THC in Europe: Legislation in Germany, Poland and Hungary (2025)

Debates about THC legalization are gaining momentum. Just a few years ago, cannabis legalization seemed like something out of science fiction, but today? Politicians are seriously discussing it, experts support it, and more and more people want this plant to leave the “illegal drug” category. But what does the reality look like? How are countries in Europe such as Germany, Poland, and Hungary responding?

Overview of the situation in Europe

Legislation regarding cannabis and THC varies significantly between European countries. Some states have legalized recreational marijuana, while others remain strict. European trends show that regulations are gradually changing – always with regard to safety, public health, and user age.

• Recreational marijuana: legalized only in a limited number of countries (e.g., Germany, Malta).
• Medical cannabis: available in most EU states, but with varying rules and limited accessibility.
• Industrial/low-THC hemp: mostly legal if THC does not exceed ~0.2–1%.

Let’s take a closer look at Germany, Poland, and Hungary.

Germany – Recreational marijuana legal

Germany is one of the European countries that has legalized recreational marijuana. The laws set limits for possession, cultivation, and distribution, aiming to regulate the market and protect public health.

Recreational use of marijuana

• Legal for adults 18+
• Maximum amount in public: 25 g
• Maximum amount at home: 50 g
• Consumption is regulated – e.g., banned near schools and playgrounds

Home cultivation

Up to 3 plants for personal use are allowed. However, they must be for private use only and cannot be sold. The goal is to provide users with safe access without involving the black market.

Cannabis Social Clubs in Germany

Commercial sale of THC is strictly prohibited. However, there is an alternative to an open market – so-called cannabis clubs. These are non-profit associations where members can legally obtain cannabis, with a maximum of 500 members.

How do cannabis clubs work?

• Clubs may grow cannabis for the personal needs of members – distribution is limited only to registered members, not the public.
• Each member has assigned limits (e.g., a certain monthly amount).
• They must not operate as commercial businesses – no profit from selling cannabis.

Membership in a cannabis club:

• A maximum of 500 members per club.
• Membership is strictly age-restricted (18+).
• The club must maintain records of members and the amount of cannabis distributed.

Cannabis clubs in Germany reduce the share of the black market and illegal dealers, while also ensuring quality control and product safety. They also enable education and awareness about safe cannabis use and create a community.

Summary of THC legality in Germany

Germany allows recreational THC use with clear limits for possession and cultivation. Commercial sales remain restricted, but regulated clubs and home growing provide safe access for adults. This model also protects public health and limits illegal market activity.

Poland – Recreational marijuana prohibited

In Poland, recreational use of THC marijuana is still prohibited. Possession, cultivation, or distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes is a criminal offense and can be punished with several years in prison.

Medical and low-THC cannabis

• Medical cannabis: available by prescription in pharmacies since 2017, with limited quantities and product types.
• CBD / low-THC products: legal if THC does not exceed approx. 0.2–0.3%. This includes supplements, cosmetics, and industrial hemp.

Alternatives to recreational marijuana

• Low-THC products: allow legal access to non-intoxicating cannabis effects (e.g., relaxation, wellness).
• Medical cannabis: limited access, requires a doctor’s prescription and a registered pharmacy.
• Black market: remains the largest source of recreational THC; therefore it is important to know that possession of even small amounts can be punished.

Summary: Poland has no legal cannabis clubs and no recreational cultivation. Only CBD / low-THC cannabis and access to medical cannabis are legal.

Hungary – Strict laws, THC prohibited

Hungary has the strictest approach to THC in Europe. Recreational and medical use of marijuana with psychoactive effects is prohibited, and possession or cultivation is a criminal offense.

Low-THC and industrial hemp

• Technical/industrial hemp: legal if it does not contain psychoactive THC.
• Low-THC products: only in limited amounts and without recreational effects.
• Medical cannabis: THC-containing products are prohibited, with exceptions only for research or special permits.

Alternatives to recreational marijuana

• Industrial hemp: for example for textiles, food, cosmetics.
• CBD products: legal, but with very low THC content and limited availability.
• No clubs or personal recreational cultivation: all forms of recreational THC are criminalized.

Summary: Hungary has no cannabis clubs and no option for legal recreational THC cultivation. Access to cannabis is possible only through low-THC products and industrial hemp.

Germany vs. Poland vs. Hungary

Conclusion

In Europe, THC legislation varies: Germany has legalized recreational marijuana with possession and home-growing limits and allows cannabis clubs, while Poland and Hungary remain strict and recreational THC is banned; only low-THC products are legal and in Poland also medical cannabis.