A drug user risks a one-year prison sentence and/or a fine of up to 3,750 euros for consuming drugs and may have to pay to participate in a compulsory awareness course about the dangers of narcotics.

Being caught in possession of drugs, even in small quantities, and manufacturing drugs (for example growing a marijuana plant at home) are considered by the legal system as being akin to drug usage and are therefore punishable offences.

Two laws complement the 1970 legislation and concern dealers (selling-users or trafficking-users). Judicially they risk stricter sentences unless they denounce their accomplice or supplier. They are also excluded from the healthcare alternative.

Prosecutors can also force a drug user, even one who is under-age, to get addiction treatment. This therapeutic injunction brings legal proceedings to a stop.

http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/06/d...cannabis-usage