Norway Changes the Rules. This Is How Much Getting Caught with Drugs Will Cost
The Norwegian government has presented new penalty rates for the use and possession of small amounts of drugs. For drug use alone, a fine of 1,500 NOK is proposed. The project is part of an agreement on drug policy reform.
The changes are supported by a broad front, including opposition parties.
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In spring 2025, the Labour Party (Ap), Socialist Left Party (SV), Conservative Party (Høyre), and Liberal Party (Venstre) agreed on changes to drug policy. The main premise of the reform is to shift the focus from punishment to health assistance and further support. Drugs will remain illegal. However, the government wants milder responses in the least serious cases.
Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen from Ap announced that the government is implementing the part of the agreement concerning simplified fines. This applies to situations where a person is caught with a small amount of drugs for personal use. The fine can be accepted on the spot. In such cases, there will be no need for drug tests or other enforcement measures.
Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen from Ap announced that the government is implementing the part of the agreement concerning simplified fines. This applies to situations where a person is caught with a small amount of drugs for personal use. The fine can be accepted on the spot. In such cases, there will be no need for drug tests or other enforcement measures.
Drugs in Norway. Government Presents New Penalty Proposal
The government has prepared two versions of the regulations. Both will now go to consultation so organizations and interested parties can present their positions. In both proposals, the penalty for drug use is 1,500 NOK. Additional fines will apply to acquiring and possessing drugs for personal use.
The project covers, among others, cocaine, hashish, amphetamines, and other substances regulated by law. The government assumes that less serious offenses will generally result in a simplified fine. Accepting the fine will also have another effect: information about the case will not later appear on a police certificate of good conduct.
The project covers, among others, cocaine, hashish, amphetamines, and other substances regulated by law. The government assumes that less serious offenses will generally result in a simplified fine. Accepting the fine will also have another effect: information about the case will not later appear on a police certificate of good conduct.
Not all parties agree with the proposed liberalization of the regulations.Photo: Fotolia
New Regulations Sent for Consultation
Simplified fines will not apply to persons under 18 years of age. They will also not cover people with a serious drug problem or a clear need for health assistance related to substance use. In such cases, the police will conduct the case as a regular criminal proceeding. The government points out that people with extensive and serious drug problems will still be subject to unconditional exemption from prosecution or exemption from punishment.
The reform is causing political controversy. Jon Helgheim, the Progress Party (Frp) spokesperson for justice, assessed that the new regulations could facilitate drug sales and increase the market for criminal groups. Ingvild Wetrhus-Thorsvik, deputy leader of Venstre, presented the project as a step toward liberalizing drug policy. Her party points out that the ultimate goal remains full decriminalization and the principle of help instead of punishment.
The reform is causing political controversy. Jon Helgheim, the Progress Party (Frp) spokesperson for justice, assessed that the new regulations could facilitate drug sales and increase the market for criminal groups. Ingvild Wetrhus-Thorsvik, deputy leader of Venstre, presented the project as a step toward liberalizing drug policy. Her party points out that the ultimate goal remains full decriminalization and the principle of help instead of punishment.
The consultation deadline is set for October 1. As part of the reform, a separate 'Good Samaritan rule' is also to be analyzed, which would provide exemption from punishment when a person asks for help. Such a project is to be sent for consultation by spring 2027.
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