Legalized Cannabis Countries In The World

As of 2024, several countries have legalized cannabis for recreational use, while many others allow its use for medical purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

Countries with Fully Legalized Recreational Cannabis:

Uruguay (since 2013): The first country to fully legalize cannabis for personal use and regulated sales.

Canada (since 2018): Legal nationwide for adults, including regulated sales.

Thailand (since 2022): Recreational cannabis is legal, but policies may shift toward medical use in the future.

South Africa (since 2018): Cannabis can be grown and consumed privately, though sales remain prohibited.

Malta (since 2021): Adults can possess and grow cannabis, but public use is banned.

Luxembourg (since 2023): Limited to personal possession and cultivation.

Germany (since 2024): Adults can possess up to 25 grams and grow three plants for personal use.

Mexico (since 2021): Legal for personal possession and cultivation, though public use is restricted.

Georgia (since 2018): Legal to possess and use, but sales are not permitted.

Countries with Legalized Medical Cannabis:

Over 50 countries allow medical cannabis, including Australia, Germany, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Regulations vary significantly, with some nations only permitting cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals like Sativex or Epidiolex.

Countries with Decriminalized Cannabis:

In some countries, cannabis possession is decriminalized, meaning no severe legal penalties for small quantities, though it’s not fully legalized. Examples include the Netherlands, Jamaica, Spain (via private cannabis clubs), and parts of the United States and Australia.

United States and Australia:

Cannabis is legalized at sub-national levels. In the U.S., 24 states and territories allow recreational cannabis, while 38 allow medical use. In Australia, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) permits recreational use, but national law prohibits it.

Cannabis laws are rapidly evolving worldwide, so local regulations should be checked before travel or use