Cannabis law in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: In Austria, cannabis falls under the Narcotic Substances Act (Suchtmittelgesetz). Possession, supply and growing for drug production are criminal offences, with prosecution for personal use possible to withdraw provisionally under § 35. No official source was read on public use, medical use or how the rules apply to visitors.

RuleWhat applies
Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adultCriminal offence [1]
Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adultNo lawful quantity: acquiring or possessing narcotic drugs contrary to the rules is an offence, and § 27 sets no minimum amount. For exclusively personal use the penalty is up to six months' imprisonment or a fine of up to 360 daily rates; prosecution can be provisionally withdrawn under § 35 SMG. [1]
Growing at homePersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adultProhibited [1]
Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified
Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified
VisitorsPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified
Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adultDriving or starting a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or narcotic drugs is prohibited (§ 5 Abs. 1 StVO). Administrative fine of EUR 800 to EUR 3,700 (§ 99 Abs. 1b StVO), with a substitute prison term of one to six weeks if unpaid. [2]

Notes

  • The text of § 27 SMG sets no minimum quantity. For an offence committed exclusively for personal use the penalty is imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to 360 daily rates. Under the conditions of § 35 SMG the public prosecutor provisionally withdraws from prosecution for a probation period of one to two years. Cannabis products are classed by the health ministry among the narcotic drugs (Suchtgifte) under the strictest controls.
  • The offence in § 27(1) no. 2 SMG covers growing the cannabis plant for the purpose of obtaining narcotic drugs.
  • § 27(1) no. 1 SMG makes it an offence to offer, hand over or procure narcotic drugs to another person. No licensed retail or club model was found.
  • Not confirmed from an official source read in this round.
  • Applies to impairment by alcohol or narcotic drugs (Suchtgift). Cannabis products are classed as narcotic drugs by the health ministry.

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes, RIS): Suchtmittelgesetz § 27 - Bundesrecht konsolidiert, tagesaktuelle Fassung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes, RIS): Straßenverkehrsordnung 1960 § 5 - Bundesrecht konsolidiert, tagesaktuelle Fassung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.