Access or the ability to possess marijuana is regulated by laws in almost every country in the world. There are few places where the law sets no rules or is ambiguous. The vast majority of countries have carefully crafted cannabis policies. Where in the world is marijuana legal in 2024?
In order to answer this question well, it is necessary to point out exactly what marijuana laws are and what levels of legality or illegality can occur in each state. These can be divided into several categories that take into account different aspects of local laws or regulations (legal in full, legal for medical use, legal for possession, production, sale, use in permitted places).
It is also important to remember that Cannabis regulations are changing dynamically for many of the countries, and it's worth keeping your knowledge on the subject up to date.
Where in the world marijuana is legal in 2024 - full medical and recreational access
This is the highest level of legality, which guarantees citizens full access to cannabis. States that have decided to take such a step most often want to control the market, to profit from it, and at the same time eradicate the illegal cannabis trade and cut off sources of income for criminal groups.
Marijuana is legal in 2024: Canada, Uruguay, the United States (selected states), Luxembourg, Malta (private cultivation is also legal, but consumption in public is not allowed) and Germany, where transitional regulations are currently in place. Other countries where marijuana is legal and available, but have specific local laws with which it is worth familiarizing yourself include - Mexico, South Africa, Georgia, Australia (some parts of the country, mainly the capital), Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Austria.
The legality of smoking or using marijuana for medical and recreational access does not always entail a liberal right to possess it for personal use, production, sale and penalties associated with committing a crime or offense (decriminalization).
Germany a transitional state in the midst of full marijuana legalization
Currently, Germany is another of the countries preparing for the full legalization of marijuana. Its smoking has been legal since April 1, and it can also be smoked in many public places, with up to 25 grams allowed in public spaces and 50 grams allowed in private homes. Private cultivation will be allowed with a limit of 3 plants. Smoking cannabis in some areas will still be illegal, such as near schools.
Marijuana in the U.S. - federal and local regulations
Federal law in the U.S. recognizes marijuana as illegal and classified as a substance with a high rate of abuse and no indication for medical use. Individual states, on the other hand, have the ability to relax certain regulations on several different levels.
For medical use, marijuana is legal in Florida, Hawaii, Ohio and Pennsylvania, for example.
Recreational use of marijuana is permitted in New York, Montana, Washington, Nevada, Rhode Island and a dozen other states, for example.
It is also decriminalized in some states - that is, possession is a misdemeanor, not a felony in Minnesota or Missouri, for example.
Where in the world is marijuana legal, but only for medical use?
Most countries around the world legalize marijuana for medical purposes, but some do not allow simultaneous recreational use of cannabis. Among them are: Australia (allows recreational use, but in specific locations), the United Kingdom, Poland, Israel, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Lithuania and Norway.
Countries whose laws do not clearly indicate the legality or illegality of marijuana
There are several countries in the world that have not clearly defined their policies toward marijuana use. These include Lebanon, where its medical use and cultivation for personal use is permitted, but there are no clear laws indicating the legality of its possession or recreational use.
Somalia, Syria, Yemen represent countries where the political situation and prolonged warfare prevent the creation of such laws. Nepal is one of the countries where there is a ban on marijuana use, but it is unenforced and there is a major legal problem with the country's reforms that would allow its representatives to correctly interpret the law.
Remember, if you are looking for information on where in the world marijuana is legal recreationally or medically, then it is necessary to check the regulations for the specific location where you plan to stay. This includes transporting cannabis, possession of its legally indicated quantities, documents identifying its source, and applicable penalties for breaking the law. Simply determining the legality of cannabis in a country is insufficient, and unfortunately Ignorance of the law can be fraught with severe consequences.
