Did you know that 8% of adults in Lithuania have tried cannabis at least once? That’s roughly 180,000 people! Cannabis laws are changing worldwide, but what about Lithuania? Is it legal to use, grow, or sell cannabis here in 2025? Let’s break down the rules in simple terms.
Is Cannabis Legal in Lithuania? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not fully legal in Lithuania. The country has strict rules, but there are a few exceptions. For example, some medicines made from cannabis are allowed for serious illnesses. However, smoking cannabis for fun or growing it at home remains illegal. Let’s explore the details.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is illegal in Lithuania. You can’t buy, sell, or use it for fun. In 2023, police reported over 1,200 arrests for small amounts of cannabis. Penalties include fines or community service (more on this later).
2. Medicinal Use
Medicinal cannabis is partially legal. Since 2018, doctors have prescribed Sativex, a cannabis spray. It is used for multiple sclerosis and other conditions. But, only 350 patients received such prescriptions in 2023, showing limited access.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (a type of cannabis with less than 0.2% THC) is legal for farming. Lithuania has more than 3,000 hectares of hemp fields. These fields produce clothes, paper, and eco-friendly building materials. Farmers need a government license to grow it.
Cannabis Law and Control in Lithuania
1. How Lithuania Applies Cannabis Laws
Police in Lithuania take cannabis laws seriously. If you’re caught with even a small amount (like one joint), you could face a fine of €140–€1,500. Repeat offenders might receive community service.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, the illegal market thrives. In 2023, authorities seized over 500 kg of illegal cannabis. Most come from neighboring countries like Poland or Latvia. Street prices range from €10–€15 per gram.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Lithuania
1. Recreational Drug Use
About 4% of adults (aged 15–64) used cannabis in 2023. Young adults (18–25) are the biggest users, with 12% admitting to trying it. However, Lithuania’s rates are lower than the EU average of 15%.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Studies show that heavy cannabis use can increase anxiety or depression. In 2022, 8% of patients in Lithuanian rehab centers sought help for cannabis addiction. Doctors warn against using it before the age of 25, as it may harm brain development.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp is a growing industry! Lithuanian hemp companies earned €12 million in 2023. They sold eco-friendly products. This included hempcrete, a building material, and CBD oils. This sector creates jobs for over 1,000 people.
Cannabis Cultivation in Lithuania
Growing cannabis at home is illegal, even for personal use. Only licensed farmers can grow industrial hemp. In 2023, Lithuania issued 120 hemp farming licenses. If caught growing even one cannabis plant, you could face jail time (see penalties below).
Cannabis Penalties in Lithuania
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | €500–€1,500 fine or 40–200 hours of community service. |
| Trafficking | Selling cannabis can lead to 2–8 years in prison. |
| Growing | 1–5 years in prison. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Lithuania
Will Lithuania ever legalize cannabis? Public opinion is shifting slowly. A 2023 survey found that 29% of Lithuanians support legalizing recreational use (up from 18% in 2020).
The Freedom Party wants reform, but the government is careful.
Germany and Canada have legalized cannabis, but Lithuania probably won’t do the same anytime soon. Changes could start with expanding medical access or decriminalizing small amounts. For now, the rules remain strict.
Cannabis laws in Lithuania are simple: it’s mostly illegal, but medical and industrial hemp are allowed. Breaking these rules can cost you money or freedom.
Always check official sources, like the Lithuanian Ministry of Health, for updates. Laws can change.
