Can I use cannabis or CBD?
It depends: recreationally no, medically and CBD — yes, under conditions. In Poland recreational cannabis is illegal. Possession of narcotics is a crime, though for a small amount for personal use the prosecutor may discontinue proceedings (art. 62a of the Counteracting Drug Addiction Act). Medical cannabis is legal — since 2017 — dispensed on a personal e-prescription Rpw. Since 7 November 2024 the first prescription must follow an in-person examination, and the prescription is valid for 30 days. Therapy isn't reimbursed by the NFZ (except the drug Epidyolex for drug-resistant epilepsy) — the patient pays 100%. CBD products with THC below 0.3% are legal and need no prescription. After taking THC you must not drive — zero tolerance applies.
📋 The rules
- Recreational cannabis illegal; possession is a crime
- Small amount for personal use: possible discontinuance (art. 62a)
- Medical cannabis legal on an Rpw e-prescription
- First prescription after an in-person exam; valid 30 days
- CBD with THC below 0.3% legal, no prescription
🔓 Exceptions
- Medical cannabis on an Rpw prescription, dispensed at a pharmacy
- Small amount for personal use — the prosecutor may drop the case
- Epidyolex (CBD) reimbursed in narrow drug-resistant epilepsy cases
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Possession of cannabis is a crime punishable by a fine, restriction of liberty or imprisonment (generally up to 3 years, and more severely for large amounts). For a small amount for personal use proceedings may be discontinued, but this isn't guaranteed. Dealing and cultivation for supply are prosecuted far more harshly. Driving after taking THC is treated like driving under the influence of a narcotic — heavy penalties, a driving ban and licence loss. Use medical cannabis strictly as prescribed, and buy CBD products from a reliable source declaring THC below 0.3%.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Counteracting Drug Addiction Act →
- Ministry of Health · Medical cannabis →
- Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Is cannabis legal in Poland?
Recreationally no. Possession of narcotics is a crime. For a small amount for personal use the prosecutor may discontinue proceedings, but it's not guaranteed. Only medical cannabis dispensed on a personal Rpw prescription and CBD products with low THC are legal.
How do I get medical cannabis legally?
You need a personal e-prescription Rpw issued by a doctor. Since 7 November 2024 the first prescription must follow an in-person examination. The prescription is valid for 30 days and the medicine is dispensed at a pharmacy. Therapy is generally not reimbursed — the patient pays the full cost.
Is CBD legal?
Yes. CBD products are legal if the THC content doesn't exceed 0.3%, and they need no prescription. It's worth buying them from a reliable source with a clearly declared THC content, to be sure the product stays within the permitted limit.
Can I drive after medical cannabis?
No. After taking THC zero tolerance applies — driving is treated like driving under the influence of a narcotic, with severe penalties and a driving ban. This also applies to patients using medical cannabis: during therapy you shouldn't drive.
Can I grow cannabis at home?
No. Growing cannabis other than fibre hemp, containing THC, is illegal, and cultivation for supply is prosecuted harshly. The legal route runs solely through medical cannabis on prescription, dispensed at a pharmacy — not through home cultivation.
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