Croatia has established a complex and evolving legal framework for cannabis, characterized by distinct approaches to recreational, medical, and industrial applications. While personal possession of small quantities has been decriminalized, and medical use is permitted under stringent conditions, the industrial hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) market continues to grapple with regulatory ambiguities and inconsistent enforcement.
Fundamental distinction in Croatian cannabis policy is the differentiation between decriminalization and legalization. The use of cannabis in Croatia is decriminalized for personal use. This means that while unauthorized personal use remains unlawful, it is treated as a misdemeanor offense, carrying less severe penalties compared to criminal charges. In contrast, cannabis is legalized for limited medical uses.
Furthermore, the cultivation of industrial hemp and the commercialization of derived CBD products are governed by a distinct set of regulations, complete with specific tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) limits.