Is Cannabis / THC legal in Belgium?

Legal status

Cannabis ILLEGAL — adult ≤3 g / 1 female plant = lowest prosecution priority (simplified report, €120–200 fine, no arrest); tolerance/depenalization, NOT decriminalization; minors always criminal

Consequences if caught

Under the Drug Law of 24 February 1921 (as amended), adult (18+) possession of up to 3 g of cannabis OR one female plant is the lowest prosecution priority: a simplified police report and, in practice, an administrative fine of €120–200 (first offence) with NO arrest in the absence of aggravating circumstances — but cannabis remains ILLEGAL (this is tolerance/depenalization, NOT decriminalization or legalization). Aggravating circumstances (near schools, in the presence of minors, public nuisance, problematic use, or more than 3 g) trigger criminal prosecution: 3 months–1 year plus a fine of €8,000–800,000. Sale, supply and cultivation beyond one plant are criminal. For minors, ALL cannabis possession is always criminal with no tolerance. Importing cannabis (even from the Netherlands) is a separate, more serious import offence. [recommendation] An April 2024 parliamentary information report recommended a new cannabis framework — a RECOMMENDATION only, not law.

If prescribed or medical

Medical cannabis means authorized cannabis-based medicines only (e.g. Sativex) by prescription, plus pharmacist CBD preparations — no flower.

Documentation

Cannabis remains ILLEGAL — adult (18+) possession of up to 3 g or one female plant is the lowest prosecution priority (a simplified police report, in practice a €120–200 fine, no arrest absent aggravating circumstances), but this is tolerance/depenalization, NOT decriminalization or legalization. Aggravating circumstances or more than 3 g trigger criminal prosecution; for minors all cannabis possession is always criminal. Medical cannabis means authorized cannabis-based medicines only (e.g. Sativex) by prescription plus pharmacist CBD preparations — no flower. Importing cannabis (even from the Netherlands) is a separate, more serious offence. [recommendation] An April 2024 parliamentary report recommended a new cannabis framework — not law. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Belgium’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.