Czech Cannabis Laws
The Czech Republic has one of Europe's most progressive cannabis policies:
Decriminalization (since 2010):
Possession of up to 10 grams of dried cannabis is a misdemeanor — no criminal record, administrative fine of up to CZK 15,000 (€600)
Cultivation of up to 5 plants is also a misdemeanor with the same penalty
In practice, police rarely fine for small amounts and often confiscate without penalty
Medical cannabis (since 2013):
Legal with prescription from a Czech doctor
Available at licensed pharmacies
Patients can possess up to 180g per month
Covered by health insurance (partially)
What's still illegal:
Selling cannabis — dealing carries criminal penalties (1-5 years prison)
Possession over 10g — can be charged as a criminal offense
Growing more than 5 plants — criminal penalties
Driving under influence — zero tolerance policy
The Amsterdam comparison: Prague is often called "the new Amsterdam" but the comparison is limited. Unlike Amsterdam, there are no legal coffeeshops or retail sales. Cannabis use is tolerated and decriminalized but not regulated. The scene is grey-market and social rather than commercial.
2024 developments: The Czech government has been discussing full legalization and regulated sales. If passed, the Czech Republic could become the second EU country (after Germany) to legalize recreational cannabis.
Prague's Cannabis Scene
Prague's cannabis culture operates in a decriminalized grey zone:
Hemp shops and CBD:
Multiple hemp shops operate legally in central Prague, selling CBD products, seeds, growing equipment, and accessories
Konopná Apatyka (Old Town) — well-known hemp pharmacy with CBD products and cannabis-themed souvenirs
Growshop locations throughout the city sell cultivation supplies
"Coffee shops":
Several establishments in Prague market themselves as "coffeeshops" or "cannabis-friendly" venues
These are NOT like Amsterdam coffeeshops — they don't sell cannabis
Some turn a blind eye to consumption on premises (technically illegal)
Quality and safety vary enormously — do your research before visiting
Cannabis social clubs:
Prague has underground cannabis social clubs operating in the grey area between decriminalized possession and illegal supply
Membership-based, word-of-mouth access
Quality is generally higher than street purchases
The reality for tourists: You will encounter cannabis offerings in Prague's tourist areas (especially around Wenceslas Square and Old Town). Street dealers approach tourists openly. Quality is often poor and scams exist. Exercise caution and don't buy from random street approaches.
Cannabis events: Prague hosts Cannafest (November), one of Europe's largest cannabis trade fairs, and Million Marihuana March (May).
Prague Cannabis Neighborhoods
Žižkov (Prague 3)
Prague's most bohemian neighborhood with the highest density of pubs per capita in Europe. Cannabis culture is deeply integrated into Žižkov's counterculture identity. The area around Jiřího z Poděbrad square has hemp shops and cannabis-friendly bars.
Vinohrady (Prague 2)
Adjacent to Žižkov but more upscale. The LGBTQ+ community center and its surrounding bars have a cannabis-welcoming atmosphere. Peaceful parks and cafés.
Letná / Holešovice (Prague 7)
Hipster neighborhood with galleries, craft beer, and cannabis culture. Letná Park's beer garden overlooks the city and is a popular spot for discreet cannabis consumption (decriminalized, not legal).
Old Town / New Town (Prague 1)
Tourist center. Cannabis is most visible here but quality from street sources is lowest. Hemp shops and CBD stores are legitimate. Be wary of anything offered on the street, especially around Wenceslas Square.
Smíchov (Prague 5)
More local, less touristy. Cannabis culture exists but is more private. Good restaurants and bars without tourist markup.
Karlín (Prague 8)
Up-and-coming neighborhood with a younger, professional crowd. Cannabis-friendly but discreet.
Where to Consume
Private spaces: Your accommodation is the safest option. Prague has abundant Airbnbs with private balconies and terraces.
Parks: Prague's parks are popular consumption spots:
Letná Park — overlooking the Vltava River, huge beer garden, relaxed police presence
Riegrovy sady — Vinohrady's main park with another famous beer garden
Stromovka — large park in Prague 7, more secluded areas
Petřín Hill — quiet paths with city views
Police rarely enforce cannabis possession in parks for small amounts. However, consuming openly in front of families or causing a disturbance will attract attention.
Beer gardens: Prague's outdoor beer gardens (pivní zahrady) have a relaxed atmosphere where discreet cannabis consumption is common. Ordering a beer while consuming cannabis nearby is standard Prague behavior.
Clubs and bars: Prague's nightlife is legendary. Some clubs in Žižkov and the Old Town have smoking areas where cannabis use is tolerated. Always read the room and don't assume.
Hotels: Most hotels prohibit smoking indoors. Prague's many hotels with balconies are your friend. Smaller, independent hotels and pensions tend to be more relaxed than chains.
Safety & Scams
Street scams to avoid:
Dealers around Wenceslas Square often sell poor quality, short weight, or even fake cannabis
Some sell synthetic cannabinoids disguised as cannabis — these can be dangerous
"Undercover police" scams — someone offers cannabis, then their "friend" appears claiming to be police and demands a fine (bribe)
Never buy from anyone who approaches you on the street
Real police: Czech police in tourist areas are generally professional. If approached with a small amount:
Stay calm and polite
Under 10g is a misdemeanor, not a crime
They may confiscate without issuing a fine
Don't argue or resist — it makes things worse
Quality concerns:
Without regulation, cannabis quality is inconsistent
Contamination with synthetic cannabinoids or other substances occurs in street-level sales
If possible, access cannabis through social connections rather than street purchases
Nightlife safety: Prague's nightlife can be intense. Combining cannabis with heavy drinking (Czech beer is cheap and strong) increases risk. Prague's party districts see tourist-targeted theft — be aware of your belongings.
Emergency: Call 155 (ambulance) or 158 (police). Emergency services are professional and won't charge you for cannabis-related medical assistance.
Practical Tips
Currency: Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not euros. 1 EUR ≈ 25 CZK. Most places accept cards but have some cash for smaller purchases and cannabis transactions.
Language: Czech is spoken locally. English is widely understood in tourist areas and by younger people. Cannabis is "marihuana" or "tráva" (grass) in Czech.
From Amsterdam: Direct flights from Amsterdam to Prague are about 1.5 hours. Many cannabis tourists combine both cities.
Cannafest: If visiting in November, Cannafest at PVA EXPO is Central Europe's largest cannabis industry event. Three days of exhibitors, speakers, and cannabis culture.
Day trips: Prague is a base for exploring Central Europe. Český Krumlov (2 hours south) is a fairy-tale town. Cannabis attitudes are similar throughout the Czech Republic.
Beer + cannabis: Czech beer is among the world's best and cheapest (40 CZK / €1.60 for a half liter at a pub). The combination of Czech beer culture and cannabis culture is uniquely Prague.
Best time: May-September for outdoor consumption in parks and beer gardens. December for Christmas markets (plus cannabis). Avoid January-February — cold, grey, and the city is quietest.
Accommodation: Book accommodation in Žižkov or Vinohrady for the most cannabis-friendly neighborhoods at better prices than the Old Town.
Author
Nyke Perényi
Head of Marketing, Weed.de
Nyke Perényi is Head of Marketing at Weed.de, overseeing strategic positioning and the brand's online and offline marketing. She develops creative campaigns, builds partnerships, and strengthens presence across digital and traditional media. She has been dedicated to cannabis education and destigmatization for years. In her spare time, she's active on Instagram and YouTube and is the creator of the cannabis card game Green Deal.
Published January 26, 2025 · 9 min read
