Use of addictive substances in Czechia - FAQ

Use of addictive substances in Czechia - FAQ

Use of addictive substances in Czechia - FAQ
  • 1) What addictive substances are legal in the Czech Republic?
Alcohol, cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine products and smoking accessories, but sales are restricted - age 18 and over.
  • 2) Is smoking permitted in public?
Smoking is prohibited in many public places (such as public transport stops, restaurants, sports and cultural centres, social events attended by children, etc.).
  • 3) Can I possess a small amount of a drug for my own personal use, such as one joint, with impunity?
No – it is illegal to possess or hold any amount; depending on the amount, this is most a misdemeanour, but it can also be a crime.
  • 4) Can I provide a drug or other addictive substance to another person for free?
No – any handling whatsoever, i.e. even giving or providing a drug to another person free of charge, is against the law, and constitutes a criminal offence.
  • 5) If I buy substances such as kratom, new psychoactive substances and other such things in the Czech Republic, can I export them from the country without any problems?
These substances are not yet regulated or banned in the Czech Republic, but this does not mean that they can be exported to another country without difficulty or penalties. Many countries list these substances as prohibited substances or their sale and availability are regulated, so there is a risk of prosecution or an administrative fine.
  • 6) Can I keep illegal substances for an acquaintance/friend/family member?
No - it will always be a criminal offence, regardless of the quantity of the substance you have in your possession.
  • 7) What punishment do I risk for using or possessing drugs?
Using drugs is not a crime, but possession of drugs for one's own use can constitute a misdemeanour or a crime depending on the amount; keeping drugs for another person is always a crime. Misdemeanours will usually result in a fine of up to CZK 15,000; a criminal offence, depending on the nature of the case, may result in a custodial or suspended prison sentence of several months to years, or a monetary fine.
  • 8) What punishment do I risk for selling and distributing drugs?
The distribution and sale of drugs (regardless of the type) may be punishable by a custodial or suspended prison sentence of several months to several years. In the Czech Republic, this is the most severe punishment for illegal drug use.
  • 9) Can I grow cannabis plants and then dry and process them for my own (medicinal) use?
This is not permitted in the Czech Republic; according to law, this may constitute a criminal offence or a misdemeanour. In the Czech Republic, you can legally purchase cannabis for medical purposes in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription.
  • 10) Are semi-synthetic cannabinoid products legal in the Czech Republic?
From March 2024, the substances HHC, THC-P, HHC-O and others, which are offered in the form of sweets, vape pens, liquids and other products, are prohibited in the Czech Republic, just like other drugs.