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Home » An Overview of Cannabis Legality Around the World
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An Overview of Cannabis Legality Around the World

January 19, 2023 by Krystina Morgan

With marijuana laws and regulations changing almost daily, it can be difficult to keep up what is going on nationally, let alone globally. That’s why Leaf Retailer has created a complete overview of cannabis legality around the world. 

Wondering if you can purchase either medical or recreational cannabis in a certain country? Or maybe you’re curious about different laws and regulations in other areas? Scroll through our list to see if cannabis is legalized in the country you are searching for. 

Last updated: January 16, 2023

  • Africa
  • Antarctica
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • Europe
  • North America
  • South America

Africa

Known by names like Liamba, Diamba, Bangi, and Motokwane, cannabis has a long and storied history in Africa, from the back alleys of Cairo to the townships of Johannesburg. For the most part on the continent, cannabis is illegal for medical and recreational purposes, and penalties can be much more severe than in North America and Europe. Still, in some countries, including South Africa, Lesothos, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Morocco, there are signs that change — even if just incremental — is on its way for Africa.

Medical marijuana is legal in these Africa countries:

  • Lesotho
  • Rwanda
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe

Marijuana has been decriminalized in these African countries:

  • Malawi
  • South Africa

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Antarctica

High Times called Antarctica “the most weed-friendly place in the world” because it is “functionally a lawless land,” yet acknowledged that visitors may be subject to the laws of their home country, in particular researchers on the continent. Under the Antarctic Treaty, drug-related offenses are handled by the “national law of the expedition,” but there are potential conflicts if more than one nation claims jurisdiction. It is better to just steer clear of bringing marijuana to any area in Antarctica. 

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Asia

The cradle of cannabis has for millennia been Asia, and while the plant’s history first began in this continent, legalization remains far out of reach. Punishments are routinely handed out for even minor offenses. But in countries like Thailand, Israel, and Lebanon, there are signs that some governments see the benefits of legalization, hopefully helping to usher in an era of reform in a continent that remains well behind the curve on cannabis reform.

Medical marijuana is legal in these Asian countries:

  • Israel
  • South Korea
  • Thailand

Marijuana is decriminalized in these Asian countries:

  • Georgia
  • Israel
  • Russia

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Australia

Cannabis is largely illegal in Australia, but the rules differ from state to state. Australia federally legalized medicinal cannabis in 2016, and its marijuana market has seen significant growth since then. Most states still criminalize cannabis, except for Australian Capital Territory who legalized the possession and consumption of recreational cannabis for personal use only. 

Recreational marijuana is legal in these Australian states:

  • Sydney

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Europe

The majority of European countries have legalized medical marijuana in recent years, although access remains inconsistent across the continent. A growing number of countries have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, transforming mariljuana laws in Europe so that criminal penalties are largely a thing of the past. 

However, the marijuana laws in Europe can be confusing, with some countries having legalized only derivatives of the cannabis plant and not flowers or other natural forms. With the European Union recently legalizing CBD and hemp products, however, it is important to check the rules before you travel if you are concerned about where marijuana is legal in Europe.

Medical marijuana is legal in these European countries:

  • Belgium
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark 
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • The Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • The Russian Federation
  • San Marino
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • The United Kingdom

Marijuana is decriminalized in these European countries:

  • Austria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • The Russian Federation
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine

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North America

North America has 3 countries situated on the continent: Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America. There are also many islands in the Caribbean and other dependent territories that make up North America. There are varying legalities and regulations on cannabis throughout the different countries, but for the most part, marijuana is becoming more and more accepted. 

Medical marijuana is legal in these North American countries:

  • Barbados
  • Miquelon
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Pierre

Recreational marijuana is legal in these North American countries:

  • Canada
  • Mexico

Marijuana is decriminalized in these North American countries:

  • Antigua
  • Barbuda
  • Mexico
  • Nevis
  • Saint Kitts
  • Tobago
  • Trinidad
  • U.S. Virgin Islands

In Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, medical marijuana is legalized. In Bermuda, a UK territory, recreational marijuana is decriminalized and medical marijuana is legalized. 

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South America

In 2013, Uruguay made international news when it became the first country in the world to fully legalize recreational cannabis. In the years since, the majority of countries on the continent have passed legislation or lessened the legal penalties for marijuana possession, use, and cultivation. 

Most have taken measures to set up legal, regulated medical cannabis programs. The situation across the continent for the most part still lags behind that of its neighbors in North America, but in recent years, legalization and normalization advocates in South America have had ample reason for optimism about what the future will bring. 

Medical marijuana is legal in these South American countries:

  • Argentina
  • Brasil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Paraguai
  • Peru
  • Uruguay

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Category: News & Insights Tags: regulations

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