The cannabis industry has continued to experience shifts in the recent past, with a growing number of nations either decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana for medical and or/ personal use. With time people’s attitudes towards marijuana changed and scientific evidence points towards various advantages of marijuana more countries are legalizing cannabis. However, where have nations adopted this change, and in which nations are cannabis still prohibited?
This article shall review the legal countries, their laws, and regulations, as well as its giving or legal reasons for legalizing cannabis. This guide helps the cannabis-using adult planning their travel and the investor seeking information about the legalization of cannabis across the globe.
What Does it Mean When Cannabis is Legal?
But first, to break the ground that concerns the subject, let’s decipher what the legalization of cannabis means. By main type, legalization means the act of legalizing cannabis for medical, recreational, or both purposes. It is important for those countries, where cannabis is legal, clients can freely buy, carry, and use the products without violation of the laws.
But, the legalization of cannabis remains up and down in each country. Some countries have fully legalized marijuana while others have only legalized medical marijuana under several conditions while others still have completely banned marijuana.
Well, which countries have adopted the new cannabis legalization policies, and which ones still retain the stricter policies? Let’s take a closer look.
Legal Status for Recreational Use of Marijuana
1. Canada: The first years of marijuana being legalized
Canada legalized cannabis for use by adults in 2018 making it the second country globally to do so after Uruguay. Under the Cannabis Act, persons of legally acceptable age, 18 years and above, can now legally use cannabis both for medical use and for pleasure.
Regulations in Canada:
- The quantity that counts is still 30 grams of dried cannabis per adult for use in public places.
- It can be bought from regulatory marijuana shops or through the Internet.
- Residents may legally grow four plants in their households.
Why Should Canada Be Considered As The Global Leader In Cannabis Legalization?
The legalization of cannabis in Canada was a result of the intention to control the market for the substance, bring the subsector out of the illicit activity, and the need to possibly generate income through taxation. The country has since followed this path as a benchmark for other nations that would wish to emulate this similar policy.
- Uruguay: The First Country to Legalize Cannabis
2. Uruguay: The First Country to Legalize Cannabis
Uruguay got into the history books in 2013 when it became the first country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Under the Cannabis Law, residents are permitted to purchase cannabis from local pharmacies; cultivate it at home; or become members of cannabis clubs. Even though recreational use of cannabis is allowed, only people of Uruguay and individuals with permanent residency in the country can legally buy cannabis.
Regulations in Uruguay:
- The adult can use cannabis in limited quantities and for this purpose, the government has set a quota for purchase up to 40 grams per month.
- Cannabis production and marketing are the responsibility of the government.
The law permits the growing of up to six plants at home.
Legalization of cannabis: why did Uruguay do it? Uruguay’s legalization was primarily aimed at curbing the issue of the black market, and violence related to the drug cartel. When controlling cannabis the government intended to restore the safety of the users and regulate the growth and sale of cannabis.
3. The Netherlands: Most of you will probably know Maroko from its Cannabis Coffeeshops.
The manufacture, sale, and use of cannabis is not legal in The Netherlands but coffee shops that sell the herb and other related products are allowed to operate under certain conditions. In the Netherlands, the government permits people to possess up to 5 grams of cannabis for consumptive use.
Regulations in The Netherlands:
- Cannabis is sold in licensed coffee shops and this selling is well-controlled.
- Public consumption is prohibited, however, consumption in specific places is allowed.
- One is permitted to grow up to five plants for home use.
How come Cannabis is Allowed in the Netherlands? The Dutch approach to substances has been liberal for a long time regarding marijuana as a “soft” drug. The country wants to distinguish the Marijuana market from other dangerous commodities as well as protect the health of consumers.
Places Where Marijuana is Legal for Medical Purposes
Places Where Marijuana is Legal for Medical Purposes
1. Germany: Paving the Way in Cannabis for Medical Use
Medical cannabis was legalized in Germany in 2017, and the country soon emerged as one of the largest cannabis markets in Europe. The country has adopted a system, where patients diagnosed with certain diseases like chronic pain among others, can access cannabis through prescriptions.
Regulations in Germany:
- Currently, medical cannabis is prescribed only from a pharmacy by a registered medical practitioner.
- Consumers can be provided with the Flowers, extracts, and oil of the cannabis plant.
- Most insurance companies provide medical cannabis for people with certain medical conditions.
Why is Medical Cannabis Legal in Germany – Marijuana: Medical, Scientific, Commercial and Clinical Significance of Cannabis and its Derivatives in Germany Germany legalized medical marijuana after research that proved the drug useful in circumstances such as multiple sclerosis and cancer. The country sees marijuana as medicine for people with chronic conditions.
2. Australia: A Developing Market for Medical Marijuana
Australia has come a long way in moving towards the legalization of medical marijuana. Since the beginning of 2016, those patients, who need cannabis as a part of their treatment, can get it with the prescription. The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme enables patients to get cannabis products for medical purposes from approved manufacturers.
Regulations in Australia:
- Cannabis is legal for use provided the doctor has recommended it for such diseases as chronic pain and epilepsy.
- The patients may have to obtain government permission to gain access to it and they can only engage the drugs through licensed suppliers.
- For medical use, personal cultivation is prohibited.
As stated in this article, Medical Cannabis is legal in Australia but How is a question that begs an answer. The legalization of medical cannabis in Australia was informed by the discovery of the medicinal value of cannabis.
The government seeks to give patients an improved safer and effective solution to the normal medications, especially for those diseases that are usually treated using medications that do not work.
3. Israel: One of the early movers in medical cannabis researchquotelev
The following are other examples of early movers in medical cannabis research :
Medical cannabis is one of the most developed in Israel and has been called a pioneer of medical cannabis research. The country legalized medical cannabis in 1999 and in the subsequent years has extended the opportunity to patients with progressive diseases.
Regulations in Israel:
- Some of the illnesses that are treated with cannabis include; cancer, PTSD, and chronic pain.
- Cultivation and distribution are controlled by the government through dispensing to licensed medical practitioners.
- Some patients are permitted to cultivate for home use with the required special permission.
Why is Israel a Leader in Medical Cannabis? Israel has been involved in cannabis research for many years with organizations such as the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology leading research on the medical use of cannabis.
Due to the country’s research emphasis on evidence-based research, the country has made way for all-governing medical cannabis programs.
Countries where Cannabis is Legal for both Medical and Recreational use
1. United States: A Patchwork of Cannabis Laws
In America, it is legal to use marijuana for medical purposes, and for personal use in several states, while on a federal level, it is still prohibited. Currently, 23 states and Washington D.C. are compliant with recreational cannabis use and 38 with medical cannabis use.
Notable States Where Cannabis is Legal:
- California: Legal for medical use only but in some states, it is legal for both medical and recreational use.
- Colorado: One of the first states that has adopted legalization of recreational cannabis back in 2012.
- New York: Michigan legalized recreational marijuana in 2021.
Regulations in the U.S.:
- The legal age to buy recreational marijuana depends on the state but may be 21.
- The Bureau of Cannabis Control regulates the cultivation, sales, and taxation of cannabis.
- Some common medical marijuana is used for illnesses such as chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and anxiety.
Why do the laws restricting the use of cannabis vary from one state to another, and what should their difference signify to the US society? Marijuana in the United States is a federally legal substance, and each state is a separate jurisdiction or has a legal system of its own. While more states voted in favor of legalizing the drug, the federal government has not stepped in to support full legalization.
Places Where Marijuana is Still Banned
Despite more and more countries legalizing the use of cannabis, several countries prohibited it. Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Japan are some of the countries that have tough legal measures on those involved in cannabis possession, and its use.
- Singapore: Cannabis is prohibited and anyone found with it, whatever amount could face severe punishments, and in some countries, it can be the death penalty.
- Saudi Arabia: Cannabis is prohibited, and the possession, use, sale, and distribution of the substance attract very severe punishments.
- Japan: It is unlawful to use marijuana and anybody found wanting for this is liable to be imprisoned and or fined heavily.
Why Do Some Countries Continue to Ban Cannabis?
Ian Potvin states that nations that continue to criminalize cannabis use argue that it leads to various problems of health, dependency, and order. Most of these nations also have moral grounds concerning marijuana and are unlikely to approve the use of Marijuana.
Other Countries Where Cannabis is Legal: A Global Overview
As the progress in this area goes on, some countries of the world are legalizing the use of cannabis in one way or another, which means it is becoming much easier for people either living in this or visiting a certain state, to get cannabis for medical or recreational use.
Below you will find other counties where cannabis is legal or legal for medical use whereas some are legal up to some extent where it has been decriminalized, providing a wide variety of opportunities for those in search of cannabis and touring.
Mexico
Mexico only started its cannabis legalization process in 2021 when the country’s Supreme Court declared prohibition unlawful. It is important to help the government in the development of legal corridors that will enable legal sale and consumption.
- Key Facts: Although individual use is now technically legal, full-scale recreational legalization has not yet been completed. Cannabis for medical purposes is legal, however, different rules could apply to it.
- Why It’s Popular: By being in close proximity to the United States and experiencing a steadily rising market, Mexico is an important player in this area.
- Interesting Trend: The Mexican cannabis market is anticipated to grow rapidly; especially, as legal marijuana use for medical purposes rises.
Jamaica
Proud of its marijuana-related history, Jamaica has made cannabis legalization a notable step forward and legalized medical marijuana.
- Key Facts: While cannabis is legal and can be purchased in dispensaries for tourists, residents are allowed to grow up to six plants.
- Why It’s Popular: Marijuana tourists flock to the island of Jamaica mainly because of its culture and relaxed environment.
- Interesting Trend: The government also continues spending money on cannabis-based wellness products which has opened up new markets.
South Africa
South Africa was in the news in 2018 after the country’s Constitutional Court legalized recreational marijuana use in private settings. It has since come up with legislation for medical marijuana.
- Key Facts: Now, South African adults may cultivate marijuana for their use, and medicinal marijuana is legal under the condition that one has a prescription.
- Why It’s Popular: As already discussed, the legalization of cannabis in South Africa has set the pace in the African continent after a groundbreaking decision.
- Interesting Trend: This is because the expansion of the cannabis growing and exportation business is considered economically viable for the country.
Portugal
While in Portugal all drugs including cannabis have been legalized, the action of possessing and consuming the substance is not punishable by criminal law. So the sales of cannabis are still prohibited.
Key Facts: Although one caught with a small quantity of cannabis may be detained and made to pay a fine or undergo treatment, an offender cannot legally consume cannabis in public.
Why It’s Popular: Unlike other countries that are advocating for an end to prohibition, Portugal’s approach is slightly different: harm reduction.
Interesting Trend: Portuguese reform activists have slowly turned up the pressure in their efforts to expand cannabis legalization to other areas of the country over the past few years.
Spain
While cannabis is prohibited in Spain, it means that possession and growing of the plant for recreational purposes is allowed. The other type of cannabis club also exists whereby members are allowed to grow and use cannabis legally.
- Key Facts: In the country, there are cannabis social clubs that allow its growth and distribution to members but there are no legal sales into the market.
- Why It’s Popular: Since the liberalization and legalization for personal and cultivation purposes, Spaniards and tourists can use it in a social and private arena.
- Interesting Trend: Cannabis consumption has continued to rise in Spain with this pushing the concerned authority to fully legalize the substance.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Cannabis is consumed legally in many countries for medical purposes, recreational use, or both. Canada, Uruguay, and some states in America have led the way regarding cannabis legalization while Germany and Australia are among the countries advancing nicely in medical cannabis.
It was said that the future for the legalization of cannabis seems bright because other countries may also join in the legalization of one of the three major drugs in the upcoming years. Do you want to know where cannabis is legal for medicinal and leisure use in your area? Or do you fancy touring a country that now allows the use of cannabis?
Due to the growth of the market, the activities in the cannabis sector are legalized around the globe, therefore it is beneficial to be aware of the legal reforms for personal and investing uses.