Amsterdam got a great run. For many decades it was the go-to place for uk travelers looking for a cannabis-friendly getaway — close enough to visit, organized, and even the coffee shops were like attractions in themselves.
But 2025 will be a different story. The Netherlands has slowly tightened access to non residents. Amsterdam has prohibited public consumption in the Red Light District. And generally speaking, the entire experience has become more crowded, and transactional.
And meanwhile, Portugal has been growing into something else entirely.
This isn’t about finding the new Amsterdam. Portugal does not intend to be that. Rather, it offers something that is difficult to describe — a country with the most liberal drug laws in Europe, a climate that encourages slowing down, and a culture that seems to pair perfectly with the type of laid back and sensory rich experience that cannabis is perfect for.
What Portugal has to offer
Recreational cannabis is not legal in Portugal. However, it is decriminalized.
That is an important distinction. In 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to treat the possession of all drugs for personal use as a public health issue as opposed to a crime. That includes a fairly generous amount of cannabis. Specifically, there is no criminal penalty associated with possessing up to 25 grams of flowers or five grams of hashish. Under these circumstances, you are unlikely to receive anything greater than a minor administrative citation from a “dissuasion committee” which can suggest treatment or impose some minor penalties. The bottom line is that most police do not care about tourists carrying personal amounts.
The practical implications
That is a significant difference for someone traveling from the United Kingdom. It completely alters the nature of your vacation.
Cbd/Hemp laws in portugal
| Type of product | Legality in portugal | Availability to tourist | Location of purchase |
| Cbd oils/tincture | Yes | Yes | Hemp shops/pharmacies |
| Smoking Hemp flower (less than 0.2 THC) | Yes | Yes | Specific cbd shops |
| Cbd edibles | Yes (with caveats) | Yes | Hemp shops |
| Cannabis high THC | No | No | None available |
| Hash (personal use) | Decriminalized | Technically yes | No retail availability |
| Medicinal cannabis | Legal with Prescription | Only Prescription holders | Licensed pharmacies |
A comparative analysis of Amsterdam & portugal
If you’re looking for the coffee shop experience offered by Amsterdam (you can purchase and consume cannabis in licensed establishments), then Amsterdam is likely still your best bet. But keep in mind — there are several caveats to consider.
- Amsterdam, 2025: increased restriction on tourist entry by Dutch government → many areas now require proof of residence → ban on consuming cannabis in public in red light district → increasingly high cost of travel → peak season experience: crowds and commercialism
- Portugal, 2025: most progressive drug policy framework in Europe since 2001 → no criminal charges for personal amounts → lower cost of living (accommodation/food/drink) → warm climate all year round → world-Class food/wine/music culture → historic cities/Beaches/the Algarve within reach
Where to visit
Lisbon is the obvious starting point. Lisbon is a compact, pedestrian friendly city that offers incredible food, live fado music drifting through the streets of Alfama every evening, a plethora of rooftop bars throughout Bairro Alto and a truly relaxed social environment that allows visitors to enjoy Lisbon as a relaxing European capital over the course of a week. The cbd shop scene is established and plentiful in Lisbon.
Porto offers similar cultural experiences but at significantly lower price points and located approximately one hour north of the famous douro valley wine region. Less populated than Lisbon, Porto also appeals to tourists who have already spent time in Lisbon and wish to explore another less frequently visited location.
Faro/Lagos/Sagres represent distinct personality traits along the Algarve coast — ranging from resort towns to secluded cliffside villages where it is possible to disconnect fully from daily life.
Practical information for UK visitors
- Flights: direct flights are available from almost all major uk airports to both Lisbon and Porto with flight times averaging slightly less than three hours. Additionally, Budget airlines have made Portugal one of the most easily accessible European destinations from Great Britain.
- Do not bring cannabis from the UK. Regardless of the laws of your intended destination, importing cannabis into another country is a serious offense punishable under UK law. This rule applies without exception.
- Bring cbd products. Legally acquired cbd products purchased from uk retailers are allowed to be carried in hand baggage by travelers. Please check airline rules regarding oil-based cbd products, as they may fall under liquid restrictions.
- Act discreetly. Decriminalizing possession does not mean you can smoke openly without consequence. Consuming cannabis in tourist areas, around families or in enclosed public spaces could result in police intervention and fines.
- Do not deal with street sellers. Quality assurance is unknown as is the legality of dealing with street sellers, and the risks involved far outweigh purchasing legitimate cbd products that are widely available.
For readers currently in the UK, planning ahead is always better than relying on unknown street sellers abroad. Properloud offers a carefully selected range of THC products — including weed edibles, THC vapes, and other discreet products — for those who want a more reliable option before their trip. Browse the Properloud catalogue and choose products you can trust.
