Cannabis in Finland – Laws, Use, and History

The Finnish flag and a man blowing out smoke from his mouth

Finnish cannabis laws are relatively tough, and even medical cannabis isn’t widely available. However, small quantities for personal use have been decriminalised, and the youth wings of Finland’s political parties are pushing to fully legalise recreational cannabis. In 2018, efforts were also made to develop CBD products for medical use.

    • Capital
    • Helsinki
    • Population
    • 5,669,000
    • CBD Products
    • Legal
    • Recreational cannabis
    • Illegal
    • Medicinal cannabis
    • Legal

Cannabis laws in Finland

Can you possess and use cannabis in Finland?

Finland’s Narcotics Act states that use or possession of any drugs (including cannabis) is a criminal offence. It also recommends a punishment of a fine or up to six months in prison.

If the quantity of cannabis is regarded as ‘insignificant’ then the punishment may be waived. This is also the case if the offender chooses to accept treatment (as outlined by the Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health). Repeat offenders are unlikely to have their prosecution waived.

An aggravated drugs offence can receive a prison sentence of up to 10 years. ‘Aggravating circumstances’ include:

  • Substances regarded as dangerous
  • Large quantities of the drug
  • Significant financial profit
  • Operating as part of an organised drugs group

In 2017, Finland’s Supreme Court ruled that a sentence for an aggravated drug offence could be reduced, depending on the nature of the offender’s role in the crime.

One handcuff around a person's wrist and the other around a cannabis plant

Can you sell cannabis in Finland?

Finland is unusual in that the law doesn’t differentiate explicitly between the sale and possession of cannabis. As such, there’s no separate law for sale or trafficking.

If the offender is caught trying to sell a significant amount of cannabis, the sentence is likely to be harsher – as much as ten years in prison. Smaller amounts will receive a lesser sentence, and if it’s particularly low, the offender might only get a fine.

Cannabis isn’t consistently available for sale in Finland; as most imports arrive from Denmark via other international drug trafficking routes. However, there is a small-scale level of domestic cultivation, and this seems to be on the rise.

Can you grow cannabis in Finland?

Finland’s Narcotics Act states that the cultivation of cannabis is illegal. This means that you’re not permitted to grow it in your home under any circumstances. Despite this, some Finnish people still choose to take the risk.

The journal European Addiction Research found that Finnish growers prefer indoor cultivation, which makes sense given the cold climate. They typically harvest the plants for their own personal use. Additionally, Finnish people are twice as likely to grow cannabis for medical use than their neighbours, the Danish.

While personal cultivation is illegal, commercial production is not (though it requires permission). Many Finnish enterprises grow hemp in the country, and cannabis for medical purposes. 

A person wearing an apron holding some soil with a cannabis plant growing out of it

Is CBD legal in Finland?

CBD is legal in Finland as long as it doesn’t contain high enough levels of THC (the substance responsible for the ‘high’) to be labelled as a psychoactive drug. As such, you can purchase CBD-based products freely in health stores and online.

Two CBD oil bottles and a cannabis plant on some carpet

Can cannabis seeds be sent to Finland?

It’s legal to send cannabis seeds to Finland, and they can be purchased without fear of prosecution. However, as cultivation is illegal, they cannot be used to grow plants.

Medicinal cannabis in Finland

In 2008, the Finnish government passed a law, permitting the use of medicinal cannabis. This was specifically Bedrocan herbal cannabis from the Netherlands. A decade later, and medicinal cannabis access is still limited. As it stands at present, only Sativex (an oromucosal spray) is available on prescription, for patients with MS.

CBD may be prescribed for other conditions, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis by the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA). Even when medicinal cannabis is available, it’s hard to obtain a prescription. They can only be issued by a neurological expert (or doctors working in a neurological clinic), and are viewed as a ‘last-resort’ if the patient hasn’t responded to other forms of medication.

Medicinal cannabis is also viewed negatively by many people living in Finland. One patient in his 60s told Yle: “I asked my doctor for medical marijuana and he nearly fell out of his chair. It was as if I had raised some kind of immense taboo. And he was a fairly young doctor, so my impression is that the topic is not well studied in medical school here.”

Additionally, medical cannabis products are expensive. Sativex is reportedly as much as EUR 650 for three spray bottles, each containing just 10ml. Home cultivation is considerably cheaper, which may explain why more people in Finland are risking prosecution to grow it privately.

Although the country’s medical cannabis programme has been slow to get going, numbers of patients receiving the treatment are increasing.

A doctor pouring cannabis buds out of a container into her hand

Industrial hemp in Finland

Despite the cold northern European climate, Finland has a long history of cultivating hemp. By the 20th century, however, the hemp industry was in decline. Flax and cotton (both less labour-intensive) were favoured by farmers, and increasingly negative perceptions reduced hemp’s cultivation to almost nothing.

Unlike many other countries, Finland never passed a specific law banning hemp production. This meant that cultivation never fully disappeared, especially in rural areas. The 1990s saw a revival in the industry, and since then, hemp has become a vital part of the country’s economy again.

Political parties and cannabis

Most of Finland’s main political parties; the National Coalition Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Swedish People’s Party and the Christian Democrats, do not want to see cannabis legalised; though many support its use for medical purposes.

However, the youth wings of the parties have an entirely different view. Suvi Makelainen, Chair of Centre Party Youth, comments: “It’s quite easy to avoid talking about drug policy. It’s easy to say, ‘I don’t want marijuana to be legalised’. But it’s more difficult to have a full discussion about it.”

All the major youth parties have met to discuss decriminalising cannabis for personal use. The National Coalition Party’s Youth Chairperson, Henrik Vuornos, says: “Worldwide, using cannabis is more popular with the youngsters than the older people, and I think younger people are also more connected around the world. People are looking at websites and reading magazines, following USA politics, where almost half the states have legalised cannabis.”

Good to know

If you are travelling to Finland (or are a resident of the country), it is useful to know the following:

Cannabis history

No-one knows exactly when cannabis first came to Finland. Ancient pollen grains suggest that plants belonging to the cannabaceae family have been growing there since 4000BC, but these may actually be wild hop plants rather than cannabis. It’s true – beer and cannabis are related!

Archaeological digs found evidence of hemp being cultivated from around 800 AD onwards. It’s believed that the Vikings grew it on Ahvenanmaa, an island between Finland and Sweden. Further excavations suggest that cannabis cultivation was widespread, from this time right through to 1500 AD.

Historical tax and excise records prove that there was a small hemp industry in the country in the 15th and 16th centuries. Some experts think that the cannabis being grown at this time was introduced from Russia (via the border region of Karelia). However, it’s possible that some strains came from central Europe.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, hemp was Finland’s main crop. Its production surpassed its closest rival flax by a considerable margin. But the ‘golden era’ of hemp cultivation was not to last. In the 20th century, the industry began to decline. Growing negativity towards cannabis meant that it was virtually eliminated, though some rural communities continued to farm it.  

What is Finola?

Finola is the trade name for a hardy hemp strain which grows in Finland. It was first developed in 1995, then added to the EU’s list of subsidised crops in 2003. Now, it is renowned across the world due to its frost-resistance and resilience in northern latitudes.

It hasn’t been an entirely smooth journey for Finola. EU representatives initially protested its inclusion on the subsidised crops list. In 2006, samples were found to have higher THC levels than permitted (over 0.2%). It was removed from the EU list, but made a return in 2013, after intensive campaigning from hemp growers and activists in Finland.

Hamppusampo – progressive practices or breaking the law?

Hamppusampo are a Finnish cannabis company. In 2018, they began developing a non-psychoactive strain of cannabis, with the intention of creating a CBD product to sell in Finland and abroad. They worked with several small-scale farmers on the coast. Hamppusampo also obtained a permit from Finland’s food safety agency (Evira) to import seeds for research and product development.

Evira then announced that Hamppusampo’s flowering hemp plants were illegal. As a result, the company was forced to stop selling them. They had presumed that Evira would consider the flowering as a food; however, Evira stated that they had “not legalised the flowering of hemp and…/…not granted any marketing authorisation to anyone.”

Will Finland legalise cannabis in the future?

Given how difficult it is even to obtain medical cannabis products on prescription, it seems unlikely that the Finnish government will change their cannabis laws any time soon. However, the youth parties represent another opinion; and perhaps a marked difference between the younger and older people of the country.

In short, the laws may change in the future, as new generations take a more active role in politics.

  • Disclaimer:
    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide legal advice, as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.

Comments

33 thoughts on “Cannabis in Finland – Laws, Use, and History”

  1. There’s Not Bedrocan anymore. Only Sativex and you are most likely dead before got prescription Even it.

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Hey Anthony,

      Thank you for your question.
      Unfortunately, I’m unable to provide an answer, as it’s outside of our area of expertise.

      I would recommend contacting the Finnish Customs for an exact answer.
      This article on Cannabis in USA might also be of interest to you.

      I hope you continue to enjoy the blog,
      Have a great day!

      Mark

    2. Helsinki dude

      I beg to differ on some accounts: It’s relatively easy to get buds and the quality is very high since most of the weed is grown in Finland by weed nerds in small apartments. There is however almost no street market, so you need to get to know someone, but especially in Helsinki in the Kallio area you can find someone in almost every bar. The price for buds is about 10-15€ gram and is high quality, about 20-30% THC.
      The weed you get from the streets is bad and should be avoided. Street weed is imported and usually of very low quality and expensive. Hash is quite common, but since people don’t want to support the maffia and do want to support the underground growers it’s usually not that good compared to the weed.
      Although it’s illegal, you almost never get caught and the police usually looks away. If you possess less than 5-10g you’ll get away with a fine of about 80€. In the summer almost all parks, especially in Kallio district in Helsinki smell of weed.

    1. Mark - Sensi Seeds

      Good afternoon Aeksandar,

      Thanks for your question!

      Unfortunately, I’m afraid I am unable to answer this question as it’s outside of our area of expertise.

      However, we have readers from all over the world, some of whom may have experience with this kind of thing and be kind enough to share their knowledge. Hopefully someone will be able to help you 🙂

      Sorry I can’t help you further, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Mark

    2. SWIM would suggest that you visit the Synebrichoff stop. There are some flower enthusiastic hippies around the park. Make sure that you ask politely but insistive (Finns act cryptic) with common sense as it is not something you can just stroll around talking about it publicly.

  2. Here’s an article from autumn 2019, written by Aleksi Hupli, one of our activists. Since that, we gathered 50000 signatures backing a citizens’ initiative to decriminalize personal use, possession and small scale cultivation of cannabis. The initiative was officially passed to Finnish parliament on 5th November 2020.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi there,

      Thanks for your comment and your feedback. We are continuously checking and updating the articles in our ‘Cannabis In…’ series, and I have passed your comment to the team. The date of the most recent update can be found at the top of the article.

      Thanks again, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  3. In Finland, authorities are stupid about weed, there is like 50k everyday users and they believe they are all criminal. 😁 i guess is all that Jesus shit people that has power in the decision making. Hope it changes soon for their own good 😉

  4. Rick Jordans

    The way you explain the legalities regarding this matter is comprehensive. Please write more.

  5. I live in the us. I have a medicinal marijuana card. Glaucoma, chronic neurological pain. I plan to visit family in Finland. Am I allowed to bring my cbd oil with me?

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Mary,

      Unfortunately I am not able to answer your question; my advice is to consult a qualified legal professional to be sure of getting the correct information. Sorry I can’t help you further, and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi there,

      Thank you for your comment. As Sensi Seeds is not a medical agency or practitioner, we cannot give any kind of medical advice other than to consult your registered healthcare professional. This article about the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis might be useful for you to show your healthcare provider if they are not familiar with it.

      You may also find it helpful to contact a support group for medicinal cannabis patients. In the UK there is the United Patients Alliance, and throughout much of the rest of the world there is NORML, who should be able to put you in touch with a group in your area (search United Patients Alliance or NORML followed by your area name).

      These are our pages on medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis strains, which you might also find interesting.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

  6. Bernado, they have dogs and I’ve already met one of them at the planes exit in Vantaa. Everybody from that plane was checked.

  7. Smoker Toker

    There actually is an distinction between selling/distributing/manufacturing and using/personal posession. Selling and distributing etc is “huumausainerikos” (drug offence) but personal posession and use is “huumausaineen käyttörikos” (drug use offence), which carries minimal penalties, like small fines, if anything. In Helsinki area weed is basically decriminalized, Helsinki police department has publicly announced that they are not interested in personal use of marijuana.

    Even selling and manufacturing marijuana do not usually carry prison sentences. Last year a sentence was given for commercially growing and selling marijuana with 57000€ profit. The sentences were less than 2 years probation.

    Finns usually buy weed from the internet. There are multiple webpages dedicated for finding a local dealer and advertising etc. The deals are often made face to face. Ordering online rarely carries sentence, because if you deny everything and there is no proof no sentence can be given. Police can not pretend to be a dealer, so if you only buy there is pretty much no risk.

    There is a lot of demand for weed in Finland. Surprisingly many people smoke weed, and it is getting more and more accepted. However, even though ordering and buying seeds is legal, growing is risky. Police don’t need a warrant to search your home if they suspect something illegal is going on. Roadblocks are common especially during weekends, so do not drive drunk or high.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi there,

      Thank you so much for the information, and for taking the time to share it with us – obviously we do as much research as we can, but nothing beats the insight and experience of a local. We are soon embarking on a major update of our ‘Cannabis In…’ series, and will be taking advantage of all of the tips like this that have been shared in the comments. We hope you continue to enjoy the blog!

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. I moved to Finland from Canada and have been using medical cannabis for years as treatment for chronic body pain and neurological pain caused by multiple head injuries.. Unfortunately since being here it has been extremely difficult to get anything that i need and i am getting desperate to find something or i may have to leave from my wife and child to return to Canada..the neurological pain especially makes it that i can not even function at all..i cant live this way….
      You mentioned websites for finding sources, I have been unable to find anything, could you help me

  8. Too late for Bernardo, but in case someone else wonders the same, Finnish border control do use sniffer dogs. I would guess that the dogs are usually signed to more important tasks, but getting sniffed is definitely a risk when traveling to Finland.

  9. Bernardo Cunha

    I’m traveling to Finland by plane next week. Is it dangerous to take a small amount of pollen with me? Will i be welcomed by sniffing dogs at the arrivals?

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Bernardo,

      I’m afraid I can’t give you any advice about illegal activities apart from ‘don’t break the law’! Hope you enjoy your trip though 🙂

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

    2. You don’t really have to worry about dogs, they are few and far between, as much as getting swabbed by security staff at the x-ray area. They very often do random swabs for drugs on peoples’ hands and cases. The best thing is not to take any drugs over any border as they may be serious consequences. And cannabis is very easy to obtain in Helsinki from people in bars and on the street, just quietly ask around.

    1. ResidentofFinland

      Very interesting and well done website. And is full of based-on-true-events stories and informative articles.

  10. Thomas Sjoberg

    Bedrocan is sold in Finland at 127 EUR for 5 gr with social insurance (KELA card) and sold at 567 EUR without the social insurance.

    1. Scarlet Palmer - Sensi Seeds

      Hi Thomas,

      Thank you for this comment, we will update this article at the next opportunity.

      With best wishes,

      Scarlet

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