Is Weed Legal in Norway?

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Norway. The plant, its resin, and extracts sit on the Narkotikalisten (Narcotics List, FOR-1978-06-30) as Schedule I narcotics, and possession, cultivation, sale, and import are criminalized under the Medicines Act (Legemiddelloven) Section 24 and the Penal Code Section 231. Personal-use possession typically draws a fine on the order of 5,000-15,000 NOK or a conditional waiver for first-time offenders, while supply offenses can carry up to two years under Section 231 and up to 21 years for aggravated trafficking under Section 232.

In June 2021, the Storting voted down the government's Rusreform bill, which would have shifted personal possession from the criminal track to a health response. A narrower 2022 prosecutorial directive from Riksadvokaten told police to use discretion with established problem users, but the criminal prohibition for the general public remains intact. Medical cannabis is available on a limited, named-patient basis. Direktoratet for medisinske produkter (DMP, formerly Statens legemiddelverk) approves unlicensed cannabis medicines case by case through the godkjenningsfritak (special exemption) route. Sativex is the only cannabis-based product with a Norwegian marketing authorization. Bedrocan flower, Epidyolex, and dronabinol can be prescribed off-label under exemption, but they are not reimbursed under the blue prescription scheme. Home cultivation for any purpose is prohibited.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.