Did you know that almost 1 in 3 adults in Andorra smoke tobacco? That’s a lot! Andorra is one of the top tobacco-using countries in Europe.
But when it comes to cannabis, the rules are very strict. Andorra is a small country between Spain and France, where cannabis laws are more relaxed.
Still, in Andorra, using or growing cannabis is not allowed, even for medicine. However, in 2025, the government is starting to think about changing the rules for medical and industrial cannabis.
Is Cannabis Legal in Andorra? Current Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not legal for recreational or medical use in Andorra as of 2025. However, the government has initiated steps to regulate industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis production, signaling potential shifts in policy. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited. Even small amounts for personal use can result in a €1,200 fine and up to a year in prison. Public consumption doubles penalties to €1,800 and two years behind bars.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis remains illegal, but the government commissioned a €49,115 study in 2023 to explore its potential. The report recommended creating a regulated industry for CBD-rich and THC-based medicinal products, though no laws have been passed yet.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (with THC ≤0.3%) is not yet legal, but lawmakers are drafting regulations to allow cultivation for textiles, cosmetics, and CBD products. A 2023 study highlighted hemp’s potential to diversify Andorra’s economy and reduce reliance on tobacco farming.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Andorra
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use is low compared to tobacco, but a black market persists due to Andorra’s proximity to Spain’s cannabis clubs in Catalonia. Authorities seized 11 tons of illegal cannabis in 2023, though experts estimate 90% goes undetected.
2. Mental Health Concerns
No official data links cannabis to mental health issues in Andorra. However, unregulated black-market products pose risks of contamination and addiction.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
If legalized, hemp could transform Andorra’s agricultural sector. The 2023 government report projected job creation in farming, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, though critics worry about regulatory costs for small farmers.
Cannabis Cultivation in Andorra
Growing cannabis for any purpose is illegal today. However, the government plans to license secure facilities for future medicinal or industrial hemp production. Proposed rules include:
- High-security greenhouses with 24/7 surveillance.
- Strict THC limits (≤0.3% for hemp).
- Collaboration with Spanish legal experts to draft compliant laws.
Law and Control of Cannabis in Andorra
1. How Cannabis Laws Are Enforced
Police prioritize drug trafficking over personal use. First-time offenders with small amounts may receive fines, while repeat offenders face jail time. The National Police works with EU agencies to intercept cross-border smuggling.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, Andorra’s mountainous terrain and porous borders make it a transit hub for European drug trafficking. In 2023, 70% of seized cannabis entered via Spain, destined for France and beyond.
H2: Cannabis Penalties in Andorra
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | €1,200 fine + up to 1 year in jail. |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis carries 2–5 years in prison, depending on quantity. Cross-border trafficking doubles sentences. |
| Growing | Cultivation is treated as trafficking, punishable by 2–5 years in prison. No exceptions for personal use. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Andorra
Andorra’s government is cautiously optimistic about cannabis reform. Key developments include:
- Medicinal Cannabis: A Spanish law firm is drafting legislation to legalize medical cannabis by 2026, focusing on patient access and quality control.
- Industrial Hemp: Plans to license hemp farms by 2025–2026 to boost agriculture and align with EU trends.
- Public Opinion: While 65% of Andorrans oppose recreational use, support for medical cannabis has risen to 48% since 2023.
Critics argue reforms are too slow, but officials stress the need to avoid reputational risks and ensure airtight regulations.
Andorra’s cannabis laws remain among Europe’s strictest, but change is brewing. While recreational users face harsh penalties, the country is inching toward regulated medicinal and industrial markets.
For now, visitors and residents should steer clear of cannabis—unless they’re part of Andorra’s future “green economy.”
