Cyprus
Europe
#107 of 196 worldwide
#41 of 45 in Europe
Strict penalties on paper (up to eight years for possession), with leniency for young first offenders. Medical cannabis is permitted for a limited list of conditions.
Score breakdown ▏world average
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Possession · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Cannabis is a Class B drug, and personal possession carries up to eight years in prison — one of the highest maximums in the EU. Holding 30 g or more creates a presumption of intent to supply. First-time offenders under 25 with small amounts can be handled with a reduced fine and counselling.
Personal cultivation · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Three or more plants are presumed to be for supply; fewer are treated as personal possession, still a crime.
Punishment & enforcement · 20%1/10adds 2.0 of 20 points
Courts regularly hand down prison sentences for possession, and multi-year terms for larger amounts.
Sharing & gifting · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Supply carries very long sentences, up to life.
Consumption · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Use is an offence, with up to life on the statute book but treatment-oriented handling for young first offenders.
Legal access · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
No adult-use source. A 2019 law legalised medical cannabis, with pharmacy dispensing on specialist prescription.
History
More context not part of the score
The 2019 law allows a small number of licences to cultivate, import and export medical cannabis.
Prescription medical cannabis and low-THC CBD products.
Legal since 2019 for listed conditions such as chronic pain and cancer-related symptoms, prescribed by specialists; rollout has been slow.
A conviction is a criminal record; foreigners face deportation.
All sources
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