Marijuana in Sweden – review and analysis

Sweden, known for its progressive approach to many social issues, is exceptional conservative position in relation to marijuana. This article aims to examine in detail the various legal aspects of marijuana in Sweden, including recreational use, medical use, hemp, as well as related issues such as cannabis seeds, growing equipment, and the realities of purchasing marijuana from illegal sources. We invite you.

Recreational marijuana in Sweden

Despite the liberal approach to cannabis in other European countries, Sweden remains one of the most restrictive countries in Europe when it comes to recreational marijuana. The possession, sale, production and use of marijuana are strictly prohibited. Swedish law does not distinguish between possessing small amounts of marijuana for personal use and possessing larger amounts potentially for trade, which means that even small amounts can lead to serious legal consequences.

So as of this writing, late 2023, recreational marijuana  in Sweden is illegal. Sweden does not take into account the difference between light drugs such as marijuana and heavier drugs (e.g. cocaine). Any form of drugs and their consumption is treated as a criminal matter. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use is considered a crime and can lead to arrest and prosecution.

It is also worth noting that Sweden has a policy of "zero tolerance” towards drugs. This means that all cases of drug use, in any form, with any content of psychoactive compounds, even small ones, are treated seriously and may involve legal consequences.

What about medical marijuana in the land of the Vikings?

In contrast to its stance on recreational marijuana, Sweden allows limited use of medical marijuana. Marijuana-based medications are available, but prescription is rare and highly regulated. Patients must go through a complicated process to access marijuana-based drugs, reflecting the country's generally conservative approach to drugs.

You have to be prepared for a lot…

In Sweden, the use of marijuana for medical purposes is strictly regulated and restricted. Here are the key aspects regarding medical marijuana in this country:

1. Prescription and Medical Control: Using marijuana for medical purposes is only possible if the patient receives a prescription from a doctor. Doctors only prescribe medical marijuana in specific, medically justified cases.
2. Limited Use: Medical marijuana is usually prescribed in situations where other treatments are not effective. It is used primarily in cases of severe and chronic diseases, for example to relieve cancer pain.
3. Strict Regulations: Swedish drug laws are among the most restrictive in Europe, which also affects the availability of medical marijuana. Its prescription and use are subject to strict controls.
4. Availability and Forms: Medical marijuana is available on a limited basis and is usually administered in the form of extracts, oils, or other pharmaceutical forms, rather than as dried flower for smoking or vaporization.
5. Experimental Treatment: In some cases, medical marijuana may be used as an experimental treatment when other treatments have failed.
6. Social Awareness and Debates: There is an ongoing debate in Sweden about the role of medical marijuana and its potential benefits. Public awareness of the medical uses of marijuana is growing, although it is still a controversial topic.

In summary, medical marijuana in Sweden is available, but its use is strictly regulated and limited to specific medical cases. The process of gaining access to medical marijuana is complicated due to restrictive legislation.

Can marijuana in Sweden be grown for personal use?

Growing cannabis is prohibited by Swedish law, even if you are a medical marijuana patient. On the Internet you can find a case in which Supreme Court in Sweden ruled that cultivation for personal use after a motorcycle accident was classified as a minor drug offense.

Hemp in Sweden

In Sweden, industrial hemp is excluded from the definition of cannabis and is not considered a drug in its plant form. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is classified as a drug and falls under the drug legislation, while cannabidiol (CBD) is excluded. In 2023, the Swedish government took steps to make it easier for farmers to obtain licenses to grow hemp and to conduct research and development to explore innovative uses for hemp and improve cultivation techniques.

However, there have been regulatory proposals in Sweden that have aroused controversy. These proposals suggest that the legal components of industrial hemp should be limited only to the plant's stems and seeds, while also implying the destruction of the plant's valuable tops. The proposed regulations were intended to prevent THC-containing portions of hemp and hemp products from reaching consumers, while still allowing hemp to be grown as an agricultural product. However, according to the Swedish Industrial Hemp Association (SIHA), these regulations are too restrictive, requiring that final products do not contain even trace amounts of THC, which is natural in hemp​​.

SIHA points out that EU-certified hemp with controlled, low-THC content is no longer covered by international drug conventions. World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and EU legal developments also establish full legality of hemp products derived from all parts of the plant that contain less than 0,2% THC. SIHA, in its response, also criticized the rule that would require individual farmers to plant at least four hectares, which could discourage “small-scale”, local producers and hinder research and development projects, often conducted on small plots.

Therefore, although the cultivation of industrial hemp is legal in Sweden, there is some controversy and debate regarding the extent of this legality, especially regarding specific parts of the plant and the amount of THC. It is worth following the development of regulations in this area to obtain the latest information.

Are marijuana seeds legal in Sweden?

Possessing cannabis seeds is legal in Sweden, but growing them is strictly prohibited. The sale of seeds is intended solely for collecting purposes or the preservation of valuable genes. So please remember that simply possessing marijuana seeds is not considered a criminal offense in Sweden, but if these seeds are germinated, you will be breaking the law and facing consequences.

If you are a hemp lover, it is worth finding out about the online store where you plan to buy marijuana seeds for collection purposes, delivers them to your country. Please remember that all information found on our website is for educational purposes only and does not encourage you to break the law.

The realities of purchasing marijuana from illegal sources

Despite strict regulations, marijuana is present in Sweden and can be bought on the street. The process of purchasing from illegal sources is risky and often involves legal consequences. Swedish police actively pursue both sellers and buyers, and purchasing marijuana from illegal sources can lead to arrest and prosecution.