Drugs are classified as A, B or C according to their level of damage according to Cyprus Law.
Class A drugs is causing the most harm while Class C the less harm. The penalties for drug use in Cyprus can lead to life imprisonment for all classes, however a life term has never yet been imposed. Possession for personal use is regarded as a serious criminal offence.
Years of prison according to classification:
- Class A drugs – punishable by up to 12 years in prison
- Class B drugs – punishable by up to 8 years
- Class C drugs – punishable by up to 4 years
Drug rules in Cyprus over the years
In recent years, we have seen an inclination towards the application of alternative methods of punishment. In the pre-trial phase, especially for young drug offenders there is an alternative to prosecution and a protocol for leading young offenders to mental health services. In 2016, a new law was presented which allowed those accused of drug-related offences to apply for a treatment alternative.
In 2003, limits to the quantities allowed only for personal use were introduced; while possession of a quantity of a substance above the assigned limit may lead to the presumption that the person intended to sell the substance.
The limits include three or more cannabis plants, 30 g or more of cannabis or its products and 10 g or more of prepared cocaine or opium (or its derivatives).
Trafficking class A or B drugs may be punished by up to life in prison, while trafficking class C drugs carries a penalty of up to eight years’ imprisonment.
In 2011, Cyprus began implementing a generic approach to control various groups of substances. The procedure is supported by an ad hoc committee operating under the Cyprus National Addictions Authority, comprising experts from different public services.
On the date 15/2/2019, members of the Parliament approved the allowance of growing, importing, exporting, and for individuals to possess and use medical cannabis. The medical cannabis law made amendments to the Drugs and Psychotropic Substances law, which allows the import of cannabis seeds and cannabis plants for cultivation purposes, as well as regulating licenses to be issued.
For more information about the drug use in Cyprus please visit the Cyprus Country Drug Report of the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug addiction.
