Finland is famous for its beautiful nature and great quality of life. But it still has strict cannabis laws.
Despite growing global acceptance, Finland remains cautious. In 2019, about 60,000 people signed a petition to decriminalize cannabis. However, progress has been slow.
About 250 patients legally use medical cannabis here. They mostly use it for severe conditions, such as many sclerosis.
Is Cannabis Legal in Finland? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal in Finland for recreational use, but medical cannabis is legal under strict conditions. Farmers can cultivate industrial hemp for non-psychoactive purposes. Finland has strict drug laws. There are penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking weed without authorization.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is fully prohibited. Having small amounts of drugs can result in fines or jail time. For example, possessing 15 grams of cannabis or 10 grams of hashish could lead to fines between €60 and €80.
You might also face up to 6 months in jail. Police usually give fines for small offenses. But, they can raise penalties for those who offend repeatedly.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis has been legal since 2008 but is extremely limited. Only one product, Sativex (a mouth spray for multiple sclerosis), is widely approved.
Patients face a tough approval process. Prescriptions are uncommon; only around 250 people use medical marijuana in the entire country. Costs are steep: a three-bottle supply of Sativex costs around €650.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is legal if it contains less than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive compound). Finland grows Finola, a hardy hemp strain used for textiles, food, and CBD products. Farmers need permits, and the industry is tightly regulated under EU laws.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Finland
1. Recreational Drug Use
An estimated 100,000 Finns use cannabis monthly, with 14% of young adults (aged 15–34) having tried it. Many users rely on the black market, where prices range from €10 to €20 per gram for low-quality hash or flowers.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Critics of legalization say cannabis can hurt mental health. They point to risks such as poor memory and lung damage. Supporters point out its possible medical benefits. They argue that criminalization unfairly affects marginalized groups.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp-derived CBD products (oils, cosmetics) are legal and sold in pharmacies and shops. Finland’s hemp industry aims for sustainable materials. But, strict THC rules limit their growth.
Cannabis Cultivation in Finland
Growing cannabis for personal or recreational use is illegal. However, industrial hemp cultivation is permitted with licenses. Despite the risks, some Finns grow cannabis discreetly indoors to avoid detection.
Cannabis Law in Finland and Control
1. How Finland Enforces Cannabis Laws
Police prioritize major drug crimes but can issue summary fines for small amounts. Public consumption is discouraged, though enforcement varies. For example, smoking in parks may go unnoticed. But smoking near schools results in strict penalties.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
A thriving black market exists, with products often smuggled from Russia or the Netherlands. Dealers work in areas like Kallio and near universities in Helsinki. Buyers face risks, like scams and low-quality products.
Cannabis Penalties in Finland
| Offense | Penalty Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Use | – First-time offenders: €60–€80 fine or warning. – Repeat offenders: Up to 6 months in jail. |
| Trafficking | – Small-scale: Up to 2 years in prison. – Large-scale/organized crime: 1–10 years in prison. |
| Growing Cannabis | – Unauthorized cultivation: Same penalties as trafficking. – Licensed hemp growers: No penalties if THC ≤0.2%. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Finland
Public opinion is shifting. The Green League party backs legalization. They say it could bring in over €100 million in taxes and cut down on organized crime.
The current government opposes reforms. A 2023 parliamentary vote rejected decriminalization, but activists remain hopeful for gradual changes.
Finland has some of the harshest cannabis laws in Europe. But, the discussion is changing. Medical access may expand, and decriminalization could ease penalties for personal use.
