Is Marijuana Legal in Poland?
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Meagan MorrisDirector of Content and SEO
Cannabis is illegal in Poland for recreational use, but medicinal use is legal.
As of November 2017, the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and treatment was legalized, allowing physicians to prescribe marijuana as a form of treatment for specific medical conditions.
THC is defined under the I-N category as having a high probability of abuse in Poland, so it maintains an illegal status for recreational use.
What Are the Medical Marijuana Laws in Poland?
Medical marijuana can be obtained in Poland, but the Polish government has specific laws and regulations. Research institutions and pharmaceutical companies can grow cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC; however, approval must be granted.
Importing and selling cannabis is also allowed in Poland if it is used for prescription medications per government guidelines.
How Much Cannabis Can I Possess in Poland with an MMJ Card?
There is limited information on cannabis possession amounts for medical patients. Each patient is assessed on a case-to-case basis.
However, a non-legally binding rule is that patients should not possess more than 90 days of the standard daily treatment amount of high THC-based medical products.
How Do I Get Certified for Medical Cannabis in Poland?
To be granted cannabis-related products for medicinal use, patients must have a doctor’s prescription and approval from a pharmaceutical specialist.
Physicians can prescribe cannabis with varying THC and CBD compositions for various illnesses.
Sativex (a THC-based spray) is commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
However, due to complicated laws surrounding the prescription of cannabis and a lack of education and resources for physicians regarding the health benefits of medical cannabis, many physicians avoid prescribing it to patients with chronic pain.
Is Telemedicine Allowed for Medical Cannabis Consultations in Poland?
It is unclear whether telemedicine consultations are allowed. However, due to strict rules, it is unlikely that medical cannabis can be prescribed through online communications. Patients would need to see licensed physicians in a face-to-face consultation.
Are There Any Employment Laws Protecting Medical Cannabis Cardholders in Poland?
There are no reports of employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Poland.
Due to the rigorous procedures required to be a medical cannabis patient in Poland, it is unlikely that there are laws in place to protect medical cannabis cardholders.
What Are the Medical Cannabis Product Testing Requirements in Poland?
There are no reports on the testing requirements for medical cannabis in Poland.
Is It Legal to Grow Cannabis in Poland?
The cultivation of cannabis that is under 0.3% THC and considered to be industrial hemp is legal.
Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC may be grown for use in foods, production, and scientific research, but you must obtain a permit. There is no regulation on how much low-THC cannabis (hemp) can be grown.
Pharmaceutical companies can grow cannabis over 0.3% THC, but the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector must approve this.
To obtain cannabis with higher THC percentages from foreign countries, pharmaceutical companies must obtain authorization from the Office for the Registration of Medical Products.
Where Is It Safe to Purchase Cannabis in Poland?
With cannabis being illegal for recreational use in Poland, it is unsafe to purchase it anywhere.
It is safe to buy cannabis for medical purposes if medical professionals have approved it. In saying this, it is costly to purchase cannabis for medicinal purposes, as the Polish Ministry of Health (MoH) has not subsidized the costs of cannabis-based medicines.
Where Is It Safe to Consume Marijuana In Poland?
Although fines and imprisonment can be avoided while possessing small amounts of marijuana in Poland, it is only safe to consume marijuana when it is prescribed for medical purposes.
The EMCDDA (European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction) states that although there are laws in place surrounding the consumption of cannabis, Eastern European countries (such as Poland) are likely to suspend prison sentences and reduce the consequences associated with recreational marijuana consumption.