Is Cannabis Legal in Hungary?
Cannabis in Hungary is illegal for both recreational and medical use. Possession, sale, and cultivation of the plant are all prohibited under Hungarian law. This makes Hungary one of the stricter countries in Europe when it comes to cannabis regulation.
What is the Public Opinion on Cannabis in Hungary?
Despite its illegal status, cannabis is relatively popular in Hungary. A 2017 study by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) found that 8.6% of young adults (aged 15-34) in Hungary had used cannabis in the past year. However, public opinion on cannabis legalization is divided. While some people support legalization, particularly for medical purposes, others believe that it would lead to increased drug use and negative societal consequences.
What are the Laws, Penalties, and Law Enforcement regarding Cannabis in Hungary?
Under Hungarian law, possession of cannabis for personal use is a criminal offense. Penalties for possession can include:
- Fines
- Probation
- Imprisonment (up to 2 years for small amounts, up to 5 years for larger amounts)
Selling or cultivating cannabis is also illegal and can result in more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences. Law enforcement in Hungary takes a zero-tolerance approach to drug offenses, meaning that even small amounts of cannabis can result in criminal charges.
What is Cannabis Called in Hungary?
In Hungary, cannabis is commonly referred to as fű (pronounced few), which means grass in Hungarian. Other slang terms for cannabis include ganja and marihuána.
What is the Legal Status of CBD in Hungary?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a high and is not considered to have the same potential for abuse or addiction. In Hungary, CBD is legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. CBD products can be found in health food stores and online, and are typically marketed as dietary supplements.
Is Medical Cannabis Use Allowed in Hungary?
Medical cannabis is not currently legal in Hungary. While there have been discussions and proposals for medical cannabis legislation, no laws have been passed to date. This means that patients in Hungary do not have access to medical cannabis, even if they have a qualifying medical condition.
Can I Grow Marijuana in Hungary?
Growing marijuana in Hungary is illegal, even for personal use. Cultivation of cannabis plants can result in criminal charges and severe penalties, including imprisonment. It is also worth noting that Hungary has a relatively harsh climate for growing cannabis outdoors, making indoor cultivation more common among those who choose to grow the plant illegally.
For more information on cannabis laws and regulations in Hungary, you can visit the following government websites:
- Hungarian National Assembly (in Hungarian)
- EMCDDA Hungary Drug Report (in English)
- Hungarian Police (in Hungarian and English)
It is important to remember that while cannabis remains illegal in Hungary, laws and public opinion can change over time. If you are visiting or living in Hungary, it is crucial to stay informed about the current legal status of cannabis and to always respect local laws and customs.