Romania has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the European Union. Even so, cannabis use has been rising among young adults, and discussions around medical marijuana are heating up. In 2022, roughly 6% of Romanian adults reported using cannabis in the past year. But what’s the real story? Is cannabis legal in Romania?
Romania’s cannabis policy is rigid, but it’s slowly evolving. While recreational use is banned, limited access to cannabis-based medicines is theoretically allowed. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, is making a quiet comeback.
Is Cannabis Legal in Romania? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not legal in Romania. Recreational use is prohibited. Medical cannabis is legal in theory, but access is extremely limited. Industrial hemp is permitted under strict regulations. Romanian law separates these categories sharply, with stiff penalties still in place for non-compliance.
Recreational Use of Cannabis in Romania
Cannabis remains illegal for personal use. Possession of small amounts (for “own use”) is punishable by 3 months to 2 years in prison or a fine. However, courts can offer rehabilitation instead of jail time. There is no legal personal cultivation. Growing even one plant can lead to prison. Police usually target large-scale dealers, but casual users still risk arrest, especially if caught with more than a small amount.
Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is legal under Law No. 339/2005, but no real access exists. Only a few pharmaceutical cannabis derivatives are theoretically allowed under prescription. No raw cannabis, oils, or flowers are sold in pharmacies. As of 2025, Romania still hasn’t passed the long-debated medical cannabis law that would regulate access and cultivation. Some politicians support the bill, but opposition from health authorities and lack of political will have stalled it.
Industrial Use
Industrial hemp with less than 0.2% THC is legal and cultivated in Romania under strict controls. Farmers must register and use EU-approved seed strains. The final products must contain 0.0% THC. Romania was once a European leader in hemp and is slowly rebuilding the sector, with hemp being used for textiles, seeds, cosmetics, and construction materials.
Cannabis Law and Control in Romania
How Romania Applies Cannabis Laws
Possession of cannabis for personal use is still a criminal offense, but enforcement is less harsh than in the past. First-time offenders are often offered treatment programs or fines instead of jail. Trafficking and cultivation without a license carry serious prison time—2 to 7 years for cannabis-related offenses. Police have dismantled large-scale indoor grow operations and continue to make arrests.
The Illegal Cannabis Market
Romania’s black market is growing. Most cannabis is trafficked in from Albania, Spain, and North Africa, although local grows are increasing. Police seized over 12 tons of illegal cannabis in recent years, and the street price remains high due to limited supply. Synthetic cannabinoids (“legal highs”) have also been a problem in the past decade.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Romania
Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Romania. In 2022, about 6% of adults used cannabis in the past year. Among young adults (15–34), the rate is higher—around 10%. Use is more common in cities like Bucharest and Cluj. Despite laws, cannabis culture is slowly growing, especially among youth.
Mental Health Concerns
Romanian health experts warn that high-THC cannabis can cause anxiety, panic, and even psychosis in vulnerable individuals. About 8–10% of regular users may develop a dependency. Hospitals have reported an increase in ER visits tied to cannabis or synthetic drug use. Young users are especially at risk.
Industrial Cannabis Use
Romania grows several thousand hectares of hemp annually. The industry is worth several million euros and is expanding slowly. Products include CBD-free cosmetics, hempcrete, and textiles. CBD oils must contain 0.0% THC to be legal—any trace of THC makes the product illegal under Romanian law.
Cannabis Cultivation in Romania
Growing cannabis at home is illegal—even for personal or medical use. Licensed companies can grow industrial hemp, but cultivating THC-rich cannabis is considered drug production. Authorities regularly raid and shut down indoor farms and outdoor grows.
Cannabis Penalties in Romania
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Personal Use | 3 months–2 years in prison or fine |
| Trafficking | 2–7 years in prison |
| Growing | Treated as trafficking—up to 7 years |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Romania
While public support for full legalization is low, support for medical cannabis is growing. A 2023 poll showed that around 50% of Romanians support legal medical cannabis. Advocates continue to push for legislation, but progress is slow. The government remains cautious, especially amid concerns over drug abuse and youth access.
Romania’s cannabis laws remain some of the toughest in Europe. Medical access is blocked by bureaucracy. Recreational use is criminalized. But hemp is legal, and attitudes—especially among youth—are starting to shift. Whether Romania will embrace medical cannabis or broader reform depends on political will and continued public pressure.
Check out our deep dives on cannabis in Germany and cannabis legalization in Hungary.
