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Cannabis in Belgium is not fully legal. Federal criminal law and local enforcement together shape how possession, cultivation, sale and use are treated. In practice, possession of very small amounts for adult personal use is often handled less severely than large-scale trafficking, but it can still result in confiscation, fines, police reports and sometimes prosecution. Local police in Bree and the public prosecutor in Limburg apply national rules when deciding whether to issue a warning, a fine or pursue criminal charges. CBD and hemp products occupy a separate, evolving regulatory space with strict rules on THC content and product claims.
You may need specialist legal advice in many common situations related to cannabis law - especially if the police have intervened, if you face criminal or administrative sanctions, or if you are involved in a business dealing with cannabis or CBD products. A lawyer experienced in drug law can assess the strength of the case against you, advise on immediate steps to protect your rights, challenge improper police procedures or evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, represent you in court, and help with civil issues such as employment, housing or immigration consequences.
Typical scenarios where legal help is useful include - being stopped or searched by police, seizure of plants or products, charges for possession above the tolerated amount, allegations of supply or distribution, driving under the influence, workplace disciplinary or dismissal matters, difficulties obtaining prescribed medicinal cannabis, or regulatory compliance for CBD businesses.
Key points that apply in Bree - and across Belgium - include the following:
- Possession thresholds and enforcement: Belgian practice treats very small amounts of cannabis for personal use differently from larger amounts or commercial activity. Authorities often differentiate based on quantity, intent to distribute, and context. Possession of small amounts may lead to administrative measures rather than automatic criminal prosecution, but outcomes vary.
- Age limits: Adults under and over 18 are treated differently. Minors face juvenile justice procedures and typically different consequences than adults.
- Cultivation: Growing cannabis can be treated as evidence of supply if multiple plants or commercial equipment are involved. One small plant for personal use is sometimes tolerated in practice, but cultivation remains legally risky.
- Sale and trafficking: Supplying, selling or distributing cannabis is a criminal offence with substantial penalties - fines and imprisonment - and is taken seriously by prosecutors.
- CBD and hemp products: Low-THC CBD products are regulated separately. Products with hemp-derived CBD and very low THC are generally more tolerated, but rules on marketing, food use and novel-food approval are complex and enforced.
- Driving and public safety: Driving under the influence of drugs is an offence. Police use roadside saliva tests and follow-up blood tests. Penalties can include fines, license suspension and criminal charges if danger is shown.
- Local enforcement: Municipal and police practices in Bree follow federal law, but enforcement priorities and outcomes can differ by police zone and prosecutor. Administrative sanctions or diversion measures may be available in some cases.
No. Cannabis is not fully legal in Bree or Belgium. Small-scale personal possession is often treated less severely than trafficking, but it can still lead to confiscation, fines, police reports or prosecution depending on the circumstances.
Growing a single plant for personal use is sometimes tolerated in practice when the amount is clearly personal and the grow is small-scale. However cultivation can quickly attract criminal charges if authorities suspect supply or commercial intent. If police seize plants, consult a lawyer promptly.
Outcomes vary. Police may confiscate the substance and issue a report or fine. The public prosecutor decides whether to pursue charges. Factors include the exact quantity, whether you are a minor, where you were found, prior records and whether there is evidence of dealing.
Short custodial sentences are possible for more serious cases, particularly when quantities point to trafficking or if there are aggravating factors. For minor possession without aggravating elements, prosecution is less likely to lead to a prison sentence, but fines or other penalties remain possible.
Selling, distributing or importing cannabis is a criminal offence with significant penalties - including substantial fines and possible imprisonment. The severity depends on quantities, commercial structures, cross-border elements and prior convictions.
Yes. Employers can take disciplinary action if cannabis use affects the workplace - for instance causing safety risks, poor performance or violating company policies. A criminal record or ongoing prosecution can also affect employment, depending on the employer and sector.
Stay calm, provide identification when required, and avoid making self-incriminating statements. You have the right to ask for the reasons for the search and whether you are under arrest. If detained or if evidence is seized, request a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise on whether the search was lawful and on next steps.
Low-THC CBD products are widely available but subject to regulation. Products must meet rules on THC content, labeling, health claims and novel-food approval. The regulatory framework is complex and evolving, so commercial sellers and consumers should take care and seek advice in complex cases.
Certain cannabis-based medicines can be prescribed and are available under strict medical and regulatory conditions. Access is limited and tightly controlled. If you face denial of a prescribed therapy or need help navigating procedures, a lawyer or a medical specialist can help.
Yes. A conviction or even a police file can affect immigration, residency or naturalization processes and may have consequences for travel to other countries. Non-Belgian residents should get legal advice promptly if they face charges.
When seeking more information or assistance in Bree, consider contacting or consulting the following actors and services - local police for immediate public-safety matters, the public prosecutor's office in Limburg for procedural questions, the local municipality administration for regulatory inquiries, and the regional bar association for referrals to qualified lawyers.
For specialist help and information - consider national and regional organisations that work on drug policy, advice and healthcare - for example local addiction support services, De DrugLijn, Flemish expertise centres on drugs and alcohol, and national health and medicines regulators for questions about medicinal cannabis and CBD product regulation.
Finally, if you cannot afford a private lawyer, ask about legal aid through the local bar and municipal legal-aid services - pro-deo representation is available for people who qualify.
If you need legal assistance in Bree - take the following steps - gather and keep all documents and receipts related to the incident such as seizure reports, witness contacts and medical or laboratory reports; avoid making public or social-media statements about the incident; do not consent to questioning without a lawyer if you are unsure; contact a criminal defence lawyer with experience in cannabis and drug matters as soon as possible to arrange an initial consultation.
During the first meeting with a lawyer - bring your ID, any police documents, photos, and a clear timeline of events. Ask about the lawyer's experience with similar cases, likely outcomes, fees and legal-aid options. If a quick intervention is needed - such as filing immediate motions to recover property or challenging an unlawful search - your lawyer will explain urgent steps and likely timelines.
Getting advice early improves your ability to protect rights and explore options - whether that means negotiating diversion, contesting evidence, seeking alternative penalties, or preparing for trial. If you are unsure where to start, contact the local bar for a referral to a lawyer who handles cannabis and drug-related cases.
