Country Guides & Legal Info

Cannabis social clubs in Spain operate as private, non-profit associations under Spanish civil law. They collectively cultivate cannabis for member use on a non-commercial basis within private premises. Cannabivo only lists clubs that declare lawful operation. Cannabis consumption in public spaces remains illegal in Spain. This is informational content — always verify current local regulations before visiting.

Yes. Since the Cannabis Act (Konsumcannabisgesetz, KCanG) came into force on 1 April 2024, licensed cannabis social clubs (Anbauvereinigungen) may legally operate in Germany. Members aged 18 and over may collectively cultivate and consume cannabis under strict conditions: up to 25g per day on premises, monthly quantity limits apply, and clubs must be registered as non-profit associations. Cannabivo lists German clubs operating under these regulations.

Yes. The Netherlands operates one of the world's longest-standing cannabis tolerance policies (gedoogbeleid). Licensed coffee shops are permitted to sell cannabis to adults aged 18 and over in quantities up to 5g per transaction. The number of coffee shops is strictly limited by municipal licence. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other major cities have active coffee shop scenes. This is factual information; local municipal regulations may also apply.

Switzerland is actively piloting regulated adult-use cannabis sales through a network of trial projects including cannabis social clubs, pharmacies, and non-profit stores. The largest project, Züri Can in Zurich, has enrolled thousands of participants and has been extended to 2028. Switzerland's parliament is advancing legislation that could make it the first European country with a fully commercial adult-use market, potentially by 2026. Cannabivo lists Swiss venues participating in approved pilot programmes.

Uruguay was the first country in the world to fully legalise non-medical cannabis in 2013. Legal access operates through licensed pharmacy sales, home cultivation, and registered cannabis clubs (15–45 members). As of 2025, over 460 clubs are registered in Uruguay. Currently, legal cannabis purchase is restricted to registered Uruguayan residents — tourists cannot access pharmacy sales or club membership under current law. Cannabivo is developing its Uruguay listings as the registered club network grows.

Malta legalised cannabis clubs in 2021, becoming the first EU member state to do so. Registered non-profit cannabis associations may have up to 500 members and are permitted to cultivate cannabis collectively. Members aged 18 and over may receive up to 7g per day and up to 50g per month. Cannabivo lists Maltese associations that operate under the applicable regulations.

No. Cannabis consumed at a social club must remain on the premises — this is both a legal requirement and a fundamental club rule in all jurisdictions covered by Cannabivo. In Dutch coffee shops, the purchase limit per transaction is 5g; taking cannabis across international borders is illegal regardless of the country of purchase. Always respect local laws regarding possession and transport.

Research the specific laws of the country you are visiting, including local regulations that may be stricter than national law. Cannabis possession outside specifically permitted spaces is illegal in all countries we cover. Cannabivo provides informational content only and not legal advice. If you have specific legal questions about regulations in a particular country, consult a qualified legal professional or your country's embassy in that jurisdiction.

Italy has a complex and evolving legal situation regarding cannabis. Personal possession of small amounts for personal use is a civil (not criminal) offence, though it can result in administrative sanctions such as licence suspension. Cannabis social clubs exist in a legal grey area — they are not formally regulated by a national framework, but some associations operate under general association law, arguing that collective cultivation for members falls outside retail supply laws. Courts and prosecutors have reached inconsistent conclusions. Visitors should exercise significant caution, verify the current legal context before visiting any Italian venue, and understand that the situation may have changed since this was written.

The Czech Republic has one of Europe's most liberal approaches to cannabis possession. Personal possession of up to 10 grams is a minor misdemeanour (not a criminal offence) and rarely prosecuted in practice. Cultivation of up to five plants for personal use carries a similar status. However, there is no regulated cannabis club or coffee shop model analogous to Spain or the Netherlands — organised sale or distribution remains illegal. Venues listed by Cannabivo in the Czech Republic operate under applicable local frameworks, which visitors should verify independently.

France has strict cannabis prohibition — it has one of the highest rates of cannabis use in Europe but among the most rigid enforcement regimes. Cannabis consumption, possession, and cultivation are illegal. There are no legally recognised cannabis social clubs or coffee shops. A limited medical cannabis pilot programme was launched in 2021 but covers only patients with specific conditions, not recreational use. Cannabivo does not currently list recreational venues in France. If this changes as legislation evolves, we will update our coverage accordingly.

Belgium decriminalised possession of up to 3 grams for personal use in 2003 for adults, meaning it is de-prioritised for prosecution rather than formally legal. A licensed cannabis social club pilot was approved for the city of Antwerp in 2024, making it one of the first regulated club models in continental Europe. The pilot is limited in scale and subject to strict conditions. Cannabivo monitors this development and will list compliant venues as the programme expands. Outside the pilot, cannabis supply and organised distribution remain illegal.

Austria decriminalised personal cannabis possession (small amounts for personal use) in 2016. In 2024, Austria introduced significant reforms permitting adults to grow up to five plants at home and allowing licensed non-profit cannabis associations (Cannabisclubs) to cultivate and distribute cannabis collectively to members, following the broader European trend established by Germany's KCanG. Association members must be adults and Austrian residents. Tourists and non-residents are not eligible for membership under current rules. Cannabivo will list compliant Austrian associations as they become operational.

Portugal famously decriminalised personal possession and use of all drugs — including cannabis — in 2001. Possession of up to 10 days' personal supply is treated as a health matter rather than a criminal one. However, cannabis sale, supply, and cultivation for distribution remain illegal. There is no licensed cannabis social club framework in Portugal analogous to Spain or Germany. The listed venues Cannabivo covers are informational; visitors should verify the current legal context independently before visiting any Portuguese venue.