Portugal

Overview

In 2001, Portugal did something the entire world watched with skepticism — and later began to copy: it decriminalized the personal use and possession of all drugs. Not just cannabis — heroin, cocaine, MDMA, everything. The idea wasn't to legalize, but to treat drug use as a public health matter, not a criminal one.

Two decades later, the Portuguese model is considered one of the greatest successes in drug policy. Overdose deaths dropped dramatically, HIV among drug users plummeted, and Portugal never became the "drug paradise" critics predicted.

For Brazilian tourists, Portugal is a familiar destination — shared language, cuisine, climate, and relative affordability. Understanding the cannabis rules ensures your visit stays trouble-free.

Practical summary: In Portugal, you won't be arrested for carrying a small amount of cannabis. But you also won't find a shop to buy it. The market is informal; consumption should be discreet.

Legal Status

The Personal Use Threshold

Portuguese law defines a threshold that separates the user from the trafficker. For cannabis:

• Flower (herb): up to 2.5g = personal use
• Hash: up to 0.5g = personal use

These amounts represent approximately 10 days of personal supply — the official legal benchmark.

⚠️ Important: The amounts are low. 2.5g of flower equals 2–3 small cigarettes. If found with more, even claiming personal use, your case goes to the CDT and may be treated as trafficking.

What happens above the threshold? The case goes to the Dissuasion Commission, which can impose larger fines or refer to the Public Prosecutor. Well above the threshold: real risk of criminal proceedings for trafficking.

The Drug Dissuasion Commission (CDT)

When police find someone with drugs in a personal quantity:

1. The person is temporarily detained and identified — not arrested
2. Referred to the local CDT — an administrative commission, not a court
3. The commission assesses the profile (occasional user or dependent)
4. May apply: symbolic fine, temporary license suspension, community service, or voluntary treatment referral
5. No criminal record — administrative only

For tourists, it's an unpleasant bureaucratic experience with no direct criminal consequences. It may result in a fine and, in more serious cases, complicate future entries into the Schengen Area.

Medical Cannabis and CBD

Medical: Legalized in 2019. Available at authorized pharmacies with a Portuguese doctor's prescription. Tourists without a local prescription have no access.

CBD: Products with less than 0.2% THC are completely legal and sold freely in health stores, pharmacies, and online. A solid option for tourists who want cannabidiol benefits without any legal risk. Widely available in Lisbon and Porto.

Where to Consume (Practical Reality)

Portugal has no coffeeshops or licensed cannabis consumption venues. In practice, tourists typically consume:

✅ Safer options:

• Private accommodation (Airbnbs, apartments — check the host's policy)
• Parks and open areas discreetly, away from children and crowded public spaces
• Bohemian neighborhoods of Lisbon (Mouraria, Intendente, Príncipe Real) and Porto (Bonfim, Cedofeita)

❌ Avoid:

• Airports and public transport — strictly policed
• Beaches in high season — more enforcement
• Near schools, churches, and public facilities
• Very touristy Lisbon areas at night (Alfama has heavy police presence)

Tips for Brazilian Tourists

On arrival:

• Never bring cannabis from Brazil or any other country — it's international trafficking
• Portugal is in the Schengen Area: open borders within the EU, but random checks are possible

Informal market:

• Lisbon and Porto have active informal markets in certain neighborhoods
• Quality and prices vary significantly — risk of adulterated products in tourist zones
• Avoid buying from strangers on the street in tourist hotspots

If approached by police:

• Stay calm and be polite — the protocol is referral, not arrest
• Don't lie about what you have — it makes things worse
• Ask about the CDT referral process — it's your right to know

FAQ

Can tourists be arrested for having cannabis in Portugal? No, if the amount is for personal use (up to 2.5g flower). The referral goes to the Dissuasion Commission, not the criminal system.

Can I buy cannabis in Portugal as a tourist? Not legally. There are no recreational dispensaries. The informal market exists but without quality guarantees or legal protection.

Does Portugal have supervised drug consumption rooms? Yes. Lisbon opened its first in 2024 — primarily for injectable drug users, but accepting other substances. Access for adults 18+.

Are CBD products legal in Portugal? Completely. Under 0.2% THC, they can be bought in health stores and pharmacies with no restrictions whatsoever.

How does Portugal compare to Canada for tourists? They're opposites. Canada has a fully regulated market where tourists legally purchase. Portugal has no market — but doesn't criminalize users. If you only want to consume without buying, Portugal is relaxed. If you want to buy legally, Canada is unmatched.