Yo, what’s up guys? My name is Dan, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on Cyprus and its weed scene. If you’re into scenic beaches, great weather, and tourist-friendly people, Cyprus is definitely worth a visit. But if you’re a weed lover, you need to think twice before planning your trip. So, let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind: is weed legal in Cyprus?
Cyprus is a popular travel destination around the world, and many tourists consider places like this perfect for smoking weed. However, if you’re planning on doing the same in Cyprus, you need to pay attention to what I’m about to say.
For several decades, Cyprus had a very tough stance on cannabis. However, in 2019, the country made medical cannabis legal. Unfortunately, recreational cannabis is still not legal in Cyprus.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
Recreational Marijuana: Illegal
Public smoking is strictly forbidden and punishable by law. You can’t sell or grow cannabis in Cyprus either. However, possession for medical needs is permitted.
Drug Laws in Cyprus:
In Cyprus, drugs are classified into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C drugs. Cannabis comes under class B drugs. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law defined cannabis as a Class B drug in 1977. Class A drugs are the most harmful drugs, while class C drugs are the least harmful ones. However, drug use and possession punishments apply to all classes.
Let’s take a closer look at the laws:
Laws for Possession of Weed:
Personal possession of weed is a serious criminal offense in Cyprus. Drug addiction for recreational use is not taken lightly in this country. There are harsh prison sentences for personal use of cannabis. Penalties for possession depend upon the type and amount of cannabis found.
Class C Drugs: Up to four years’ imprisonment
Class B Drugs: Up to eight years’ imprisonment
Class A Drugs: Up to 12 years’ imprisonment
However, the legislators made some changes in 2003 that set limitations for the possession of marijuana. If someone possesses up to three marijuana plants, 30 grams of dried weed or pot-based items, and 10 grams of cocaine or opium, it’s no longer a felony. However, in such cases, the offender has to pay a fine, and jail punishment is repealed completely.
Laws for Selling Weed or Drug Trafficking:
Drug dealing is an offense that carries long jail sentences. The legislation states that:
Selling or dealing with Class C drugs might draw in punishment of as long as eight years of detainment while dealing with class A or B medications might draw in sentences of up to life imprisonment.
However, no lifetime jail sentence has been reported to date!
Laws and Penalties for Cultivation Purposes:
Recently, in 2019, the cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes got officially approved by the government vote. However, growing weed for recreational purposes remains illegal.
CBD Products’ Legal Status:
CBD products containing up to 0.2% of THC are legal in Cyprus. These are available as edibles, cannabis-infused food items, lotions, creams, cannabis oil etc. However, a seller cannot mention the health benefits of such products.
Medicinal Cannabis: Is the Medical Cannabis Law Legalizing Weed for the Future?
Legislators in Cyprus passed a new medical cannabis law regulating weed cultivation for clinical purposes and domestic use in February 2019. Patients who were looking for medical use of cannabis medicines needed consent from the practitioner before this law came into existence. The new regulation made the import of cannabis seeds and cannabis plants for development purposes lawful and managed the most common way of acquiring weed cultivating licenses.
According to the law,
Cypriots can get their marijuana drug straightforwardly from the drug store, utilizing a medicine from an expert doctor like the specialist. Most individuals looking for weed therapies in Cyprus experience the ill effects of the disease, cancer patients, or epilepsy. Medical use of cannabis is also for those experiencing HIV and neurological circumstances.
Cyprus is blessed with ideal climatic conditions for marijuana plants’ development, and the country has a comparative advantage of its awesome weather. Cyprus gets long periods of sunshine. Thus as per a survey, Cyprus can create £204 million (about €227 million) worth of clinical pot every year.
Weed Culture in Cyprus:
Approximately 4-5% of people smoked marijuana in Cyprus in 2019, and cannabis consumption is highest among young adults. However, smoking marijuana in public is highly intolerant in Cyprus. If you’re found guilty of public smoking, you’ll be taken to the local police station and face minor interrogation and full confession.
Will Cyprus Make Cannabis Legal?
Cyprus has made medical cannabis legal. However, cannabis use for recreational purposes seems to have a long way to go.
Considering everything, the government agreed that cannabis cultivation could bring a lot of revenue to the country as they are blessed with such a climate. Therefore, they made the growing of medical cannabis plants legal with some regulation.
FAQs:
Can I Smoke Freely in Cyprus?
Nope. Don’t even try it. The cops will surely get you, and you may face harsh consequences.
What Would Cannabis Cost Me in Cyprus?
Cannabis is more expensive in Cyprus than in the US, Canada, and many other countries. You may have to pay £20-30 per gram.
Where Can I Find Cannabis in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, you won’t find cannabis without the help of a local person. So, try to befriend someone and enjoy your premises only.
The Summary:
Medical cannabis is available in Cyprus, but personal use is strictly prohibited. Cyprus doesn’t welcome people who smoke publicly and put harsh penalties on them. Therefore, I wouldn’t encourage or recommend smoking weed in countries where it’s illegal. Instead, enjoy the island’s beauty. It’s more addictive and peaceful than that weed. But if you still want drugs to be your fellow on your trip, stay within your limits and never try to breach the law. Collect beautiful memories of such a blessed place!