Global Cannabis Laws: An Exploration of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, and mankind has used it for medicinal, recreational, and industrial products. It's one of the most divisive subjects across the world with its legality sparking debates despite its long history. 

Let's face it — no one raises an eyebrow when a person dies from liver failure after years of abusing alcohol. “Oh, he loved his vodka too much!” they say and raise a toast in his memory, which is ironic, to say the least. 

On the other hand, a plant that has never killed a single person is labeled as the mother of evil. From fighting chronic pain to anxiety and insomnia, it helps in a myriad of ways. Sure, you get those bad trips where time passes by at a glacial pace and you feel like you can't breathe. You might even mistake a bird for a UFO when you've consumed a particularly strong concentrate; however, these effects pass by and don't affect you too much in the long term. Still, many people still give you the side eye when they realize you've just smoked a blunt. 

However, let's give credit where it's due. Countries like Canada have embraced it completely whereas you could get thrown into jail for many years just for growing a few sickly plants in some countries. It's a travesty, but we hope things will change soon. 

Let's stop treating cannabis like the bad guy in a cheap soap opera. When society can celebrate an alcoholic drink that is loaded with health risks, surely, the same goes for cannabis which does not send anyone six feet under. As more nations follow Canada, maybe we'll look back and shake our heads and laugh at how we got so backward. For now, let's continue to push for fairness and roll our eyes every time someone talks about the perils of cannabis. 

In this article, you'll see that while some have legalized marijuana completely for medicinal and recreational purposes, other countries have strict punishments for even small amounts too. The legality of cannabis varies due to cultural, political, and economic factors. Gradually, the Netherlands is becoming less relevant to progressive cannabis policies. Reform is starting to happen in North America and Europe too.

Let's take a look at the varied laws of cannabis legalization all over the world:

Why Does Cannabis Legalization Vary Across Countries?

Cannabis is not legal across the globe and there are many reasons for this, including historic, geo-political, and cultural factors that play a role. Let's take a quick look at them:

• Cultural Attitude

Society has different views on cannabis. In nations like India, cannabis has spiritual and cultural significance, resulting in more lenient attitudes, although it's not legal in every state. On the flip side, cannabis is heavily stigmatized in conservative areas like the Middle East.

• Historical Context

Modern cannabis laws reflect history and colonial influences. During the 20th century, many nations adopted stringent cannabis laws because of international treaties and campaigns like the “War on Drugs.” spearheaded by U.S. agreements such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which have historically limited cannabis use globally. Some countries have begun to deviate from these frameworks, while others remain constrained by commitments. Ironically, cannabis produces so much revenue for the US government that they are certainly not complaining now. 

• Economic Considerations

Countries with weak economies are now seeing cannabis legalization as a source of tax revenue and tourism. This doesn't mean that countries that are economically stable will ignore cannabis because they also garner more revenue while focusing on the positive aspects of cannabis.  

Legal Status of Cannabis Around the World

We can't talk about every country in the world — you'll need a book for that. However, we have listed some countries that love cannabis and others that abhor it. We have segregated the countries according to the continents. Let's take a look at them:

1. North America

Canada

Canada has become a world leader in cannabis reform and on October 17, 2018, became the second nation in the world to legalize cannabis for recreational use through their Cannabis Act. This law created a strong regulatory framework that controlled the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis. The legislation enables adults to possess and cultivate cannabis within set limits.

Medical Use

• Since 2001, medical cannabis has been legal in Canada under various regulations, including Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) and Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR).
• Patients require a prescription from a healthcare provider to access cannabis through licensed producers.
• Medical cannabis is used for a variety of ailments, including, but not limited to, chronic pain, anxiety, and MS.

Recreational Use

• Cannabis is fully legal at the federal level and can be regulated, with adults allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or the equivalent in public.
• Adults can grow up to 4 plants at home provided they use them only for personal use, but this may differ depending on the province's rules.

Like most countries, each province and territory has its own rules about cannabis, even if it is legal federally. 

• Quebec prohibits people from growing cannabis plants but it is being challenged in court.
• Manitoba requires a permit if you want to grow at home, which means it's an extra step for growers. 
• Famous for its cannabis culture, British Columbia has a superb retail network that includes stores run by the government and private companies. 
• In Alberta, it is okay to smoke in public places where smoking tobacco is allowed but you cannot consume cannabis near schools, playgrounds, and hospitals.

Challenges and Considerations

Canada's framework is a useful model for other nations but they will do well if they iron out some challenges. 

• Even after legalization, people still buy cannabis from black markets as they are cheaper. 
• They need campaigns to inform consumers about being responsible and not overusing cannabis in any form and they need to focus more on young adults.
• Different laws from different provinces confuse both consumers and businesses.

As cannabis reform in Canada has been front-page news becoming a global trend, it can help other countries' policies. As the industry moves forward, cannabis research, development, and regulation will grow in Canada.

United States

Rules and regulations surrounding cannabis are unique in the USA. The federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. As a result, states have enacted a wide variety of cannabis policies. The lack of federal law gives the states the right to enforce their own laws.

Cannabis is recognized under federal law as a Schedule I drug, the same as heroin and LSD, making all forms of cannabis illegal for any use. As a result, the challenge from the Federal government prohibits interstate commerce, banking, and research for cannabis business even if it's legal in the state.

However, various bills such as the MORE Act and SAFE Banking Act have been introduced and they try to deal with the issues of decriminalization and other issues.

State Categories

Legal for Recreational and Medical Use

• States such as California, Colorado, Oregon, New York, and Illinois have legalized cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. However, each state imposes its own limits on possession and limit cultivation. For example, in California, adults can carry one ounce of weed and grow six plants per house whereas Colorado permits adults to have a maximum of one ounce of marijuana and to grow six plants at one time, three of which can be flowering.

Legalized states also control the supply chain. In addition, they control the distribution of licenses to dispensaries, labs, and cultivation facilities. So, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to guess that the states that have made cannabis legal will end up with full pockets. For example, California collected a whopping $1 billion in taxes in 2022 alone! 

Legal for Medical Use Only

• States like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas let you use cannabis only for medical purposes under tight rules.
• People with a doctor's recommendation can access medical cannabis in Florida for conditions like chronic pain and epilepsy.
• Texas only allows low-THC cannabis oil for conditions like epilepsy and PTSD.
• Most states with only medical cannabis allow only specific product types (e.g. oils, tinctures, or capsules) and usually ban smoking cannabis flower.

Decriminalized States

North Carolina and Minnesota have lowered penalties for people who possess small amounts of cannabis. People might not go to jail, but they could pay fines or do community service.

In North Carolina, being caught with up to 0.5 ounces will give you a fine. In Minnesota, possessing 42.5 grams and above is a petty offense with a $200 fine. Decriminalization lowers pressure on the criminal justice system but it does not mean marijuana usage and sale will be legalized.

Fully Prohibited States

States like Idaho, Kansas, and Nebraska, have a blanket ban on all use, possession, and sale of cannabis. Possessing even small quantities can incur harsh penalties, including possible jail time.

Some prohibition states allow low-THC CBD oil under limited circumstances and only for a few medical conditions, but generally speaking, even those programs are tightly restricted. 

In the future, you can expect more states to embrace cannabis. After all, the cannabis industry is expected to bring in $45 billion by 2025 in the USA. Legalized states have produced thousands of jobs in cultivation, processing, and retail. In addition, the people are in favor of it — and rightly so — where recent polls suggest that over 68% of Americans voted in favor of legalizing cannabis. 

Mexico

Mexico is on the verge of becoming a big player in the international cannabis world, thanks to a series of legal developments. Still, there are quite a few challenges they will have to overcome to create a proper regulatory framework.

In 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that the prohibition of recreational cannabis was unconstitutional, thus allowing people to use it without fear. Lawmakers had to come up with rules for adult use. However, the parliament is said to ‘deliberately' stall, despite the ruling and states that it will create a legal framework concerning recreational cannabis use.

Adults in Mexico can possess only 28 grams of cannabis without having to worry about legal consequences. If they exceed this amount, they can be fined or sued. The Supreme Court has permitted individuals to apply for permits for cultivating cannabis for personal use; however, a system for granting these permits is not yet in place as sales of commercial products are not regulated by law. 

Since 2017, the cannabis plant has been legalized in the country with regulations regarding its cultivation, production, and distribution for medical cannabis. However, bureaucratic obstacles and the absence of a robust infrastructure limit access to medical cannabis.

With a population of over 130 million and a climate that's suitable for cannabis growth, Mexico has the potential to be one of the largest markets in the world. Due to its geography, cannabis can be grown at a low cost in Mexico, putting it in a healthy place in the game, not to mention that it has the potential to generate a billion dollars every year and create thousands of jobs in farming, processing, and retail.

2. South America

Uruguay

In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize cannabis for recreational use. To reduce drug trafficking and personal use and promote public health, the government controls how cannabis is grown, sold, and distributed. Adults 18 years and older may purchase cannabis from pharmacies, grow up to 6 plants for personal use, or share production in cannabis clubs.

Medical use is also legal for the use of regulated products for different conditions. Only residents of Uruguay can legally purchase cannabis; sales to tourists are prohibited. Uruguay's model focuses on regulation rather than commercialization of the cannabis market.

Argentina

In recent years, Argentina has adopted progressive cannabis policies, especially for medical use. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2017 and patients can access cannabis products via a government program. In 2020, legislation was broadened to allow home growing for registered patients. You cannot legally buy weed for recreational use, but you won't be arrested for having some. Argentina is also examining industrial business possibilities surrounding hemp and utilizing its agricultural expertise.

Brazil

Brazil's cannabis laws are still restrictive although there have been some incremental developments, especially regarding medical cannabis.

Since 2015, it has been allowed for patients to use cannabis-based medications for specific conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain. Growing crops for medical purposes is forbidden; you can import products from other countries although it can be super expensive. 

Using cannabis recreationally is strictly illegal and possessing it will invite penalties like community service and education programs instead of jail time. In fact, Brazil has a conservative view towards recreational cannabis whereas medical cannabis is more accepted. 

Colombia

Colombia has gained notoriety for being an important cannabis producer because its climate and medical cannabis laws are accommodating when it comes to this popular plant.

Cannabis has been legal for medical use since 2015 and cannabis products are regulated for cultivation, production, and export. Suffice it to say that Columbia is among the biggest medical cannabis exporting countries.

Coming to recreational use, you can possess up to 20 grams without any issues and you can even cultivate up to 20 plants for personal use. But, it's still not legal to sell.

A lot of countries are promoting the Industrial Hemp as a money-making opportunity along with the incentives for production, and export. Colombia can benefit from the cannabis industry on the international stage but recreational legalization is still debated. 

Other Countries

• Chile: In Chile, it is legal to cultivate cannabis for personal medical use. Cops will not arrest you for having or smoking cannabis. However, you cannot sell it.
• Peru: In Peru, the legalization took place in 2017, but they have a limited framework for production and distribution. Recreational cannabis remains illegal.
• Ecuador: Ecuador did away with the criminalization of small amounts of cannabis; however, there's no law allowing for recreational or medical use.
• Paraguay: In 2019, Paraguay green-lighted medical cannabis but lacks a system to actually access the medicine. Recreational cannabis remains illegal.
• Bolivia: Bolivia's cannabis use is vastly restricted, without any significant reforms.

3. Europe

Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for cannabis. However, it does not fully legalize it! Interesting, huh?

It's okay to have up to 5 grams for your own use, and you can buy it in special shops, but since wholesale and production are illegal, this creates a quandary. The use of cannabis in pharmacies is legal and regulated for patients under treatment. As of now, new pilot programs to control cannabis cultivation and supply are in the pipeline. 

Germany

Germany is the dominant player in Europe's medical cannabis market. Since 2017, patients have been able to use cannabis as long as they have prescriptions covered by insurance. 

Coming to recreational use, plans for some limited legalization are now underway, including personal possession and cultivation at home. Germany attracts global cannabis companies, which brings a lot of money to the economy.

Poland

In Poland, medical cannabis is legal, but recreational cannabis is not. Cannabis has been legal to use medically since 2017, with imported cannabis dispensed through pharmacies to registered patients. 

Using it for fun is illegal, and even a little bit brings penalties. However, public support for broader cannabis reform is increasing.

Denmark

Denmark is taking a cautious approach to cannabis reform as it focuses on medical use and pilot programs. Since 2018, you can get prescriptions for certain medical conditions as part of a trial. 

Using cannabis for fun is banned in Copenhagen. But there is a semi-tolerated cannabis market in Christiania. Ultimately, it's safe to say that Denmark is developing a strong cannabis cultivation industry.

Spain

Spain uses a unique model in its approach to cannabis: the cannabis social club.

They are pretty chill when it comes to recreational use as you're allowed for personal use and home growing. Cannabis members can grow or consume in a cannabis social club. 

Although cannabis isn't formally regulated, it's tolerated in practice. So much so that some of the world's biggest cannabis events are held in Spain each year. Though cannabis social clubs do not officially allow tourists, many exist in this gray area.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the first European country to have a pilot project to develop its adult-use market. It's no longer a crime to have a small amount or grow a plant to use. In addition, testing is underway for pilot projects geared towards legal cannabis sales as it's legal and easily obtainable. Also, Switzerland is a well-known player in the export of hemp-derived CBD products worldwide.

Other Countries

Italy: It is decriminalized for personal use, with discussions for legalization ongoing. Although you can use medical cannabis legally, it is limited. 

France: France has firm rules, yet tests for medical cannabis are underway.

Portugal: Portugal has decriminalized all drugs including cannabis (we don't really consider it a drug, though, as it has a negative connotation)  for personal use focusing on harm reduction.

Czech Republic: In the Czech Republic, medical marijuana is allowed and small possession is decriminalized.

4. Asia

Thailand

In a region where cannabis laws are usually strict and unyielding, Thailand has created ripples by becoming the first Asian nation to approve cannabis for medical use and decriminalize it for limited recreational use.  By moving ahead with a regulatory framework on cannabis, the country has positioned itself as a regional leader in cannabis reform, providing new opportunities in medicine, tourism, and agriculture. 

Thailand's use of cannabis in health care is most certainly revolutionary. In 2018, cannabis was legalized for medical purposes, and in 2022, it was expanded. Cannabis now forms a part of Thailand's traditional medicine, a sector that is deeply ingrained in Thailand's history and culture. Clinics all over Thailand offer cannabis treatment for all sorts of diseases. 

But, before you get too excited, remember that recreational cannabis hasn't been legalized yet, although possession and use are decriminalized if it's within the limits. The authorities are working to clarify the rules on what people will be allowed to do in public, how sales will be handled, and what sort of advertising will be permitted. You should also remember that smoking cannabis in public places is still risky and may incur fines. 

Thailand is using its perfect climate and agriculture knowledge to be the cannabis market hub around the world. From cannabis wellness-infused products to ‘weed tours', the nation is taking the plunge to indulge in cannabis tourism. It wants to be one of the world's top sellers of medical-grade cannabis to other countries.

Essentially, Thailand's progressive stance on cannabis is a beacon of change in a region where such reforms are often considered taboo. It's safe to say that the country could be the top cannabis producer in just a few years, as long as they don't make any changes to the rules. There are rumors that they can make it illegal again, but time will tell. 

India

Cannabis has been a part of India's history since ancient times and it is interwoven with spirituality, culture, and traditions. Even though it has been related to religious rituals and folk medicine for a long time, its actual use has been restricted by law, and the contradiction exists. 

Under the NDPS Act of 1985, cannabis cultivation, possession, and use are generally prohibited; there are, however, specific exceptions to the rules. For example, bhang, a drink made from cannabis, is legally consumed in many Indian states. Bhang, which is found in government-approved shops and is special during festivals like Holi, shows India's liberal approach to cannabis. While smoking weed is illegal and punishable, enjoying a bhang lassi at festive times is permitted and welcomed.

Japan

Japan is famous for its rich culture, discipline, and technology. However, Japan is also known for the uncompromisingly strict nature of its cannabis culture. It has a very tough cannabis regime that has come about due to years of strict regulation and has very little allowance for recreational and medical use of cannabis. In fact, it has one of the toughest cannabis laws in entire Asia. 

Japan has banned people from using cannabis for recreational purposes as per the Cannabis Control Act of 1948. This was a law that was introduced almost immediately after the war during American occupation. Getting caught with even a few grams, growing, or sharing cannabis can result in serious punishments. You could face 5 years in jail for simply having some or up to 10 years for growing or selling. Police come down hard on every little thing, and there's a huge stigma around the use of cannabis. 

In this nation, people pride themselves on being orderly; using drugs of any kind is seen as a major sin. Also, government propaganda linking cannabis to crime and social decay has reinforced a cultural attitude in the voters' neighborhoods. Interestingly, Japan used to plant hemp for textiles, ropes, and other ceremonial uses in the Shinto region — a stark contrast to today. 

That said, things are a little brighter with medical cannabis. Until recently, it was completely illegal in Japan, but current global trends and rising awareness of cannabis' medical benefits have stimulated a conversation. In 2022, Japanese officials began discussions on the use of medical cannabis for epilepsy and other conditions. The talks are tentative yet important as they are unprecedented. 

China

China has many contrasts, especially concerning its cannabis laws. Although it enacts some of the toughest anti-cannabis legislation globally, it is also one of the largest industrial hemp producers — a mindset that values economic advantage while taking a hard line on recreational and medical use. Presently, China now produces more than 50% of the world's hemp. Additionally, although CBD (cannabidiol) is illegal in China, the country produces huge amounts of the substance for export markets where it is legal.  

China is very strict with cannabis usage. Under the Narcotics Control Law of the country, the use, possession, cultivation, or trafficking of cannabis is illegal. Those who break the law can face some serious penalties, which can be a fine, jail term, or even death penalty if it is a large-scale trafficking case! 

Law enforcement is strict and conducts drug tests and crackdowns, especially in international borders that are considered trafficking risk areas. If foreign nationals are caught with cannabis, they may get deported and banned for life.

China does not permit using cannabis to treat medical patients like many countries. The government is very clear that cannabis can be detrimental to your health and offers no benefits despite mounting evidence of the plant's abilities. 

Other Countries

South Korea: In South Korea, medical use is allowed for limited conditions, while recreational use is illegal.

Israel: Leading in cannabis research, with robust medical cannabis programs.

Philippines: The Philippines has strict drug laws including cannabis.

5. Africa

South Africa

In 2018, the Constitutional Court of South Africa made news for decriminalizing the use and cultivation of cannabis. Although this decision is celebrated as a major win for cannabis reform in Africa, the country still faces regulatory and social challenges.

First off, you can use cannabis only in private as it's punishable to do so in public places. Commercial sales are not allowed, which creates a grey area for people wanting to purchase cannabis legally. And, due to the absence of a legal sales framework, it has reduced the growth of a legal market leaving many users dependent on illegal sales of cannabis.

Though you can legally access cannabis for therapeutic purposes in South Africa, doing so is still very difficult. A licensed medical doctor must give patients a prescription, and use is limited to certain conditions approved by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. 

In South Africa, cannabis which is commonly referred to as “dagga”, has been used traditionally and culturally. Many communities receive affirmation of their traditional use of cannabis, thanks to the 2018 ruling. Yet, cannabis use still has a stigma surrounding it, especially in ervative circles. 

Morocco

If you're a regular cannabis user, you've definitely heard of Moroccan hash. For a long time, Morocco has been a big producer of hash, which is known as the world's finest. 

However, although cannabis is cultivated and used widely in Morocco, recreational cannabis is illegal in the country. Authorities still impose heavy fines for the possession, consumption, and sale of cannabis outside legal structures.

Remember, this is a country where cannabis is entrenched in the cultural history, especially in the Rif Mountains where small-scale farming of cannabis is a way of living, yet cannabis is illegal. 

Having said that, in 2021, Morocco made history by legalizing the use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. The reforms regulate the growing, processing, and selling of cannabis for approved use. 

Morocco wants to change the cannabis industry from a business that is illegal to one that is legal. The transition to legal production may create jobs in cultivation, processing, and export, especially in long-marginalized areas like the Rif Mountains.

Lesotho

Lesotho, a small landlocked country in southern Africa, appeared in the news headlines on several occasions in 2017 due to its legalization of the cultivation of cannabis. Lesotho's introduction of cannabis as a legal agricultural product has catapulted it to the forefront of Africa's cannabis sector. 

At first, Lesotho allowed cannabis for medical purposes which led to the production and export of high-quality cannabis products. Regulations have allowed for the controlled cultivation of cannabis, which is used medically around the world.

The new laws in Lesotho have also caught the eye of big international pharmaceutical and cannabis companies from Canada, Europe, and Israel. However, the cannabis that is grown in Lesotho is mostly for export to Europe and North America. Unfortunately, local patients have very little access to medical cannabis products as most of the production is for international use.

The good news is that Lesotho's early involvement in cannabis has laid the groundwork for sustainable growth; however, challenges must be tackled if the industry is to benefit the country's people fairly. They must enable small farmers to access the legal market to create opportunities for equitable growth.

And, they must also make it easily accessible to those in need instead of focusing only on exporting it. To be fair, Lesotho has achieved a lot but the industry has many problems.

Other Countries

• Zimbabwe legalized the growing of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018 while Malawi recently lifted the ban on the growing of industrial hemp and cannabis for medical purposes.
• Cannabis is illegal and punishable by law in Nigeria.

6. Oceania

Australia

Australia has become an increasingly progressive country in the case of medical cannabis. It is legal throughout the country with greater access for patients. Even recreational use is gaining traction in some areas such as the Australian Capital Territory although it's illegal in the other areas. 

New Zealand

New Zealand is very cautious about cannabis but a contested push is on for full legalization of recreational use. After several ups and downs, public debate on cannabis reforms is breathing and alive again.

In 2020, New Zealand legalized medical cannabis under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, which created a regulated framework for patients and producers. People who suffer from chronic or debilitating diseases can use cannabis, provided they have prescriptions from their physicians. 

The scheme encourages domestic production, which helps in making the country self-reliant and less dependent on others for medicinal cannabis. However, patients have difficulty accessing cannabis products due to high prices and availability issues.

Also, in 2020, there was a vote on whether to allow people to use cannabis — an important event in its history. The proposal was narrowly voted against with 50.7% against and 48.4% in favour. The measure sought the legalization of cannabis for adults aged twenty years old and older to have possession, personal cultivation, and licensed sales.

The results highlight a divided public, with generational splits and urban/rural divides influencing the results. Although the referendum did not pass, which was a blow to advocates, it did keep cannabis reform in the spotlight, igniting communication regarding the benefits of legalization.

Even though New Zealand has not legalized cannabis yet, the medical cannabis industry that already exists and talks about recreational use shows major economic potential. 

The medical cannabis industry has led to jobs in growing plants, making products, and medical studies. New Zealand can become a worldwide exporter of medical cannabis because of its reputation as a quality agricultural producer.

Summary: Global Cannabis Laws: An Exploration of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

As you can see, cannabis laws vary in different countries. Even within the countries, the laws can differ from one state to another. 

All these laws can be confusing but one thing that's clear is that every country has progressed one way or another. They may not have allowed recreational use but medicinal cannabis is pretty common no matter where you reside. 

Of course, countries like Japan and China are completely against cannabis but you never know what the future has in store. The next time you travel to another country, keep these rules in mind and you'll have a wonderful time!