Inside Czechia’s new cannabis law: How much can you legally grow and possess?

Czechia has introduced a new legal framework governing adult cannabis use, replacing years of partial decriminalization with clearly defined national rules.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, adults aged 21 and over are permitted to grow up to three cannabis plants at their primary residence. The law also allows possession of up to 100 grams of dried cannabis at home and up to 25 grams in public.

The reform marks a significant change in Czech drug policy, which until now relied on a combination of decriminalization thresholds and discretionary enforcement.

Government officials have said the new framework is intended to reduce legal uncertainty while easing pressure on courts, prisons, and police.

Cannabis use has long been relatively tolerated in Czechia, but previous rules left room for differing interpretations. While small-scale possession and cultivation were generally treated as administrative offenses, penalties could increase quickly depending on quantity and circumstances. The new law sets uniform thresholds intended to apply nationwide.

The Czech reform follows similar legislation adopted in Germany in 2024, though the two countries differ in several respects. Czechia has set a higher minimum age of 21, compared to Germany’s 18, while allowing a larger amount of cannabis to be stored at home. Lawmakers have said this reflects the potential yield from three mature plants.

Unlike Germany, Czechia has not legalized cannabis social clubs. Authorities have described the current phase as focused on personal cultivation rather than shared or commercial use.

Officials say the change was partly driven by concerns over criminal justice outcomes. In previous years, cannabis-related cases accounted for a notable proportion of drug-related prosecutions and prison sentences, including cases involving non-violent offenders.

The government has argued that the new framework addresses what it considers disproportionate penalties.

Research from Charles University has estimated that the reform could bring a net social benefit of up to €107 million per year, largely through reduced enforcement and judicial costs. Officials have also said that allowing home cultivation could reduce demand for unregulated or synthetic cannabinoid products.

The new law does not permit the retail sale of recreational cannabis. The introduction of a fully regulated commercial market remains politically sensitive and legally complex, particularly in relation to EU law.

A phased approach is being discussed. Non-profit cannabis social clubs, similar to those operating in Germany and Spain, could be considered in the coming years, possibly from 2027 or 2028.

Some experts have suggested that limited pilot projects in major cities could follow, although no formal plans have been announced.

“This is a compromise, not a final step,” said former national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil. “The legal status of users has changed, but the discussion about a regulated market is continuing.”