Cannabis legality has been debated across Europe yet most countries still seem to be slowly leaning towards a more liberalized policy. Although still illegal in most countries, the authorities are generally less willing to prosecute personal users but continue to condemn the plant overall. The lack of clarity causes confusion. A good example is in the Czech Republic – the new cannabis hot-spot in Europe which has even been the labeled “the new Amsterdam”.
Czech Republic has been the picture-child of drug liberalization in Europe enabling softer laws against personal users. A lot of visitors think it is legal to smoke cannabis but they are wrong. There are some other misconceptions about the laws in Czech Republic which I am going to clarify so you can avoid a potentially sticky situation on your next trip to Prague.
Fact #1: Legal Possession
You may be in possession of the following quantities of the drugs specified below:
Marijuana - 15 grams (or five plants)
Hashish - 5 grams
Magic mushrooms - 40 pieces
Peyote - 5 plants
LSD - 5 tablets
Ecstasy - 4 tablets
Amphetamine - 2 grams
Methamphetamine - 2 grams
Heroin - 1.5 grams
Coca - 5 plants
Cocaine - 1 gram
Possessing these amounts is still an offense (except for marijuana if you have cannabis card from the doctor) and can be fined up to 15 000CZK or $630.
Fact #2: Czechs Love the Green Stuff
Czech's love homegrown cannabis and have one of the highest rates of cannabis use, not only in Europe, but the entire world. Even those who do not smoke are mostly in favor of legalization and hold nothing against those who do choose to light up.
Fact #3: It is Illegal to Smoke Cannabis in Public
Smoking cannabis in public is illegal although many simply choose to ignore this law. So whilst you can go ahead and light up that joint outdoors make sure you don't get caught or you might be fined. Being in possession of more than 15 grams of cannabis is considered a crime, not an offense, so you can face criminal charges. Normally, the police are not as strict as the law states and turn a blind eye to users or clubs/bars where people openly smoke. Use some common sense, be discreet and don't light up in front of a police officer and you should be fine.
Fact #4: Medical Cannabis is Legal
Medical prescriptions are available for those who are sick with a condition that can be treated with cannabis. To receive a medical card you will need to undergo a thorough evaluation with a doctor. Patients under 18 are eligible to apply but must have the consent of their parents. There are various strains available through the medical cannabis system that can improve a wide range of conditions.
Fact #5: Prague is NOT the the New Amsterdam
Many clubs and pubs sell an assortment of strains but they have always been doing business illegally. This means purchasing cannabis is not as simple as it is in Amsterdam, where you can simply walk into a “licensed” coffeeshop and choose whatever you please from the menu. Be discreet with any under the counter deals you might engage in, as despite the relaxed attitude in most places, it is still against the law.
I hope all of you enjoy and please follow me @viktor.phuket
Source of pictures:
http://quotesgram.com/blunt-quotes-marijuana/
http://herb.co/2015/09/03/10-signs-you-love-weed-more-than-others/
http://floridapolitics.com/archives/203532-florida-house-overwhelmingly-supports-bill-expanding-medical-marijuana
http://www.nltimes.nl/2014/02/06/rotterdam-bans-public-blowing/
http://www.praguetourinfo.com/
http://www.wallpaperspider.com/1920x1200/details/sunset-in-prague-jrnqyl/
Thank you Viktor for this article, could you write a similar post with facts about Czech Republic girls ? with thanks !
Prague is weed and coke friendly.
[email protected] - Fraud. they scam people be aware
I ill think about that..;)
@viktor.phuket - you're right - it's not. It's quite annoying that people associate Amsterdam automatically to cannabis, marijuana and the red light district when the truth is New Zealand actually ranks 1st in cannabis use and Australia, The US and The UK beat the Netherish in cannabis use. The Netherlands is just 9th according to this http://www.1stmarijuanagrowerspage.com/marijuana-cannabis-today.html. Amsterdam isn't just all drugs - there's also that ingenuity of the Netherish or what is more known as the Dutch - to manage the water, great greens, tulips and flora , modernity , great arts and traces of pioneering modernization.
Yes i agree. I wrote this article bcz a lot of peoples think that it is totally legal in my country.
Weed is not actually legal here in Czech Republic. But you have to be very discreet in dealing with vendors.
[email protected]. is a scam be aware
There is a very reliable hook up in Prague. He is reliable, discreet , deals face2face and his quality is the best. He has been my plug since my cousin introduced him to my friends and I. If you need help in Prague, you can reach him at ( [email protected] ) and he will get you the best quality. My friends and I have been buying from him for a long time and his quality is the best.
Good points here! Prague is definitely not a "New Amsterdam", you are absolutely right. But it would be better than being a city of drunk tourists, lol.
One of the facts is that a beer is cheaper than bottled water, altho this trend is slowly gone as the price of beer goes up in last few years.
In comparison with Slovakia, our laws are really liberal. So for travelers who are going to visit Slovakia as well, rather drink Tatra Tea and you will prevent yourself from serious problems.
Unfortunately I have no more voting power reading your article now, so I will return next day..
Thank you man