Adults only (18+)

Is Weed Legal in Copenhagen?

No. Cannabis is not legal in Copenhagen or anywhere in Denmark. Possession, sale, cultivation and distribution remain prohibited under Danish law. While small personal quantities may be tolerated in practice, cannabis use remains a criminal offence even if rarely prosecuted in minor cases. There is no legal framework for recreational cannabis, and medical use is limited to a restricted pilot programme.

Possession, Penalties and Enforcement

Danish laws have prohibited cannabis use and possession since 1955. Even though consumption is not explicitly illegal, possessing a small quantity is still a prosecutable offence. Individuals found with up to around 10 grams often receive fines in the region of €70, while socially vulnerable persons may receive warnings instead. Possession of larger amounts—over approximately 100 grams—can lead to criminal charges with prison sentences of up to two years or more. Driving under the influence of THC is strictly enforced and can lead to license suspension or heavier fines. Enforcement discretion exists, but it is not guaranteed AP News+8Danish Dream News+8The Cannigma+8.

Cultivation, Sale and Trafficking

All forms of cannabis cultivation, whether for personal or commercial use, are illegal in Denmark. Growing even a few plants may result in criminal charges, and cultivation is treated similarly to trafficking under Danish narcotics law. Sale or supply, including to small numbers of people, is prosecuted severely. Sentences for trafficking can range from several years to over a decade, depending on scale and circumstances WikipediaLexology.

Medical Cannabis Access

Denmark launched a nationwide medical cannabis pilot programme in 2018, restricted to specific THC‑based pharmaceuticals. Only a limited number of products have been authorised and they must be prescribed by a physician. Domestic cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes remains largely prohibited except under tightly controlled licences. General access to medical cannabis remains limited and monitored within the pilot's framework forbes.com+3businessofcannabis.com+3Leafwell+3.

Christiania and the Tolerated Black Market

Christiania, the self-governed enclave in Copenhagen, historically hosted an open cannabis market on “Pusher Street.” Though cannabis was not legal, authorities tolerated the trade there for decades. Following incidents of gang violence and several shootings between 2021 and 2023, residents dismantled the stalls in April 2024 in a symbolic effort to eliminate criminal influence. Cannabis remains illegal even within Christiania, and buying there supports organised crime Reddit+7lemonde.fr+7reuters.com+7.

Current Legal Status and Social Debate

Denmark’s drug policy has shifted from a formerly liberal approach to a stricter enforcement stance over the past two decades. The government continues to reject broad legalisation for recreational cannabis. Public debate exists, and some political groups support trials or limited reform. However, parliament has rejected proposals for controlled adult-use experiments, reinforcing the legal prohibition of cannabis for now pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govLexology.

Conclusion

Cannabis is unequivocally illegal in Copenhagen and throughout Denmark. While small personal use may occasionally result in a fine or warning, any possession or cultivation without authorised medical alignment remains unlawful. The once-tolerated cannabis trade in Christiania no longer reflects legal reality, and medical access is restricted under a pilot programme. The legal environment remains strictly prohibitive, and those found in violation face potential prosecution and penalties.