If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest or living there, you might be wondering, “Is weed legal in Bucharest?” The short answer is no—at least not for recreational use. In 2025, Romania continues to maintain a firm stance on cannabis, but there are a few exceptions under specific medical conditions. This guide clearly explains Romania’s cannabis laws—what you can do, what risks arrest, and how to stay safe.
Key Points
- Recreational cannabis is illegal across Romania, including Bucharest.
- Medical cannabis is allowed in limited cases but is hard to access.
- Penalties for possession, use, or sale can be severe.
Recreational Cannabis Laws in Bucharest
Cannabis use for fun is still off-limits in Bucharest. Romanian law doesn’t make special exceptions for different cities, so Bucharest follows the national rules. That means:
- You can’t legally buy, carry, or smoke weed.
- Police treat cannabis use as a criminal act.
- Even small amounts can lead to charges.
There’s no grey area here—if you’re caught, you could face:
- Fines
- A criminal record
- Possible jail time
How much trouble you’re in depends on how much you have and whether the police think you’re planning to sell it.
What About Medical Cannabis?
Legal but Out of Reach
Romania technically allows medical cannabis with very low THC content. However, there are a few catches:
- Romanian doctors can’t write prescriptions.
- To access legal cannabis, you must present a prescription from an EU-registered physician.
- The cannabis must have less than 0.2% THC.
So, yes, it’s legal in theory, but almost impossible to get in practice. Unless you have a valid EU prescription for CBD-type products, you won’t be able to access medical weed.
Penalties for Cannabis Use in Bucharest
If police catch you with cannabis, expect these consequences:
- Small amounts: You might get a fine or warning, but police can still press charges.
- Larger amounts or intent to sell: This leads to harsher penalties, possibly even prison.
- Foreigners: No special treatment—you’ll be charged just like a local.
The police in Bucharest take drug enforcement seriously, especially in nightlife areas and public parks.
The Push for Change
While the law hasn’t changed much, attitudes in Bucharest are slowly shifting. Advocacy groups are pushing for reform, especially for medical access. There are ongoing efforts such as:
- Public petitions
- Lobbying lawmakers
- Social media campaigns
Still, Romania is a conservative country, and change may take time.
Public Opinion in the Capital
In Bucharest, people are divided:
- Younger people tend to support legal cannabis, especially for health issues.
- Older residents are often against it and see it as a danger.
So far, public pressure hasn’t led to real legal changes.
Final Thoughts on Weed in Bucharest
Bottom line: cannabis laws in Bucharest are strict. Romania bans recreational cannabis outright and imposes heavy bureaucratic hurdles on medical patients. Whether you’re visiting or living in the city, it’s best to avoid cannabis to stay out of legal trouble. As things slowly change, keep an eye out for updates—but for now, steer clear.
FAQ
Can I buy weed in Bucharest?
No. Cannabis is illegal for recreational use and can’t be bought legally.
Can tourists use cannabis in Bucharest?
No. Tourists face the same penalties as locals.
Is medical cannabis available in Bucharest?
Only if you have an EU prescription for low-THC products. Romanian doctors can’t prescribe it.
What if I’m caught with weed?
You could face fines, charges, or even jail, depending on the amount and situation.
Are attitudes changing in Romania?
Yes, slowly. There is more talk about reform, especially for medical use.