kilo of marijuana can result in two years in prison, with larger amounts resulting in greater sentences, with up to 21 years being the end of the scale.

What Are the Medical Marijuana Laws in Norway?

Medical marijuana is currently legal in Norway but is strictly regulated, and you can only obtain a prescription by seeing a specialist.

Medical marijuana is usually only prescribed for severe cases, such as for people with cancer or children with epilepsy.

Unlike other medications in Norway, the cost of medical cannabis is not subsidized, and the cost of marijuana for medical use is often prohibitive.

These issues mean that Norwegians seeking medical cannabis are often driven to find treatment in another European country.

Because the Schengen agreement allows European citizens to cross borders with up to one month’s supply of prescription medicines, Norwegians who choose this method usually travel out of the country once a month, which is impractical and expensive.

How Do I Get Certified for Medical Cannabis in Norway?

In Norway, it is tough to be prescribed medical marijuana. Compared to the system in the U.S., it is incredibly rigorous, and once certified, there are no dispensaries to access. Instead, you are prescribed oral sprays or pills.

A specialist’s recommendation is required for a patient to receive a prescription. This can be a time-consuming process.

Many doctors and medical professionals in Norway are uninformed about the benefits of medical marijuana, meaning there is a tendency for it only to be prescribed in cases of critical illness.

The Norwegian Medicines Agency has approved a single cannabis product: Sativex oral spray for multiple sclerosis. However, under special circumstances, patients may apply for other products such as Marinol and Cesamet (synthetic cannabinoids consumed in pill form).

Is Telemedicine Allowed for Medical Cannabis Consultations in Norway?

No. Acquiring marijuana for medical purposes in Norway involves visiting a specialist. There are currently no telemedicine establishments operating, as the process for obtaining a prescription is highly regulated.

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

As medicinal marijuana is strictly regulated, the concept of being a “cannabis cardholder” in Norway does not yet exist. Those who are prescribed medical marijuana are often in critical condition.

What Are the Medical Cannabis Product Testing Requirements in Norway?

There are currently no product testing requirements as medical cannabis is limited to the three prescription drugs, Sativex, Marinol, and Cesamet.

However, if the Norwegian government eventually allows the cultivation and processing of marijuana plants, testing requirements would likely develop with standards in other European countries.

Is It Legal To Grow Cannabis in Norway?

No. You cannot cultivate marijuana in Norway.

Where Is It Safe to Purchase Cannabis in Norway?

Currently, there is nowhere to purchase marijuana legally in Norway.

In Norway, even CBD is currently classified as a prescription drug. That means that to buy or possess CBD products legally, you need a prescription. However, you can purchase CBD without THC legally online, and CBD in skincare is also available.

Marijuana in Norway is illegal and tends to take the form of low-quality hash imported from elsewhere.

Where Is It Safe To Consume Marijuana in Norway?

It is not safe to consume recreational marijuana in Norway as it is illegal to do so. However, according to data, the proportion of people who had used cannabis in Oslo increased by almost 50% from 2015 (7%) to 2018 (13%), indicating that despite the drug’s legal status, many Norwegians are still accessing and consuming marijuana.