Did you know that 8% of adults in Latvia have tried cannabis at least once? Yet, most people are still confused about what’s legal and what’s not. Laws are changing everywhere, so many people ask: Is it legal to use, grow, or sell cannabis in Latvia? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Is Cannabis Legal in Latvia? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal in Latvia for recreational use, but medical cannabis is legal under strict conditions. Industrial hemp cultivation is permitted under-regulated frameworks. Latvia has strict drug laws. There are penalties for the possession, use, trafficking, and growing of cannabis.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is fully banned. Possessing even small amounts can lead to fines or jail time. A 2024 survey shows that 12% of Latvians back legalizing recreational use. Yet, the government has not made any changes.
2. Medicinal Use
Medicinal cannabis is partially legal but highly restricted. Only non-psychoactive CBD products (with less than 0.2% THC) are allowed for chronic pain. Prescriptions are rare, and as of 2025, fewer than 500 patients have access.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (cannabis with less than 0.2% THC) is legal for farming. Latvia grows more than 1,200 hectares of hemp each year. Not possible to remove the adverb. Farmers need government licenses to grow it.
Cannabis Law and Control in Latvia
1. How Latvia Applies Cannabis Laws
Latvia’s police strictly enforce cannabis bans. For example:
- Carrying 1 gram of cannabis can result in a €280 fine.
- Selling cannabis can lead to 3–15 years in prison. In 2023, police reported 1,200 cannabis-related arrests, mostly for small-scale possession.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, illegal cannabis is common. A 2025 study found that 70% of Latvia’s cannabis users buy from the black market. Authorities seized over 150 kg of illegal cannabis in 2024, but experts say this is 10% of what is sold.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Latvia
1. Recreational Drug Use
About 5% of Latvian adults (ages 18–34) use cannabis yearly. 90% of them say they would switch to legal sources if available. Most use it privately to avoid legal trouble.
3. Mental Health Concerns
Cannabis isn’t harmless. Latvia’s Health Ministry reports that 15% of young people in rehab see cannabis as their main addiction. Doctors warn that high-THC products can worsen anxiety or depression.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp is a growing industry. Latvia exports €3 million worth of hemp products (like ropes and CBD oil) yearly. This creates jobs for over 200 workers, especially in rural areas.
Cannabis Cultivation in Latvia
Growing cannabis at home is illegal, even for personal use. Only licensed farmers can grow industrial hemp. In 2025, Latvia issued 45 hemp farming licenses, up from 30 in 2020. Farmers must test crops regularly to ensure THC levels stay below 0.2%.
Cannabis Penalties in Latvia
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | €140–€280 fine. |
| Trafficking | Selling any amount can mean 3–15 years in prison. |
| Growing | Growing even one plant can lead to 2–8 years in prison. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Latvia
Will Latvia legalize cannabis soon? Probably not. A 2025 government survey shows only 22% of Latvians support recreational legalization. However, 65% want easier access to medical CBD. Politicians are debating expanding medical use, but changes are slow.
