10 Countries Where Cannabis is Legal and People Use It

Legalizing cannabis has become a hotly debated subject on a global scale, with more and more nations choosing to decriminalize or legalize its usage for either medical or recreational purposes. Many countries have accepted the legalization of cannabis, ranging from North America to Europe and beyond. 

This has resulted in changes to legal frameworks and public views. This article will examine 10 countries where cannabis is both legal and extensively used, looking at each country’s legal system, acceptability in the community, and effects of legalization.

1. Canada

Canada made headlines in 2018 when it became the second country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide. The Cannabis Act allows adults to possess and purchase cannabis from licensed retailers, contributing to a thriving cannabis industry.

2. Uruguay

Uruguay holds the distinction of being the first country to fully legalize cannabis for recreational use in 2013. The government regulates cannabis production, distribution, and sales, with registered users allowed to cultivate plants for personal consumption or purchase from licensed pharmacies.

3. United States

While cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the United States, several states have legalized its recreational and/or medicinal use. States such as California, Colorado, and Washington have robust cannabis industries, with dispensaries offering a variety of products to consumers.

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4. Netherlands

The Netherlands is renowned for its lenient approach to cannabis, with the sale and consumption of small quantities tolerated in designated “coffee shops.” While cannabis possession and cultivation are technically illegal, enforcement is minimal, leading to a thriving cannabis culture in cities like Amsterdam.

5. Portugal

Portugal decriminalized the possession and use of all drugs, including cannabis, in 2001, opting for a public health approach to drug policy. While cannabis cultivation and distribution remain illegal, individuals caught with small quantities face administrative penalties rather than criminal charges.

6. Spain

Spain has a unique approach to cannabis legalization, with private cannabis clubs operating in a legal gray area. These clubs allow members to cultivate and consume cannabis for personal use within the confines of the club, fostering a vibrant cannabis culture in cities like Barcelona.

7. Germany

Germany legalized medicinal cannabis in 2017, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis-based medicines through pharmacies with a prescription. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, the country has a growing cannabis industry focused on medicinal products.

8. Israel

Israel has been at the forefront of cannabis research and innovation, with a progressive approach to medicinal cannabis legalization. Qualified patients can access cannabis-based medicines through licensed dispensaries, and the country boasts a thriving cannabis research sector.

9. Colombia

Colombia legalized medicinal cannabis in 2015, leveraging its favorable climate and agricultural expertise to become a major player in the global cannabis market. The country’s cannabis industry focuses on cultivation for medicinal and export purposes, contributing to economic growth.

10. Australia

Australia legalized medicinal cannabis in 2016, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis-based medicines through medical practitioners. While recreational cannabis remains illegal, several states have decriminalized possession for personal use.

Global cannabis legalization is still developing, with more nations adopting reform and investigating novel drug-policy strategies. Every nation has a different perspective on the intricacies of legalizing cannabis and its effects on society, ranging from Uruguay’s controlled market to Spain’s cannabis clubs and Canada’s groundbreaking legalization. The cannabis market is expected to continue expanding and changing as long as views and legal frameworks change.