Lithuania is a country in northern Europe, which is rich in cultural sites, architectural styles, and so much more that you can enjoy when you visit during your vacation. There is so much more than you can enjoy when you go to this country. Many people who come to Lithuania are interested in the history, culture, nature, diversity, and the people of this awesome country. Some of you may be also interested in trying weed in Lithuania, which is considered a common thing everywhere nowadays.
Table of Contents
Things to Know About Lithuania
Whether you are visiting Lithuania for the first time or are a returning visitor, there is so much more than you can learn and enjoy while on your trip. The Baltic nation deserves your attention because when you visit, you will feel at home and the people are welcoming, and your trip will be worthwhile. While many people tend to focus more on the capital Vilnius (check our Best Vilnius guided city tours), there are other fantastic places around the country that you will never forget when you visit them.
The locals love their country. You must join them to explore the different parts of the new nation. There are dense forests, lakes, meandering rivers, rich cultures, and traditions, all exceptional to watch (check our 10 Amazing things to do in Lithuania). Besides, Lithuania has multiple UNESCO heritage sites. You can learn more about the history of the county and the changes it has undergone over time.
The architecture of Lithuania is from the 18th and 19th centuries and modern contemporary structures. The influences of southern and western European architecture are manifested in this country. You can explore the assorted architectural styles and enjoy the nation’s culture and diversity. There is an abundance of cozy and friendly places where you can sample the traditional food in Lithuania.
Cannabis in Lithuania
1. Process of getting nearing legalization
When it comes to cannabis, Lithuania is making strides in the legalization and promoting the cultivation of marijuana. However, it is important to note that it was only decriminalized in 2018. There is still so much that the country can do in terms of legislation and the promotion of these products. In 2020, the cultivation of marijuana was legalized. The most common form of use across the country is medical marijuana.
Awareness is sweeping across Europe. Many nations see the benefits of cannabis compared to the demerits. There is a huge potential when the crop is made a cash crop. Many people across the country are pushing for the full legalization of marijuana, which could prove vital in the long run because they are the best growers in Europe.
2. About cannabis
In the modern era, there are different aspects that we need to look into when it comes to cannabis. Since the plant has other compounds, it is important to ensure that you make the best out of the product. You can generate cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and cannabinol using different extraction techniques. All these products are usually governed by other laws and regulations in various jurisdictions worldwide. The regulations typically govern which part of the plant can be used to extract the compounds.
While many European Union states have embraced the concept of cultivating and legalization of marijuana, other countries across Europe are still reluctant to the idea. It will take some time before everything has been put into place. The medical and industrial use of cannabis is one of the most common areas attracting huge interest among nations. Lithuania is among the countries that are still lagging regarding marijuana production and use.
You may also want to know: Cannabis in Austria
Cannabis laws in Lithuania
It is imperative to note that Lithuania is one of the most advanced nations in Europe. Along with this, the country has taken strides in decriminalizing marijuana. Lithuania legalized hemp for industrial use in 2013. There have been various laws that are focused on improving the use of the product for medicinal and other purposes. Recently in 2018, Lithuania was almost the last European country to pass the laws that guarantee the use of medical marijuana. The laws and regulations took effect in 2019. Ever since then, there has been major growth in terms of the laws governing the process and the people who are for the law to be passed.
It is important to note that Lithuania holds some stringent rules on drugs, which is why the country has lagged in the quest to legalize marijuana. On the other hand, the current generation of young Lithuanians are open-minded people. They tend to accept marijuana for medical and recreational use. However, passing the laws will take time. They must undergo numerous changes that will guarantee the culture and diversity of the nation are respected while at the same time passing these regulations.
Enforcement of cannabis rules
1. Different regulations are considered in various situations
The regulations of the possession, carrying, and use of different drugs are captured in the narcotic and psychotropic substance act, which are essentially the rules that will determine the penalty and punishment for the infractions. In 2017 the laws were changed, leading to the decriminalization of cannabis for personal use. However, more rules will determine the amount and where you can consume your product.
If you are found with a small amount of cannabis that is not meant for distribution or sale in Lithuania, this may be classified as a misdemeanor. Common punishments for misdemeanors in the country include community service, actual arrest without a prison sentence, or restriction of liberty. However, the laws have changed over time. Depending on the region you are visiting in the country, you should have a guide who is familiar with the rules to avoid any complex situation.
2. Distinction between sellers and users
There is a clear distinction between intent to sell and personal use. The distinction between personal use and intent to sell is seen in the punishment, which for non-personal use can be up to two years in prison. This is very recent, though, and came after a much-maligned tightening of laws that led to protests by the people. The people in Lithuania protected at a UN meeting scheduled in the capital in the recent past, which led to stricter laws being sanctioned on various substances such as weed.
There was a protest of youth in 2017, which led to the government taking a strict measure of banning the suspended sentences of various drug crimes. This meant that people caught with a joint could end up in jail. The essence of the protests was to lighten the rules, but it ended up tightening them.
Tightening of the drug laws
1. Protests spread
According to recent data, the 2017 amendments to the penal code made that the drugs were considered a severe crime. This move led to widespread protests. These laws did not specify what distribution means, making it quite challenging to move from one location to another with a small amount of marijuana.
Besides, sharing cannabis was considered a significant crime. However, there has been a considerable shift of interest from the political class. People are seeing the benefits that can accrue with the cultivation of marijuana or making it a cash crop.
2. Going to the right direction
Smaller countries such as Lithuania do not get much press coverage, and hence the protests usually die out because there is no primary international coverage. Nonetheless, the young people in the country are looking for avenues to ensure that the bills are enacted to safeguard the interest of young people and protect their freedom. There is continued progress in the rules and regulations regarding the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana across the country.
The legalization of the growth of industrial hemp is a significant boost towards the creation of a better environment for people to express themselves. There have been different rules that continue to reduce the penalties incurred for people caught with marijuana, and there is still more that could be done. Lithuania is headed in the right direction. In the near future, the people in this country will be enjoying their freedom to smoke weed.
The legal standing of cannabis in Lithuania
In Lithuania, there is no mention that the country can decriminalize drugs since their rules are similar to those of other European countries. Depending on the current situation, the use of weed will be stuck to medical purposes only. If you are a first offender, you will be charged anything from 50 euros to 150 euros for possession of an amount of marijuana that is not prohibited. However, for other amounts, you may be given some community work to do and other no prison punishments.
The procurement of marijuana and distribution of weed in Lithuania is an offense. You could be punished for up to two years in prison or pay 20,000 euros fine. The drug in the country is classified based on four categories the potential to harm, the dangers it poses to human health, the quantity, and the user’s intention. The law clearly distinguishes between the intent to sell and an individual carrying it for personal use. Depending on the type of drug particular carries, the penalties and punishment will vary accordingly.
Weed in Lithuania
Cannabis is the most common drug in Lithuania. According to recent data, up to 9% of the population from 16 years to 35 years have used the product from 2017 onwards. Lithuania is often considered a transit country because people move marijuana from the Netherlands to Russia through Lithuania. Over the years, there have been numerous calls for the country to legalize marijuana and reduce penalties that people found in possession of marijuana must face. One of the major protests in the country was in April 2016, and this was intended to involve the people in the discussion about marijuana and establish laws that are friendly to the people.
One of the most significant demos that took place was in 2017. This was the primary driving force that led to various amendments that allow people to carry a certain amount so long as there is no intention of selling. However, the laws are pretty distinct, and many people are looking for ways to move towards decriminalization and reduce the penalties that people who are found with marijuana will face.
You may also want to know:
Hemp in Lithuania
1. Legalized industrial hemp
Lithuania was the last country in the European Union to legalize industrial hemp. This was after a law that was passed in 2014 took effect. According to the country, they saw the profitability of the product and the number of jobs that would be created and figured that they should be more open to ideas and embrace the concept. Ever since the country legalized industrial hemp, there have been significant developments in that frontier. More laws are coming into place to reduce the punishments people found with marijuana face. Lithuania joined its neighbors Latvia and Estonia in the hemp industry. The product gained a massive reputation across the Baltic countries.
According to Lithuanian law of May 2019, people can carry and use marijuana if the ingredients in the final product are well listed and that they are allowed by the law. However, it is imperative to note that the cultivation of tetrahydrocannabinol that has a concentration of over 0.20 % is still unacceptable in the country. Therefore, people who are planting this product must prove to the local authorities that they can attain the set concentration and follow the rules and regulations stipulated by the law.
3. Using hemp in hospitals and pharmacies
Hospitals and pharmacies in the country do not require any special license to supply the product to the people. However, you will be required to produce a doctor’s prescription before they can sell it to you. There is still so much that Lithuania must do in legalizing weed. With the current youth pushing for laws that will lighten the penalties as well as allow recreational use, many people are hopeful that someday the product will be legalized,
