Some cannabis laws in many countries seem to be a little tricky to understand. But you don’t need to worry because in this article we will provide you with all the relevant information about the countries where weed is legal.
Various legal statuses can be present in different countries
- Legal
- Decriminalized
- Not legal but unenforced
- Illegal
- Legality unknown
Countries where weed is legal
Uruguay
- Recreational purpose: Legal
- Medical purpose: Legal
Uruguay was the first country that legalized weed use for both recreational and medical purposes in the year 2013. Under the country’s law, any adult who is above the age of 18 can purchase cannabis up to the limit of 40 grams per month. The law permits them to grow their cannabis on personal land and the freedom to join any cannabis club.
Remember in Uruguay, tourists don’t have permission to buy or use cannabis, this law is valid only for the residents of Uruguay.
Canada
- Recreational purpose: Legal
- Medical purpose: Legal
Canada is one of the countries where weed is legal. Under the cannabis act 2018, the Canadian government provides freedom to their country members to use cannabis for recreational purposes in the year 2018. An adult who is above the age of 18 can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis in public places and be able to share up to 30 grams with another adult. For personal use, you can grow up to 4 plants of cannabis from authorized seeds on your land, only after getting permission from the government.
Remember for tourists it’s illegal to transport cannabis throughout the Canadian borders, but if you are in the country and meet the requirement of age criteria (above 18 years to use cannabis), then you can use up to 30 grams of cannabis, within the country.
Argentina
- Recreational purpose: Illegal
- Medical purpose: legal
Under Supreme Court rule, 2009, the use of cannabis in Argentina is decriminalized for the use of cannabis only in selected and private locations. In the country, people can consume only a small quantity of weed in their houses. The people of Argentina have no freedom to grow cannabis on their lands. In 2017, some CBD cannabis oils got approved for medical purposes only.
The United States
- Recreational purpose: 19 states legalized cannabis for recreational purposes along with two territories, and decriminalized cannabis in another twelve states with 1 territory.
- Medical purpose: 37 states legalized cannabis for medical purposes along with 4 territories.
At the Federal level, several states legalized marijuana for medical purposes, while remains illegal for recreational purposes. Down below is the list of states where cannabis is legal:
- Washington
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Colorado
- California
- Nevada
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Guam
- Montana
- Arizona
- New York
- Virginia
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
Australia
- Recreational Purpose: Legal in Australian capital territory, but not for sale
- Medical purpose: Legal at the federal level
The first state, which legalizes cannabis for recreational purposes, is the Australian Capital Territory in 2019. While in the year 2020, the Australian government allows the people of Australia, to grow a maximum of two plants of cannabis on their land with a quantity of 50 grams. Although the sale of cannabis in Australia is not legal.
Czech Republic
- Recreational purpose: Decriminalized
- Medical purpose: Legal
The Czech Republic is one of the latest countries where weed is legal. The possession of cannabis up to the quantity of 15 grams is decriminalized by Czech Republic Government; even you can grow up to 5 plants of cannabis on your land. For medical purposes, cannabis is legal in the whole country. Possession of cannabis larger than 15 grams is illegal and the sentence may be given up to 1 year under this crime.
Malta
- Recreational purpose: Legal
- Medical purpose: Legal
In 2021, the government of Malta legalized cannabis for recreational purposes up to 7 grams for consumption. Citizens can grow up to 4 plants of cannabis on their land. It is the first European Union country where weed is legal for both recreational and medical purposes. But the freedom of smoking cannabis in public is not given by the Malta government.
Peru
- Recreational purpose: decriminalized
- Medical purpose: Legal
In Peru, the consumption of cannabis up to 8 grams is an offense, but growing the cannabis plant is illegal and will provide you with a sentence of 8-10 years in jail.
Netherlands
- Recreational purpose: Decriminalized
- Medical purpose: Legal
It is an offense if a person grows or sells cannabis in the Netherlands. Citizens have the right to consume cannabis for up to a dose of 5 grams. Under the Dutch Policy of Toleration, the coffee shows are allowed to sell cannabis after the authorization of the Government. Netherlands Government allows buying cannabis without many restrictions for medical purposes.
The List of countries where Cannabis is decriminalized:
- Moldova
- Belgium
- Switzerland
- Chile
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Italy
- Portugal
- Estonia
- Ecuador
- Colombia
Difference between Legal and Decriminalize
We need to understand the difference between the term legal and decriminalize. Various countries don’t legalize the use of cannabis but have decriminalized it. So what is the meaning of the term legal or decriminalized?
Decriminalization of cannabis means the use of weed will not lead to any criminal charge. It’s not a criminal act but still illegal. It means you have to pay a fine for dealing with cannabis instead of taking you to the court to press any charges, or it can be used for medical purposes.
On the other hand, the legalization of cannabis doesn’t involve any fines or charges. You can use cannabis even for recreational purposes or for medical purposes. But the import and export of weed are strictly regulated and you can buy legalized cannabis from an authorized cannabis store only.
