Is Cannabis / THC legal in Latvia?

Legal status

Cannabis controlled under the Criminal Law — small-amount personal use administrative (fine up to ~€280; repeat within 12 months criminal); trafficking 2–8 years to 5–15 years; NO medical cannabis program (foreign MMJ cards not honored); industrial hemp allowed; [proposed] Jan-2026 bill (decriminalize USE by minors) NOT enacted; no death penalty (EU)

Consequences if caught

Cannabis is controlled in Latvia under the Criminal Law (Sections 253/253.1/253.2). In Latvia (EU; no death penalty), small-amount possession, use or acquisition for personal use is ADMINISTRATIVE — a warning or fine up to about €280; a repeat within 12 months is CRIMINAL (15 days–3 months, community service or a fine). A larger personal-use amount is criminal, up to 3 years (or 5 years if it caused substantial harm). Trafficking of any quantity (Criminal Law Sec 253) draws 2–8 years; 3–10 years if committed by a group; 5–15 years if a large quantity or organized; up to 15 years for organized-group production or trafficking. Cultivation is criminal (Sec 253.1). Latvia has no medical cannabis program (foreign medical-marijuana cards are not honored), though industrial hemp is allowed. [proposed] A January 2026 Saeima bill would remove criminal liability for drug USE by minors (purchase and possession would still be criminal) — NOT yet enacted.

If prescribed or medical

Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form; Latvia has no medical cannabis program (foreign medical-marijuana cards are not honored).

Documentation

In Latvia (EU; no death penalty), small-amount possession, use or acquisition for personal use is ADMINISTRATIVE — a warning or fine up to about €280; a repeat within 12 months is CRIMINAL (15 days–3 months, community service or a fine). A larger personal-use amount is criminal, up to 3 years (or 5 years if it caused substantial harm). Trafficking of any quantity (Criminal Law Sec 253) draws 2–8 years; 3–10 years if committed by a group; 5–15 years if a large quantity or organized; up to 15 years for organized-group production or trafficking. Cultivation is criminal (Sec 253.1). Latvia has no medical cannabis program (foreign medical-marijuana cards are not honored), though industrial hemp is allowed. [proposed] A January 2026 Saeima bill would remove criminal liability for drug USE by minors (purchase and possession would still be criminal) — NOT yet enacted. 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 Latvia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.