Buying Weed in Portugal: Your Guide

Ana Fankhauser
February 14, 2023

Marijuana is prohibited in Portugal, and neither its sale nor purchase is permitted. In 2001, Portugal became the first nation in the world to decriminalize the possession and use of all drugs, including marijuana, in an effort to combat drug abuse and reduce drug-related crime.

Under Portuguese law, possession of minor amounts of narcotics for personal use, including marijuana, is regarded as a civil offense rather than a criminal one.  This means that people caught with small amounts of illegal drugs may face fines or other civil penalties but will not face criminal charges or jail time.

But it's important to remember that having, using, or selling marijuana is still illegal in Portugal and can get you in trouble with the law.

What will happen if you're caught with weed

If you are caught with marijuana in Portugal, you could be fined or given other types of punishment. Under Portuguese law, possession of small quantities of narcotics, including marijuana, for personal use is a civil offense and not a criminal offense.

If you are discovered in possession of larger quantities of marijuana or are involved in its sale or distribution, you may face criminal charges and jail. If you are caught with marijuana in Portugal, your exact punishment will depend on the details of your case and how the authorities decide to handle it.

Live Tax Free in Portugal

Have you heard of the Portugal NHR? You can live in Portugal tax free for up to 10 years. Learn more here

Company Service Price
MovingTo NHR 390 USD Apply
Lexidy NHR 400 EUR Apply
Almeida, Dias and Associados NHR 400 EUR Apply
RHJ NHR 535 EUR Apply

Use of weed for medicinal purposes

Medical marijuana is not allowed in Portugal. But the Portuguese government has expressed its interest in studying the possible medical benefits of marijuana and has taken steps to make research into the medical use of cannabis-based products possible.

Since 2018, the Portuguese Parliament has allowed the growing, making, and selling of cannabis-based products for medical and scientific reasons.

It's important to stress that in Portugal, having, using, or selling marijuana for non-medical reasons is still illegal.

Few stores in the city sell CBD, which is a legal alternative to marijuana.

Are there marijuana coffee shops in Portugal?

There are no coffee shops in Portugal that legally sell marijuana or allow its use on the premises. Marijuana is illegal in Portugal, and it is against the law to own, use, or sell it. Few stores in the city sell CBD, which is a legal alternative to marijuana.

Where people usually buy and sell weed

The most common places that people try to buy weed are in touristy hotspots or through online forums. The problem with touristy hotpots is that they're often filled with drug dealers who will sell you fake drugs to maximize their profits. They are confident you will never see them again, and they consider it low risk.

As for online forums, this is common in all countries, and the risks associated with it are obvious. 

Navigating Portugal's Legal Cannabis Landscape

It's essential to be aware that buying weed in Portugal remains illegal. However, CBD products with low THC content are legally available. For those interested in Portugal's cannabis scene, it's crucial to stay informed about the current legal framework and abide by the law.

Ready to Make the Move to Portugal?

Portugal offers an unparalleled lifestyle for digital nomads, with a low cost of living, stunning landscapes, and a supportive community. If you're ready to take the plunge and move to Portugal, contact us for personalized assistance with visas, health insurance, and more.

Contact us now and let us guide you through the process of moving to Portugal as a digital nomad or securing any other type of visa. We're here to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

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Ana Fankhauser

Ana has worked in many startups and moved to a few countries, which led her to create MovingTo. She believes that remote work is a growing trend that is here to stay and that digital nomads will move to countries that have more to offer than the ones you were born into. She mostly writes opinion pieces for MovingTo.

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