Staff
Editors Note: This is a guest post.
What was once an illegal substance is now considered in many countries around the world as being acceptable. As you could guess, I’m talking about cannabis or marijuana. Thanks to its many benefits, cannabis has infiltrated many markets globally, with more and more people joining the bandwagon of users, sellers, transporters, and producers. So, what is its legal status in the Scandinavian world? Well, just a little patience will pay off, as the answer is just around the corner. But first things first: what is cannabis?.
Cannabis Explained
Cannabis is a plant that grows naturally in temperate and tropical conditions. However, by use of what is known as hydroponic technology, many people also grow this plant in just about any climate conditions. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in this plant, and it is known for initiating the ‘high’ feeling.
The plant exists in two divisions, which include Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. You can differentiate the two by simply looking at their different physical characteristics. Typically, cannabis is consumed in the form of hash oil, hashish, or marijuana, which are made from the plant’s hashish, resin, and dried leaves respectively.
The Legal Situation of Cannabis in Scandinavia
I must explain that the legality of cannabis products depends upon the country. And while there are countries where the use of cannabis is a way of life, it is a big crime to be found with a cannabis product in many other countries. Let’s explore its legality in Scandinavian countries.
Sweden
The cannabis laws here are even tougher, with transportation, selling, usage, and production of the plant all forbidden. However, the country allows limited usage of cannabis for medical purposes. For instance, doctors in Sweden may be allowed to prescribe cannabis-based drugs for patients with multiple sclerosis.
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Iceland
Any cannabis-related activity here is completely illegal, whether it is consuming, selling, cultivating, or possessing. The government of Iceland first declared the illegality of cannabis in 1969, which means the laws here have been in force for about half a century. If you are found in contravention of the law, you would be liable to a fine or jail, which varies depending on the amount of substance you are found with and what you were doing with it. For instance, if you are caught with more than half a kilogram of cannabis, you may be jailed for no less than three months.
Finland
Just like in Iceland, possessing, selling, transporting, using, or producing cannabis is prohibited. Any person found using cannabis in the country could be liable to summary fines, which are usually imposed by the police. If the user insists on being taken to court, however, the police have no option but to comply. Those found culpable of serious cannabis offenses, such as selling, typically face a trial in the court of law, and the penalties for such people are usually harsher.
Norway
It was not until recently (2018) that the laws on the use and possession of cannabis in Norway were adjusted to favor the country’s citizens. This was upon the realization that the citizens were missing out on the medicinal effects of the substance. As such, Norwegians who are found to be in possession of small amounts of cannabis are not brought to book. Rather, they are treated for any possible addiction issues etc.
Denmark
The Danes are, by law, prohibited from everything cannabis-related. Those found culpable may be fined or jailed, but the same law also protects (since the amendment of the 1955 Euphoriants Act in 2004) the Danes found with limited quantities (less than 10 grams) of cannabis. Such people may only be warned by the authorities. However, they may face the law if they are repeatedly found committing the same offense.
5 comments
Mac Millan
March 19, 2021 at 1:00 am
Where to buy
Jarle Larsen
March 20, 2021 at 9:21 am
20.03.21. Correction of legal status of cannabis in Norway.
Norway has one of the strictest cannabis laws in the world. Cannabis is prohibited and ingested, owned, stored, transported and sold. It is forbidden to import cannabis / hemp seeds intended for planting.
The Norwegian ban is only based on President Nixon’s “war on drugs” in 1971. In this country, the tragedy is a fact and Norway is at the top of the statistics in Europe with the country with the most overdose deaths per capita. million inhabitants.
Cannabis use is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Unpaid fines must be served in prison. Penalty sizes can vary but are usually between 5,000 and 10,000 kroner (700 to 1400 Dollars). This also applies if you in Police Interrogation admit use backwards in time.
The police work very hard and in recent years have seized thousands of driver’s licenses without the owners even being out on the road. Those who smoke more than 1 joint a month are considered to be unfit to hold the driving license.
This has had fatal consequences and several of the relatives after suicide show the farewell letter they received from their loved ones in public. Many lose their jobs, homes, children, family and friends at the same time.
Law professors say it is an abuse scandal without a legal basis in the Road Traffic Act or the law in general. .
Norway has introduced cannabis on prescription but has a very limited approval of medical conditions, and mainly MS. 200-300 patients receive medical cannabis in Norway.
What is highly relevant for Norway now is the Government’s proposal to decriminalize drugs for its own use according to the Portugal model.
It will be considered by the Storting in months. changed April / May. Up to 10 grams of cannabis will be impunity if the “Drug Reform”, as it is referred to, is passed by the Storting. Changes in the Government and the political picture have led to the proposal not having a majority in the Storting at the time of writing, but it remains to be seen.
Cannabis legalization continues in full force in groups and organizations more or less independent of the drug reform. It is also part of history that 98% of the country’s youth politicians are in favor of cannabis legalization.
But we are especially many medicine users in this country and the hatred is rising with each passing day since cannabis legalization / debate has been going on for 7 years in the daily press. Enough is enough. Norway, legalize it !!
Jarle Larsen
March 21, 2021 at 12:55 am
For moderators. I refer to the comment provided by me regarding the situation in Norway. I’ll add some information about me so you have something to relate to. I manage several cannabis groups on FB in Norway also the largest called “Legalization of medical cannabis” w / soon 3K members. I am posting this article now in our group. You can edit as it suits you but the details are correct. It is intended as information and not criticism 🙂 Hope it comes in print. A cannabis activism scar has also been announced. for medical cannabis 24 jun.21. It is a world record attempt called “Trollstigen up”, which one hopes to get global media coverage on. It is about a 20-year-old street heroin addict from Oslo who has given up the injection and trained back to an athlete and muscle man. He will make a world record attempt at and run up Norway’s most famous mountain pass Trollstigen. Which is 800 meters straight up in the mountain wall. See Wiki. Here you can see the group Legalization of medical cannabis: Med Vennlig Hilsen Jarle Larsen. https://www.facebook.com/groups/LegCannaMedNorge
Angela
June 18, 2021 at 8:01 am
yo guys
Jacques Auff
August 3, 2022 at 7:05 pm
Christiana, a suburb of Copenhagen, which used to be a commune, has allowed quasi-legal cannabis sales since the early 70s.