11 Best Countries For Weed Consumption And Vacation This Summer In Europe (No, Spain Is Not No.1 But It's Close)

“The world is a book and those who don't travel read only one page.” Saint Augustine

Summer is here and it's time to pack your bags and do some sightseeing. Why not head over to Europe, which according to UN Tourism is the most popular tourist destination in the world. In 2023 alone, tourism reached 94% of its 2019 pre-pandemic levels, supported by demand and travel from the United States.

Why Europe?

There's a multitude of different cultures, cuisines and it hosts the most important historical sights all packed into a relatively small geographical area. This enables visitors to experience so many things in just a two-week trip, according to travel enthusiasts on Reddit. Then, there are friendly visa policies and safety, which are considered among the best as compared to other global destinations.

And let's not forget how Europe is often romanticized in movies (there's a reason!) with themes like princesses in castles or finding love in Rome. Speaking of Rome, if you’re an art lover, that's your city.

But what if you are a cannabis lover? If you want to spice up your travels by enjoying your favorite herb, then you should carefully choose your destinations. Benzinga did the job for you and has meticulously compiled a list of the 11 best countries for weed consumption in Europe.

Countries on our list have not necessarily legalized or decriminalized adult cannabis use, but are cannabis-friendly. This means that marijuana consumption is tolerated. To rate these countries accordingly, we also took into account how affordable it is to travel there and its popularity as a tourist destination. So, let’s dive in.

11. The Netherlands

Contrary to widespread belief, cannabis has not been legal here over the last decade, it's just been tolerated. A lot. While the authorities were turning a blind eye to consumption, cannabis cultivation and supply to the popular coffee shops was completely illegal. In 2023, the country of windmills and tulips finally launched legal marijuana as part of a four-year trial across the country.

According to BudgetYourTrip, a one-week trip to the Netherlands for two people costs, on average, $2,642, including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing.

Photo: Courtesy of Chait Goli via Pexels

10. Austria

In 2016, Austria partially decriminalized the personal possession of marijuana. This means that if a person is caught in possession, but has not been implicated in any drug-connected offense in the last five years, their case would not be pursued. The country of baroque architecture, coffee culture, winter sports and Alpine traditions is worth the trip.

One week’s trip to Austria for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $2,272.

Photo: Courtesy of Szabolcs Toth via Pexels

9. Germany

Marijuana became legal in Germany on April 1st, making it the third country in the European Union to legalize adult-use cannabis after Malta and Luxembourg. Under this first pillar of cannabis legalization, adults over 18 can legally possess up to 25 grams of dried cannabis flower and cultivate up to three marijuana plants at home. The German government is working on the second pillar of its cannabis legalization law – setting up municipal five-year pilot programs for state-controlled marijuana to be sold in licensed shops.

The land of palaces and castles inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella's Castle. More precisely, the inspiration came from Neuschwanstein Castle, the epitome of a fairy-tale castle perched high in the Bavarian Alps. This is one of the most visited landmarks in this country that has so much more to ofter than great beer and sausages.

Read Also: Cannabis Clubs In Germany Still Waiting For Red Tape To Be Set In Place

One week’s trip to Germany for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $2,281.

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8. Slovenia

In 2014, the Slovenian government made possession of cannabis for personal use no longer a crime. According to Article 33 of the Narcotics Production and Circulation Act, it constitutes a misdemeanor. More recently, voters in Slovenia agreed that it is time to legalize weed.   Even though citizens overwhelmingly approved both proposals, there's still a possibility that Slovenia's government will not adopt them, Benzinga previously reported.

This country offers diverse landscapes, rich flavors and cultural treasures, and it is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You know how they say, you are not a Slovenian if you haven't climbed Triglav the highest peak of the Julian Alps and in Slovenia (9,395.2 ft).

One week’s trip to Slovenia for two people, including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $1,405.

Photo: Courtesy of Jérémy Glineur via Pexels

7. Croatia

Since 2013, the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use has been treated as a misdemeanor in Croatia and is punishable by a fine of from$750 to $3000, depending on the case. Croatia is known for its scenic pebbled beaches embraced by crystal-clear waters and major coastal cities with breathtaking architecture.

One week’s trip to Croatia for two people, including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $1,439.  

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6. The Czech Republic

On 1 January 2010, the possession of small amounts of weed for personal use was decriminalized in the Czech Republic, the country of stunning castles, unique culture and more great beer. In January 2024, the Czech government published a draft cannabis regulation bill, which is a compromise version that includes home cultivation among other proposed rules.

One week trip to the Czech Republic for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing averages $1,561.

Read Also: Czech Republic: Political Games Behind Latest Cannabis Legalization Draft 

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5. Italy

Cannabis for personal use is decriminalized in Italy, with the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use being treated as a civil infraction. This is punishable with an injunction not to use marijuana again to the temporary suspension of certain personal documents, such as a driver's license for repeat offenders. According to various forums, tourists say that largely, the Italian police turn a blind eye to cannabis use. Art, pasta, pizza and the best gelato in the world, art again, everywhere you look. Not to forget that melodic Italian language. The country of renaissance, that allows you to enjoy things you enjoy. What more can one ask for?

One week’s trip to Italy for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $2,507.

Photo: Courtesy of Andres Alvarez via Pexels

4. Moldova

While both medical and recreational marijuana are illegal in Moldova, small-scale possession has been decriminalized. It is generally considered a cannabis-friendly destination and visiting is affordable. Moldova is famous for its wines; affordable high-quality wines are attracting tourists from around the world. More importantly, the country will not treat you as a criminal for using and possessing a God-given plant.

One week trip to Moldova for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $1,561.

Photo: Courtesy of Vadim Russu via Unsplash

3. Belgium

Since 2003, personal possession has been decriminalized, while technically cannabis remains illegal. It is generally considered a cannabis-friendly place, with a plethora of tourist attractions. Price? Not very cheap, but still it’s the country with the best chocolate in the world, right? Belgians love gastronomy and they will invite you to taste amazing beer and cheeses.

One week’s trip to Belgium for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $2,141.

Photo: Courtesy of Petar Starčević via Pexels

2. Spain

The use of marijuana is decriminalized for personal cultivation and use, and other purposes other than sale or trade. What's more, Spain is well known for its cannabis clubs, which attract tourists from all over the world. They operate, thanks to a gray area in Spanish legislation. Aside from cannabis social clubs, it is considered a cannabis-friendly location, and a home of one of the biggest cannabis conferences in the world. In February, Spain's Health Minister, Mónica García Gómez, said that the country’s long-awaited medical marijuana law will be ready in the coming months.

Unique culture, delicious food like paella and tapas, and iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and Alhambra are waiting for you.

One week trip to Spain for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $2,272.

Read Also: Barcelona’s High Society: Inside The Hidden World Of Spain’s Cannabis Clubs

Photo: Courtesy of Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz via Pexels

1. Malta

Surprisingly, Malta surpasses the attractive Spain as the first country in Europe to legalize recreational cannabis. Under the law, possession of up to 7g of cannabis, home cultivation of up to four plants and storing up to 50g of dried marijuana are permitted for those aged 18 and above. In January 2024, the first non-profit cannabis clubs opened their doors. The capital city of Valletta and the ancient city of Mdina ("Silent City) are reasons enough to hop on a plane, but there's more. Malta offers some breathtaking spots for scuba diving. Full legalization, affordable prices, and tourist attractions place Malta number one on our list.

One week’s trip to Malta for two people including accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, averages $1,768.   

Which country made it onto your itinerary?

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