A nationally representative survey of 1,113 Polish adults found 29.6% supported full recreational cannabis legalization while 39.6% favored depenalization, with support strongly associated with being male, younger, and urban.
Policy researchers, people interested in European cannabis legalization trends, and advocates tracking public opinion across different countries.
39.6% of Polish adults favor depenalization vs. 29.6% for full legalization
What the researchers found
Eight years after medical cannabis legalization in Poland, 29.6% supported full recreational legalization, 39.6% favored depenalization (legal possession up to 100g or 3 plants), and 18.7% perceived cannabis as easily accessible. Support was associated with male sex, younger age (18-29), urban residence, and higher economic status.
Why it matters
Poland legalized medical cannabis in 2017, and this is the first large-scale survey capturing where public opinion stands years later. The clear preference for depenalization over full legalization reveals a nuanced policy gradient relevant to other Central and Eastern European countries.
The numbers in context
1,113 respondents. 29.6% support full legalization. 39.6% favor depenalization. 18.7% perceive cannabis as easily accessible. 32.4% worry medical legalization leads to recreational use. Support strongest among males, ages 18-29, urban residents.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional nationwide computer-assisted web interviewing survey conducted July 11-13, 2025 with a representative sample of 1,113 Polish adults. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with attitudes toward legalization and depenalization.
What this study cannot tell us
Online survey may underrepresent older adults and those without internet access. Three-day data collection period is short. Self-reported attitudes may not predict actual behavior or voting preferences.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: nationally representative sample with appropriate statistical methods, though limited by online-only survey and brief data collection window.
When this study was published
Published 2026. Survey conducted July 2025.
The bigger picture
While Western European and North American cannabis policy discussions dominate the literature, this study provides a snapshot from Central Europe. The depenalization-over-legalization preference mirrors early-stage public opinion shifts seen in countries that later moved toward full legalization.
Questions still open
- How has Polish public opinion shifted since 2017 medical legalization? Will the strong youth support translate into policy change as this cohort ages? How do Polish attitudes compare to neighboring Czech or German populations?
Common questions
Do Polish people support cannabis legalization?
Who is most likely to support cannabis legalization in Poland?
Read the original research
A 2025 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey on Public Attitudes Toward the Legalization and Depenalization of Recreational Cannabis in Poland.
Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 32, e951939
Citation
Silczuk, Andrzej; Jankowski, Mateusz; Mularczyk-Tomczewska, Paulina; Olearczyk, Agata; Baran, Tomasz; Wrześniewska-Wal, Iwona; Grudziąż-Sękowska, Justyna; Gujski, Mariusz; Łoś, Magdalena. (2026). A 2025 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey on Public Attitudes Toward the Legalization and Depenalization of Recreational Cannabis in Poland.. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 32, e951939. https://doi.org/10.12659/MSM.951939