Cannabis

Illegal for all purposes. France has some of the strictest cannabis laws in Europe

Medical cannabis has been in an experimental program since March 2021 (extended to 2025), limited to ~3,000 patients. CBD products with <0.3% THC are legal

Illegal with zero tolerance policy. Very limited medical use under special license

Sweden maintains a strict zero tolerance drug policy. Medical cannabis available only under individual special license (growing numbers since 2019). National police actively targets users

Illegal. Hungarian law makes no distinction between cannabis and harder drugs

Hungarian law treats all illicit drugs equally — cannabis possession carries the same legal consequences as heroin. CBD products are technically legal. No medical cannabis program exists

Illegal. Personal use may result in fine for first offense, imprisonment for repeat offenders

Romania has very limited medical provisions for cannabis-derived products under 0.2% THC by prescription. Recreational use remains strictly illegal. Decriminalization has been formally proposed but not enacted

Illegal. Cannabis classified as a Class A (high-risk) drug alongside heroin and cocaine

Cannabis is classified alongside heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines as a high-risk drug. Until 2004, a loosely defined "personal dose" existed but was removed. No medical cannabis program

Illegal with harsh penalties. Possession of even small amounts can result in up to 8 years imprisonment

Slovakia has among the harshest cannabis laws in Europe. There is no distinction between personal use and intent to supply for sentencing purposes. CBD products up to 0.2% THC are legal

Illegal. No medical cannabis program. Only synthetic cannabinoid preparations for seriously ill patients since 2018

In 2018, the Seimas passed a law allowing seriously ill patients to use synthetic cannabinoid drugs, but not plant-derived cannabis. Recreational use remains strictly illegal

Illegal with significant penalties even for small amounts. No medical cannabis

Latvia has no medical cannabis program. Even very small amounts carry administrative penalties, and repeat offenses become criminal. Among the stricter Baltic states for cannabis

Illegal since 1969. Possession results in arrest and fine but generally no jail time

Cannabis was banned in Iceland in 1969. Despite having some of the highest per-capita cannabis use in Europe, laws remain strict with no decriminalization or medical program

Illegal. Possession of small amounts punishable by fine or up to 3 years. No medical cannabis

Serbia has no medical cannabis program and maintains strict enforcement. Cannabis cultivation and sale carry significant prison sentences

Illegal for all purposes. No medical cannabis program

Montenegro has no medical cannabis program and maintains strict drug laws. Cannabis is among the most commonly seized drugs in the country

Illegal with severe penalties. No decriminalization or medical program

Belarus maintains some of the strictest drug laws in Europe. There is no medical cannabis program and no signs of reform

Illegal. Small amounts are an administrative offense with fine. Larger amounts are criminal

Russia distinguishes between administrative and criminal drug offenses based on amount. However, there is no formal decriminalization — small amounts still result in punishment. No medical cannabis program exists

Federally illegal (Schedule I). However, legal for recreational use in 24+ states and medical use in 40+ states

DEA Schedule I. Biden pardoned all federal simple possession (Oct 2022). DEA/DOJ signaled rescheduling to Schedule III in 2024 (not yet finalized). State-federal conflict creates significant legal uncertainty. Age 21 for legal states

Illegal for all purposes. 2016 proposal for medical/recreational use was rejected

A constitutional commission rejected proposals to legalize medical or recreational cannabis in 2016. Guatemala remains strictly prohibitionist

Illegal for all purposes. Possession, sale, transportation, and cultivation all carry penalties

Honduras has strict drug laws as part of broader Central American anti-narcotics policies. No reform is currently proposed

Illegal for all purposes

El Salvador maintains strict drug laws. No decriminalization or medical cannabis proposals have advanced

Illegal for all purposes

Nicaragua has strict drug penalties with no reform proposed

Illegal for all purposes

Cuba maintains strict drug laws. Cannabis is not culturally prevalent compared to tobacco and alcohol. No reform proposals exist

Illegal for all purposes

Despite political instability limiting enforcement in many areas, cannabis remains formally illegal in Haiti

Illegal for all purposes

The Dominican Republic maintains strict drug laws. No reform proposals have advanced significantly

Illegal for all purposes

Cannabis remains illegal in the Bahamas despite reform discussions. The country serves as a major transshipment point for drugs, which influences strict enforcement policies

Illegal. Personal use possession up to 20 g may result in rehabilitation measures instead of prison at judge's discretion

Venezuela's organic drug law provides for rehabilitative measures for personal users at judicial discretion, but this is not formal decriminalization. Cannabis remains strictly controlled

Illegal. Prior decriminalization of up to 10 g was repealed by President Noboa in November 2023

Ecuador decriminalized possession of up to 10 g in 2013 and allowed some medical cannabis in 2020 (COIP reforms). However, newly inaugurated President Noboa repealed the decriminalization guidelines in November 2023 as part of a security crackdown

Illegal with severe penalties. Cannabis treated the same as cocaine under Bolivian law

Bolivia has some of the harshest cannabis laws in the Americas. The law classifies marijuana as equivalent to cocaine with identical penalties (10–25 years even for very small amounts). Medical use debate opened in 2023 but no law passed

Illegal. Possession of 15 g or more can result in trafficking charges

Guyana has strict cannabis laws. The relatively low threshold of 15 g for trafficking charges is notable. Cannabis reform has been discussed but no legislation has advanced

Illegal for all purposes

Cannabis was banned in Suriname in the early 20th century. It remains illegal with no reform proposals currently under consideration

Illegal. Possession or consumption results in 10–15 days detention and fine

China maintains strict drug laws. Cannabis use results in administrative detention rather than criminal prosecution for small amounts. Yunnan province is historically a cannabis growing region. Industrial hemp legal in some provinces

Illegal with severe penalties. One of the strictest cannabis laws among developed nations

Japan has extremely strict cannabis laws dating from 1948. Cannabis carries significant social stigma. Even celebrity cannabis use makes national headlines. CBD products are legal but THC-containing products are strictly banned

Illegal. Schedule 2 narcotic. Possession can result in up to 3 years imprisonment

Taiwan classifies cannabis as a Schedule 2 narcotic under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Enforcement is strict with no medical or decriminalization provisions

Illegal for all purposes

Mongolia has strict drug laws with no medical cannabis or decriminalization provisions. Cannabis grows wild in some regions but use/possession is illegal

Illegal with severe penalties

Vietnam has very strict drug laws. Cannabis trafficking can carry death penalty for large quantities (over 25 kg). Despite strict laws, cannabis use exists particularly in rural areas

Illegal but enforcement is lax and opportunistic. "Happy restaurants" openly serve cannabis-infused food

Despite being illegal, cannabis is extremely widely used and openly available in Cambodia. "Happy" restaurants publicly sell cannabis-infused food. Enforcement is opportunistic — often involving bribes rather than formal prosecution

Illegal but often unenforced

Laos has strict drug laws on paper, but enforcement regarding cannabis is inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. Cannabis grows naturally in many regions

Illegal but often unenforced, particularly since political instability

Myanmar has strict drug laws but enforcement has been inconsistent, especially since the 2021 military coup. Cannabis grows naturally in many areas of the country

Illegal with mandatory death penalty for trafficking 200 g or more

Malaysia has among the harshest cannabis laws globally. Until 2023, trafficking 200 g+ carried mandatory death penalty. Malaysia is reviewing mandatory death sentence provisions but cannabis laws remain extremely strict. CBD is not legal

Illegal with severe penalties. Minimum 4 years imprisonment for dealing/distributing

Indonesia banned cannabis in 1927 and maintains strict enforcement, particularly in tourist areas like Bali. Rehabilitation is an alternative to imprisonment for personal use if the person is found to be an addict. Death penalty exists for large-scale trafficking

Illegal with severe penalties. Medical use technically possible with FDA special permit but practically unavailable

The Philippines has extremely harsh drug laws, intensified under Duterte's "war on drugs" (2016–2022). Medical marijuana bills have been filed in Congress but never passed. A special FDA permit for medical use theoretically exists but is practically never granted

Illegal with severe penalties including possible death sentence

Brunei maintains extremely strict drug laws under both civil and Sharia law. Cannabis is a Class A controlled substance with severe penalties

Illegal with severe penalties including mandatory death penalty for trafficking 500 g or more

Singapore has among the world's harshest drug laws. The mandatory death penalty applies for trafficking 500+ g of cannabis. Even consuming cannabis abroad can be prosecuted upon return to Singapore if tested positive. CBD is classified alongside THC

Illegal under federal law, but bhang (cannabis leaf preparation) is exempt. Laws vary significantly by state

India's 1985 NDPS Act bans cannabis resin and flowering tops (ganja/charas) but exempts leaves (bhang). Bhang is sold legally in many states, especially during festivals like Holi. CBD oil with <0.3% THC is legal. State laws vary widely — some (like Himachal Pradesh) are more tolerant

Illegal but widely used and often unenforced in tribal/northern regions. CBD legalized in 2020

Pakistan has a complicated relationship with cannabis. Hashish/charas smoking is culturally prevalent in the north. CBD legalized by cabinet announcement in September 2020 for industrial and medical use. Enforcement is extremely inconsistent

Illegal. Sale banned since 1989

Bangladesh banned cannabis sale in 1989 under the Narcotics Substances Control Act. Despite prohibition, cannabis use remains prevalent in some areas

Illegal since 1973 but culturally significant. Allowed during Maha Shivaratri festival

Nepal canceled all cannabis licenses in 1973 under US pressure. Despite this, cannabis holds deep cultural and religious significance, particularly during Maha Shivaratri when use is officially tolerated. Reform debates have occurred but no legalization

Illegal. Production banned since 1973. One of the world's largest producers despite prohibition

Cannabis was banned by King Zahir Shah in 1973. Despite this, Afghanistan remains one of the world's largest producers. Under the Taliban government (since 2021), enforcement is inconsistent — cannabis production continues to fund various factions

Illegal for all purposes

Kazakhstan has strict drug laws. Cannabis grows wild in parts of the Chu Valley but use/possession is illegal. No medical or decriminalization provisions

Illegal for all purposes

Uzbekistan classifies cannabis along with other psychotropic substances as illegal. No medical or decriminalization provisions exist

Illegal for all purposes

Azerbaijan maintains strict drug laws with no medical cannabis or decriminalization provisions

Illegal for all purposes

Armenia has strict drug laws inherited from the Soviet era. No reform or medical cannabis provisions exist

Illegal for all purposes

Jordan has strict drug laws with no medical cannabis or decriminalization provisions. Cannabis use carries significant social stigma

Illegal for all purposes

Iraq has strict drug laws with no medical cannabis or decriminalization provisions. Enforcement varies between federal government and Kurdistan Regional Government areas

Illegal. Capital punishment legally possible for 5+ kg hashish but not typically enforced for cannabis

Iran has extremely harsh drug laws on paper. Maximum penalty of death for possessing over 5 kg of hashish, but cannabis enforcement is generally less severe than for opioids (which are Iran's primary drug concern). Cannabis use is widespread despite prohibition

Illegal with severe penalties. Imprisonment for personal use, execution possible for trafficking

Saudi Arabia has among the world's strictest drug laws. Executions for drug offenses have occurred though they have become rarer. Cannabis carries significant penalties even for small personal amounts. No medical or decriminalization provisions

Illegal with severe penalties. Minimum 4-year prison sentence even for smallest amounts

The UAE has extremely strict drug laws. Even trace amounts (e.g., on shoes or clothing from transit) have led to arrests. Tourists have been imprisoned for very small quantities. No medical or decriminalization provisions

Illegal with severe penalties

Qatar has strict drug laws. Cannabis possession by foreign nationals typically results in deportation after imprisonment. No medical or decriminalization provisions

Illegal with severe penalties

Kuwait has strict drug laws. Cannabis is treated the same as other controlled substances with severe penalties

Illegal with severe penalties

Oman has strict drug laws. No medical cannabis or decriminalization provisions exist

Illegal for all purposes

Algeria has strict drug laws. Despite proximity to major production regions, cannabis remains strictly prohibited with no reform proposals

Illegal with mandatory prison sentence. Among the strictest laws in North Africa

Tunisia banned cannabis in 1953. The infamous Law 52 of 1992 mandates minimum 1-year imprisonment for any drug use/possession, including cannabis. Reform campaigns to change "Loi 52" have been ongoing but unsuccessful

Illegal for all purposes

Libya has strict drug laws. Due to ongoing political instability, formal enforcement varies across regions controlled by different factions

Illegal since 1925 but widespread use. Convictions for personal use are rare

Cannabis has been illegal in Egypt since 1925, but use is widespread and historically deeply rooted. Personal use convictions are rare. Egypt had documented medicinal use of cannabis in ancient times

Illegal for all purposes

Sudan has strict drug laws. No medical or decriminalization provisions. Political instability affects enforcement consistency

Illegal. Cannabis possession can result in up to 6 months imprisonment

Despite being considered the spiritual homeland of Rastafari, Ethiopia prohibits cannabis. Cannabis (locally called "ganja" or "chaat") grows in many regions

Illegal for all purposes

Kenya has strict drug laws. Cannabis (locally "bhang") is widely used despite prohibition, particularly in coastal and western regions. A 2020 petition to legalize was rejected

Illegal for all purposes

Tanzania has strict drug laws. Cannabis is widely cultivated and used despite prohibition

Illegal for all purposes

Uganda has strict drug laws with no reform proposals. Cannabis is locally known as "enjaga" and widely used despite prohibition

Illegal for all purposes. Nigeria is a major cannabis producer in West Africa

Nigeria has strict cannabis laws under the NDLEA Act. Despite prohibition, Nigeria is one of the largest cannabis producers and consumers in Africa. Cannabis is locally known as "igbo" or "wee-wee"

Illegal recreationally. Hemp (<0.3% THC) legalized in 2020

Ghana legalized hemp (THC <0.3%) through the Narcotics Control Commission Act in 2020 for industrial and health purposes. Recreational cannabis remains strictly illegal. Cannabis is locally called "wee"

Illegal for all purposes

Senegal has strict drug laws. Cannabis is locally known as "yamba" and is among the most commonly used illicit substances

Illegal for all purposes

Cameroon has strict drug laws with no reform proposals. Cannabis is widely cultivated and used despite prohibition

Illegal for all purposes

Angola has strict drug laws. Cannabis is locally known as "liamba" and is widely cultivated despite prohibition

Illegal for all purposes

Mozambique has strict drug laws. Cannabis is locally known as "suruma" and is widely used in rural areas despite prohibition

Illegal. In 2007, the government proposed but declined a 20-year sentence for any drug possession

Namibia has strict drug laws. Cannabis is locally known as "dagga" (as in South Africa). Despite the South African court ruling legalizing private use, Namibia has not followed suit

Illegal (known locally as "dagga")

Botswana has strict drug laws under the Drugs and Related Substances Act 1992. Cannabis is illegal with no reform proposals

Illegal for all purposes

Fiji has strict drug laws. Cannabis is locally grown and used but remains illegal with no reform proposals

Illegal for all purposes

Papua New Guinea has strict drug laws. Cannabis is widely cultivated and used, especially in the highlands, despite prohibition

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis available since 2017. Prosecutors may defer prosecution for small personal amounts

Medical cannabis has been legal since November 2017, prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, MS, and epilepsy. Recreational use remains illegal but prosecutorial discretion exists for small amounts

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis available through pilot program since 2018

Denmark has had a medical cannabis pilot program since January 2018 (extended multiple times). Recreational use remains illegal with consistent enforcement

Illegal recreationally but personal use generally results in summary fine. Medical use under special license since 2006

Medical cannabis available under special license since 2006. Access is limited — in 2014, only 223 licenses were issued. Recreational use prosecution typically results in fine rather than imprisonment

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis access program (MCAP) enacted June 2019

The Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) was enacted in June 2019 as a 5-year pilot. Available for specific conditions (MS spasticity, intractable epilepsy, chemotherapy nausea)

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis legalized in 2017

Greece legalized medical cannabis in 2017 (Law 4523/2018) and licensed cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial use. Recreational penalties remain significant

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis cultivation and use legalized in 2019

Cyprus legalized medicinal cannabis cultivation and use in February 2019. Recreational penalties remain severe — cannabis is a Class B substance with harsh maximum penalties

Class B controlled drug. Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis available on specialist prescription since November 2018

Medical cannabis legalized November 2018 for specialist prescribers (not GPs). Available for epilepsy, MS spasticity, chemotherapy nausea, but access remains limited. CBD products legal with <0.2% THC

Illegal recreationally with heavy fines. Medical cannabis available. Decriminalization bill failed in 2021

A decriminalization bill (removing sanctions for up to 10 g) was rejected by parliament in 2021 (56.2% against). Medical cannabis is available but requires specialist prescription. Norway maintains strict enforcement

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis legalized in December 2025

Bosnia and Herzegovina legalized medical cannabis in late December 2025, becoming one of the last Balkan countries to do so. The regulatory framework for medical dispensing is still being established

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis legalized since 2016

North Macedonia legalized medical cannabis in 2016, relatively early for the Balkan region. Licensed cultivation for medical export has developed into a significant industry

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis legalized by parliament in July 2023

Albania voted to legalize medical cannabis in July 2023 (69-23 vote). Despite strict laws, Albania has historically been a major cannabis production center. Law enforcement focuses on large-scale cultivation

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis signed into law in February 2024

Ukraine's parliament passed medical cannabis legislation in December 2023, signed by President Zelensky on February 15, 2024. Primarily aimed at treating PTSD and chronic pain among war-affected population

Illegal recreationally. Medical-grade cannabis (<0.3% THC) legalized for pharmacy sale in 2025

Turkey legalized pharmacy sale of medical cannabis products containing less than 0.3% THC in July 2025. Turkey is historically significant for cannabis cultivation and opium production under strict government control

Illegal recreationally. Medical and therapeutic cannabis legalized in 2021 (unanimous vote)

Panama's Congress unanimously approved medical cannabis in August 2021. The government legalized medicinal and therapeutic use in October 2021. Recreational use remains illegal

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis legalized in September 2017

Despite a 2009 Supreme Court ruling suggesting personal use penalties are unconstitutional (the Arriola ruling), this has not been codified into law. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2017 with the REPROCANN patient registry enabling self-cultivation

Illegal recreationally. Limited medical cannabis (specific pharmaceutical preparations only) legalized November 2018

South Korea legalized medical cannabis in November 2018 but access is extremely limited to specific pharmaceutical preparations (Epidiolex, Marinol, Sativex) through Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approval. The cannabis plant itself remains strictly banned

Complex legal situation. Fully legalized briefly in 2022, then products >0.2% THC recriminalized in 2025. Medical use legal

Thailand fully decriminalized cannabis in June 2022, becoming the first Asian country to do so. In 2025, unprescribed products over 0.2% THC were recriminalized but enforcement is minimal. Thousands of cannabis shops continue to operate. Medical use was legalized in 2018

Illegal recreationally but decriminalized for traditional Ayurvedic medicine vendors. Cannabis commonly used in traditional preparations

Sri Lanka has a unique legal framework where cannabis sale for traditional Ayurvedic medicine is legalized through the Ayurveda Act. Cannabis is commonly used in traditional preparations. Recreational use remains illegal under colonial-era laws (amended 1980s)

Illegal recreationally. Cultivation for medical use was legalized in April 2020

Lebanon legalized medical cannabis cultivation in April 2020, primarily as an economic measure during the financial crisis. The Bekaa Valley has been a major hashish production center for decades. Recreational use remains strictly illegal despite widespread use

Illegal recreationally but Morocco is a major hashish producer. Medical cannabis legalized in 2021

Morocco is among the world's top hashish producers. Bill 13-21 (2021) legalized cannabis for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial use. Traditional Rif mountain cultivation continues, now partially channeled into legal medical framework. Recreational use remains illegal

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis approved in 2021

Rwanda approved medical cannabis use in June 2021. Cannabis is locally known as "urumogi" and its recreational use remains strictly prohibited

Illegal recreationally but tolerated. First African country to grant a medical cannabis license (2017)

Lesotho became the first African country to grant a license for growing medical marijuana in 2017. Cannabis is a major agricultural crop in the mountainous country. Despite formal prohibition of recreational use, cultural tolerance is widespread

Illegal recreationally. Medical cannabis legal since 2018. Legalization referendum narrowly failed in 2020 (50.7% No)

New Zealand's 2020 referendum to legalize recreational cannabis failed 50.7% to 48.4%. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2018 and a regulated medical cannabis scheme launched in 2020. The narrow referendum result suggests possible future reform

Technically illegal but tolerated for small quantities under the gedoogbeleid (tolerance policy)

Cannabis is listed on Schedule II of the Opiumwet (soft drugs). The tolerance policy applies only inside the framework of licensed coffeeshops. Zero tolerance in Caribbean Netherlands

Decriminalized for personal use since 2001. Not legal — still confiscated, with mandatory referral to a dissuasion commission

Portugal decriminalized ALL drugs in quantities for personal use (Lei 30/2000). This is a public health approach, not legalization — substances are still confiscated

Private consumption and cultivation legal. Public use and sale are illegal

Spain has no national cannabis regulation — the legal framework is shaped by the Organic Law on Citizen Safety and Supreme Court rulings. Cannabis Social Clubs exist in a legal gray area

Personal use is an administrative offense, not a criminal one. Sale and cultivation are criminal offenses

Italy distinguishes between personal use (administrative) and criminal offenses (intent to distribute). A 2019 Supreme Court ruling allowed minor home cultivation, but lower courts apply this inconsistently

Possession of up to 3 g or cultivation of one plant by adults is decriminalized since 2003

Belgium uses a prosecution guideline system (omzendbrief) rather than formal decriminalization. Use/possession of up to 3 g by adults with no aggravating factors is lowest priority for prosecution

Possession of small amounts is a misdemeanor subject to fixed fines. Medical cannabis legal since 2015

Croatia made medical cannabis legal for patients with cancer, MS, HIV/AIDS, and epilepsy. Small personal quantities are treated as misdemeanor (prekršaj) rather than criminal offense

Personal possession of any drug decriminalized. Medical cannabis legalized in 2025

Slovenia decriminalized possession of all drugs for personal use. Medical cannabis was legalized in July 2025, expanding on earlier limited provisions for cannabis-based drugs

Amounts up to 7.5 g considered personal use and punished with fine only. Medical technically legal but practically unavailable

Medical cannabis is theoretically available through special permit, but the process is arduous and practically never granted — as of 2024, a single patient had received Sativex preparation

Illegal but partially decriminalized for small amounts. "Therapy instead of punishment" approach for personal use

"Therapie statt Strafe" (therapy instead of punishment) means first-time personal use is typically diverted to health services. CBD products are legal. Decriminalized for personal use since 2016

Illegal but minor possession (up to 10 g) is handled with a fixed fine only. Cannabis with <1% THC is legal

Switzerland has among the most liberal CBD laws in Europe (THC <1% is legal, vs <0.2–0.3% elsewhere). Since 2023, confiscated amounts under 10 g must be returned. Pilot trials for regulated recreational sales underway

Decriminalized for personal use. Medical cannabis is not available

Moldova has decriminalized personal drug use, treating it as an administrative rather than criminal offense. However, no medical cannabis program exists

Personal use effectively legal since 2018 Constitutional Court ruling. Legislatively decriminalized up to 5 g since 2025

Georgia's Constitutional Court ruled in July 2018 that punishing cannabis consumption was unconstitutional. Despite this, no legal retail or medical framework exists. Legislative decriminalization (up to 5 g for first offenders) was enacted in 2025

Decriminalized up to 10 g. Widely tolerated despite prohibition

Belize decriminalized possession of up to 10 g. Use is common and largely tolerated throughout the country

Decriminalized for personal use. Medical cannabis and hemp legalized in 2022

Costa Rica legalized medical cannabis and hemp growing in March 2022. Recreational use is widely tolerated despite no formal legalization. Police do not typically detain for personal consumption

Decriminalized up to 56.5 g (2 oz) or 5 plants. Legal for Rastafari sacramental use. Medical dispensaries since 2018

Jamaica decriminalized cannabis in 2015 and recognized Rastafari sacramental use. Medical cannabis dispensaries have been operating since 2018. The country has a long cultural history with cannabis ("ganja")

Decriminalized up to 30 g. Cultivation of 4 plants per adult allowed since 2019

Trinidad and Tobago decriminalized cannabis in December 2019, allowing possession of up to 30 g and cultivation of 4 plants. This was one of the most progressive reforms in the Caribbean

Decriminalized up to 22 g or 20 plants for personal use. Medical cannabis legal

Colombia has decriminalized personal cannabis use since the 1994 Constitutional Court ruling. Medical cannabis was formally regulated by Decree 2467/2015. The country has a significant licensed medical cannabis industry

Decriminalized up to 8 g for personal use. Medical cannabis legal since 2017

Peru legalized medical marijuana in October 2017, spurred by a mother who was producing cannabis oil at home for her epileptic son. Recreational possession under 8 g is tolerated

Decriminalized up to 40 g or 6 plants since 2024 (STF ruling). Medical cannabis available for serious conditions

Brazil's Supreme Court (STF) set the 40 g threshold in June 2024 to distinguish users from traffickers. Since 2006, personal use cannot result in imprisonment (Lei 11.343). Medical cannabis available in pharmacies since 2019 for terminally ill or those who exhausted other options

Possession of up to 10 g not punishable under law

Paraguay is one of the largest cannabis producers in South America. Personal possession under 10 g is explicit legal, but law enforcement practices can be inconsistent

Decriminalized for private personal use and cultivation. Medical cannabis available through pharmacies with prescription

Chile decriminalized private use and cultivation through case law and legislative reform. The Chilean Agriculture Service (SAG) authorizes medical cultivation. Pharmacy sale of cannabis medications legalized 2015

Decriminalized since April 2019. Significant medical cannabis program. One of the world's leaders in cannabis research

Israel is a global leader in cannabis research (pioneered by Prof. Mechoulam who isolated THC). Robust medical cannabis program with ~100,000+ patients. Partial decriminalization since April 2019 for public possession. Export of medical cannabis authorized

Varies by state/territory. Decriminalized in several jurisdictions. Legal for personal use in ACT. Medical legal federally since 2016

Australia's cannabis laws vary dramatically. ACT legalized personal use (31 Jan 2020: 50 g possession, 2 plants). SA and NT decriminalized. Medical cannabis legal federally since 2016. Federal law technically overrides state law but is rarely enforced against personal users

Legal for personal use since April 2024 under KCanG, with strict quantity limits

Legal since 1 April 2024. Consumption banned near schools and playgrounds (100 m radius). Minimum age 18. Cannabis clubs may distribute up to 25 g/day or 50 g/month to members

Legal for personal use since January 1, 2026 for adults 21+, with quantity limits

Legalized since January 1, 2026. Medical cannabis has been legal and regulated since 2013. Previous decriminalization since 2010 (up to 15 g, 5 plants). Age limit is 21, not 18

Legal to grow up to 4 plants at home for personal consumption since July 2023. Possession of up to 3 g outside the home decriminalized

Luxembourg became one of the first EU countries to legalize home cultivation (July 2023). Medical cannabis has been available since 2018. Decriminalization of public possession up to 3g since 2001

Legal for personal use since December 2021. Up to 7 g possession and 4 plants at home

Malta became the first EU country to legalize recreational cannabis (December 2021). Cannabis associations (similar to clubs) authorized since February 2024. Past possession convictions can be expunged

Legal for recreational and medical use since October 17, 2018 under the Cannabis Act

Canada was the second country to legalize (after Uruguay) and the first G7 nation. Legal purchase age varies: 19 in most provinces, 18 in Alberta, 21 in Quebec. Licensed retail and online sales

Personal possession and cultivation legal by Supreme Court ruling (2021). Commercial sale remains prohibited

Mexico's Supreme Court ruled personal cannabis prohibitions unconstitutional in 2021 after the legislature repeatedly failed to act. Personal use is legal but no regulated commercial market exists. Medical use technically legal but no dispensing system

Fully legal since December 2013. First country in the world to legalize cannabis

Uruguay was the first country to fully legalize in 2013 (Law 19.172). Three legal access channels: pharmacy purchase (requires registration), cannabis clubs (45 members max), and home cultivation (6 plants). Minimum age 18. Buying prohibited for non-residents

Private use, possession, and cultivation legal since September 2018 (Constitutional Court ruling). Public use and sale remain illegal

The Constitutional Court ruled in September 2018 that the ban on private use of cannabis was unconstitutional. Private cultivation, possession, and consumption by adults is legal. However, no legislation has been passed to regulate sale — creating a unique situation where use is legal but buying is not. Cannabis is locally called "dagga"