In 2016, 92% of Bosnian university students supported making medical cannabis legal. But even in 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the few countries in the Balkans where cannabis is completely illegal for any use.
In comparison, countries like Croatia allow medical cannabis, and Slovenia have made small amounts of cannabis, not a big crime.
Is Cannabis Legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is illegal for recreational, medical, and industrial use in Bosnia and Herzegovina as of 2025. Unlike Albania (a major illegal producer) or Serbia (partial decriminalization), Bosnia enforces blanket bans. Even CBD products exist in a legal “gray zone” because processing hemp flowers is prohibited.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is fully banned. Possession of any amount can lead to fines or up to 1 year in jail, though enforcement varies by region. For context, Croatia decriminalized personal use in 2013, but Bosnia shows no similar flexibility.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is not legal, despite public support and political efforts. A 2016 government task force explored medical reforms, but no program exists today. Patients often turn to illegal CBD oils, risking penalties.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is partially legal. Farmers can grow hemp with 0.2% THC or less for fibers or seeds, but processing flowers (for CBD) remains illegal.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. Recreational Drug Use
About 1.6% of Bosnians used cannabis in the past year, with prices ranging from $1.30–$9.20 per gram. Most cannabis is smuggled from Albania or grown illegally in rural areas.
2. Mental Health Concerns
No public health programs address cannabis-related issues. Law 913 (2017) emphasizes rehab over punishment, but resources are scarce.
3. Economic Impact
Bosnia misses out on tax revenue from regulated markets seen in Slovenia or Germany (Europe’s largest medical market). Instead, the black market thrives, valued at $180 per ounce for high-quality strains.
Growing cannabis is illegal, punishable by 1–2 years in jail for small-scale cultivation. Despite this, Bosnia became a key cannabis producer after the 1990s war, with many products smuggled.
Cannabis Laws and Enforcement in Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. How Bosnia Enforces Cannabis Laws
Police treat cannabis like hard drugs. Even small amounts can lead to arrest, though penalties differ between regions (e.g., Republika Srpska vs. Federation).
3. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Bosnia’s black market is robust, with criminal networks moving cannabis through the Balkans. A 2022 report linked it to 40% of regional drug trafficking.
Cannabis Penalties in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Fines or up to 1 year in jail. |
| Trafficking | Penalties range from 3–15 years in prison, depending on quantity. |
| Growing | Cultivation can lead to 1–2 years in jail, even for personal use. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2022, Bosnia’s Commission for Narcotic Drug Abuse proposed reclassifying cannabis as a “strictly controlled substance” (like prescription drugs). With Serbia and Montenegro considering reforms, pressure is growing.
