Iceland is one of the most remarkable nations in Europe, and many people are visiting this location. According to recent data, Iceland receives about two million tourists annually.
The country has about 350 000 residents; hence there is always a tourist in the country.
Since this is a perfect holiday destination to many, it has attracted tourists all year round. Icelanders are known to be easygoing, and they are friendly people.
Since they are civilized and progressive people, they have been at the forefront of the legalization of marijuana and hemp for recreational and medicinal use. If you are looking for a destination that you will enjoy your weed, then Iceland is the right place to be.
Iceland has gained huge popularity as one of the countries with the biggest weed smokers per capita.
According to recent data, Icelanders consumed about 1 to 2 metric tons of weed annually, and over 30% of the population have smoked or tried weed once in their lifetime. With a population of 350,000, about 60,000 smoke weed, and this means that you are likely to have fun with the people in this nation than any other part of the world. However, it is imperative to note that it is not legal to smoke weed in public. However, there is legislation that is ongoing on legalizing hemp for recreational and medical purposes.
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Icelandic laws on marijuana
The legality of recreational use of marijuana in Iceland is that it is illegal to smoke weed in public.
Therefore, you must be aware of your situation before trying something that may land you in dangerous waters.
Growing, possession, and use are illegal. If you are a tourist visiting Iceland, it is better that you familiarize yourself with the laws in the country before you try anything. A charge of five hundred dollars is charged for every gram of marijuana in possession.
Weed Tourism in Iceland
Iceland is not known for marijuana tourism; however, it has gained a considerable reputation in the recent past, and as one of the most picturesque countries in the world, you can combine your fun activities.
Drinking is acceptable in Iceland; however, public use of weed is considered illegal, and you could risk a fine and jail time.
Since we’ve just mentioned drinking in Iceland, we can’t skip the fact that Icelanders produce amazing craft beer and the scene is booming! Here are the best breweries you have to visit and take a sip once you’re in the country.
It is essential that when you are traveling to a new country, you should familiarize yourself with laws and regulations to avoid complications during your trip. Since Iceland is a small country, you can visit most parts of the country within a couple of days, and you can enjoy this by visiting the country.
The ring road has made it easy to move from one part of the country to the other without driving around twice. Despite the high altitude, Iceland is known to have only four hours of daylight during the winter period.
The average temperature during winter is 0 degrees Celsius. You must stay safe during this period, and you can find your Icelandic friends who will show you around and where you can get your fix.
Legalization of weed
There is a possibility that shortly Iceland is going to legalize marijuana.
The reasoning behind this is that a significant part of the public and government officials are progressive and understand the benefits of medical marijuana. Iceland is considered a developed country, and they are often leading in medicine and innovations.
Further reading: Pros and Cons of living in Iceland
Despite the country’s hardstand on cannabis, about ten percent of the population consumes weed regularly.
The legalization of weed has been a recurring topic in Iceland, and in 2017 there were proposals sent to the parliament for approval. However, these laws are yet to be approved for them to take place.
What are the drug laws in Iceland?
Iceland banned the sale and production of alcohol in 1910. This law remained in place for the better part of the century until the 1990s, when beer production was allowed.
Before this period, there was a drug problem in the country, and young teens could be seen drunk in the streets of the capital Reykjavik.
Iceland was facing a significant drug problem, and they changed the laws about the sale and production of alcohol. People under the age of 20 could not purchase cigarettes, while those under 18 could not buy alcohol.
The nation took time to review its laws, and currently, it is one of the countries in Europe with the lowest drug problem.
Further reading: Living in Iceland
Cultivation, processing, possession, and trafficking of drugs are prohibited in the country. There are supervised drug addiction centers where people go to get out of their drug addiction.
The hemp industry in Iceland
Currently, only licensed neurosurgeons are the only people that are allowed to prescribe medical marijuana. This is common for people who are suffering from muscle dystrophy. In April 2020, Iceland changed its regulation in the production of industrial cannabis.
The government allowed the importation of hemp seeds, which could then be grown in the country. Hemp is now grown in Iceland, and you can use hemp as long as it does not have traces of tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the compound that is known to cause the feeling of highness.
Cannabidiol (CBD products)
Iceland is one of the most progressive countries in Europe and they allow cannabidiol products as long as they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol. Cannabidiol is permitted, and you will find a network of CBD producers in the country.
Can you carry weed in Iceland?
This is a hazardous affair that people tend to assume, and the answer to this is NO. It is forbidden to bring any amount of marijuana to the country. If you are trying to smuggle marijuana into the country, you will face fines and even jail time.
There are different places where you will find the police inspecting everyone that is going into this destination. Anyone that is found to have marijuana during his or her travel to the country.
Further reading: Amazing day hikes in Iceland
If there is any quantity of marijuana found in possession, they will be returned to where they came from, which is for the entire Schengen region.
Any possession is treated with contempt, and you should try as much as possible to avoid bringing any kind of weed to Iceland.
What is the future of marijuana laws in Iceland?
When it comes to marijuana laws, there has been tremendous progress that Iceland has made, and there is a chance that it could be approved. The police in Iceland are limited on what they can do to stop and search individuals for marijuana.
The police do have the capability to search or the right to search anyone. Icelandic police must have legitimate suspicion before they can hold someone or search someone.
The legality of selling low THC hemp products
One of the primary laws regarding the handling of cannabidiol in Iceland is that it is allowed in the country only if they do not contain any THC.
Cannabis has been illegal in Iceland since October 1949, and the law is included in the anti-drug laws and regulations. However, there have been numerous calls by demonstrators and researchers pushing the government to allow them to grow and use marijuana for both research and recreational purposes.
The protestors are looking for the legalization of marijuana because of the medical benefits that it is touted to have. Although there have been protests and primary drafting of laws regarding marijuana in Iceland, the local officials remain unmoved.
Given that there are potential fines and penalties regarding the use and possession of marijuana in Iceland, it is better that you leave your weed in your home country before moving to Iceland. In Iceland, weed is not well received by custom agents and the police as well.
People want the laws changed, but the parliament remains adamant not to change anything regarding marijuana.
Reykjavik cannabis culture
It is important to note that marijuana or cannabis is highly prohibited in Iceland and even in Reykjavik. Marijuana is strictly illegal and you should not fall into tourist traps or if someone is using your naivety: marijuana is illegal and you should not buy it in Iceland, take it into Iceland, or try to sell it in Iceland.
Iceland is an amazing destination to visit as it has so many natural wonders to see and experience, do not ruin your vacation with the wrong decisions.
Have all the best in icy Iceland!