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The use of cannabis for recreational purposes is prohibited in most countries; however, many have adopted a policy of decriminalization to make simple possession a non-criminal offense (often similar to a minor traffic violation). Others have much more severe penalties such as some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries where possession of even small amounts is punished by imprisonment for several years.[8] Countries that have legalized recreational use of cannabis are Canada, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Uruguay, plus 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia. Commercial sale of recreational cannabis is legalized nationwide in two countries (Canada and Uruguay) and in all subnational U.S. jurisdictions that have legalized possession except Virginia and Washington, D.C. A policy of limited enforcement has also been adopted in many countries, in particular the Netherlands where the sale of cannabis is tolerated at licensed coffeeshops.[9]
The legalization of recreational cannabis has been put forward as a solution to restrict access to the drug by minors, a method of harm reduction, a way of reducing organized crime, aid economic growth and revenue, as well as enable job creation.[10] Unregulated cannabis from the illegal black market comes with increased health risks, such as unknown THC rate, unknown potency, possible toxic additives and contaminants and synthetic cannabinoids.[11] Whereas, a legal and regulated cannabis system enables product quality and safety requirements to be mandated for public safety and consumer awareness.[12] Cannabis illegality tends to become a burden on the criminal justice system, with legalization as a way to free up police time and resources to focus on more serious crimes, reduce the prison population of non-violent drug offenders and thus save taxpayers money.[13]
In September 2019, the Australian Capital Territory became the first state or territory of Australia to legalize recreational use of cannabis. Since 31 January 2020 residents have been allowed to grow two plants and possess 50 g (1+3⁄4 oz), though sales or other transfer is prohibited, including cannabis seeds. Federal law also remains enforceable.[30]
In November 2016, the Supreme Court of Bermuda ruled in favor of allowing the medical use of cannabis.[42] As of July 2018, two doctors have been licensed to prescribe the drug.[43]
Legislation passed in 2006 to require treatment and community service for possessing small amounts of drugs instead of jail time.[50] Possession of large amounts, as well as sale, transportation, and cultivation, are considered drug trafficking.[51]
Cannabis is classified as a class A (High-risk) drug, together with heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA (ecstasy). Until 2004, a loosely defined "personal dose" existed.[52]
Illegal,[53] but this prohibition is lax and enforced opportunistically.[54][55][56] "Happy" restaurants in cities publicly offer food cooked with marijuana, or as a side garnish.[57]
Legal for medicinal purposes since 2001 and for recreational purposes since 17 October 2018. The age to buy or consume cannabis varies by province: 19 in most provinces, 18 in Alberta, and 21 in Quebec.[58]
Private personal use[59] and recreational cultivation[60][61][62] decriminalized. Medicinal cultivation legal with the authorization of The Chilean Agriculture Service (SAG)[63] and sale of medication allowed on prescription in pharmacies.[64]
Decriminalized up to 22 g (3⁄4 oz) for personal consumption. Individuals carrying greater amounts, or cultivating up to 20 plants, cannot be prosecuted if the drug is for personal use.[66][67][68][69]
Cannabis was legal in Comoros between January 1975 and May 1978, when president Ali Soilih legalized cannabis consumption among other measures.[70][71]
Decriminalized since police officers do not detain people for personal use, yet no amount has been defined as a minimum for possession. Use of cannabis is widespread throughout the country.[73][74]
Possession of small amounts is considered a misdemeanor subject to fixed fines. Medicinal cannabis legal for patients with illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or HIV/AIDS.[77]
Class B substance – life imprisonment is possible for use and maximum 8 years for possession (at the maximum 2 years for the first offense for people under 25).[79]
Possession of under 15 grams (½ oz) has been decriminalised since 1 January 2010.[87] Possession of up to 100g in private and up to 25g in public and cultivation of up to 3 plants will become legal for those aged 21 and over from 1 January 2026. Medicinal use legal and regulated since 2013.[88][89]
As with all drugs, cannabis-related offenses are punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years.[92]Freetown Christiania, a self-declared autonomous community in Copenhagen, is known for its cannabis trade.[93]
Illegal since 1925[97] but use is widespread. Convictions for personal use are rare.[98] Formerly a plant of high status with several documented medicinal uses in ancient times.
Up to 7.5 g (1⁄4 oz) is considered an amount for personal use, and is punished with a fine. Large amounts and distribution are criminal offenses punishable with a custodial sentence of up to 5 years.[100] Medical cannabis is technically legal, but to get a prescription is an arduous process and is practically never given, with a single patient having received Sativex preparation.[101]
Personal use is generally not prosecuted in court but subject to summary fine. Medicinal cannabis possible under a special license since 2006; in 2014, 223 licenses were issued.[103]
Possession up to 100 g (3+1⁄2 oz) entails a €200 fine since November 2018,[105] although a judge is still legally able to pronounce a stricter sentence.[106] Medical use of some cannabinoid drugs legalized in 2013.[107][108]
On 23 February 2024, the German Bundestag passed the Act on the Controlled Use of Cannabis, legalizing possession of 25 g (7⁄8 oz) outside the home, 50 g (1+3⁄4 oz) at home, and private cultivation of three plants, for adults 18 and over, since 1 April 2024. Collective, noncommercial cultivation is legal in cultivation associations (i.e. cannabis social clubs) since 1 July 2024.[111][112][113]
Albeit illegal, usage is prevalent and some government-owned shops sell cannabis in the form of bhang. States have their own laws regarding cannabis, locally known as ganja.
Banned in 1927.[127] Minimum sentence of 4 years in prison (additional fines may apply) if caught dealing / distributing. Rehabilitation or maximum sentence of 4 years if caught in possession alone.[128][129]
The National Drugs Strategy of 2009–2016 did not favor decriminalizing cannabis.[135] A new strategy was planned for 2017.[136] Cannabis-derived medicines may be licensed since 2014.[137][138] A review of policy on medicinal cannabis was announced in November 2016,[139] and a private member's bill to legalize it passed second stage in the Dáil in December 2016.[140][141][142]
As of April 2019, public possession of small amounts is a non-criminal offense punished by escalating fines. A third offense can result in criminal charges, however. Possession in the privacy of one's home is not punished.[143]
Possession of small amounts for personal use is a misdemeanor subject to fines and the suspension of documents (passports or driver's licenses). Sale is punishable by imprisonment, even if in small amounts. Licensed cultivation for medicinal and industrial use strictly regulated.[145]
Restricted in 1948.[149] Use and possession are punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine. Cultivation, sale, and transport are punishable by 7–10 years imprisonment and a fine.[150]
Cannabis is listed in Appendix 1 Narcotics in the DPRK. Narcotics Control Law (2005) states that narcotics may be used when prescribed.[151] There are conflicting reports on the legal status of cannabis in North Korea. Multiple reports from defectors and tourists claim there is no law regarding the possession of cannabis in North Korea or if there is, it is mostly unenforced. However, other reports claim that cannabis is illegal.[152]
Medical use of cannabis was legalized in November 2018. The plant itself, however, remains unavailable due to a policy implemented by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.[154]
Possession of up to 1 g (1⁄28 oz) can result in a €280 fine; for second offenses within a year period, criminal charges are applied. Larger quantities can be punished with up to 15 years in prison.
Hashish banned in 1926;[156] cultivation banned in 1992.[157] Large amounts of cannabis are still grown within the country illicitly, however.[158] Cultivation of cannabis for medical use was legalized in April 2020.[159]
Medical cannabis is illegal in Lithuania, but a law allowing seriously ill patients to use drugs made from synthetic cannabinoids was passed by the Seimas on 11 October 2018.
Legal to grow up to 4 plants at home for personal consumption. Possession of up to 3 g (1⁄10 oz) outside the home is decriminalized, subject to a fine. Sale remains prohibited.[162][163]
Illegal but widely used and cultivated; Malawian cannabis is famed internationally for its quality.[166] Chamba is grown mainly in central and northern regions like Mzuzu.[167]
On 30 March 2021, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a proposal to legalize possession of up to 7 g (1⁄4 oz) and the cultivation of up to 4 plants, and for people charged with possession in the past to have it expunged from their criminal records.[169] In December 2021, legislation was passed by the Maltese Parliament and signed into law by President George Vella.[170][171]
Possession of 5 g (3⁄16 oz) was decriminalized in 2009.[173] In 2015 the Supreme Court voted 4–1 that prohibiting people from growing the drug for personal use was unconstitutional.[174] In 2018 the Supreme Court reaffirmed the ruling and requested that the legislature update the country's laws regarding cannabis.[175][176] After the legislature failed to act, the Supreme Court in 2021 invalidated laws regarding the personal possession and cultivation of cannabis.[172]
Consumption and sale are tolerated in licensed coffeeshops.[9] Possession of up to 5 g (3⁄16 oz) is decriminalized. Cultivation of up to 5 plants is unenforced for non-commercial use (unless grown in a professional setup).
Personal possession decriminalized and sale allowed only in certain licensed coffeeshops in the continental Netherlands.[181][182][183] Cultivation often tolerated but growers can still have their plants and equipment confiscated[184] and face eviction[185] or cancellation of their mortgage[186] for one single plant.[187] Zero tolerance policy in the Caribbean Netherlands.[188]
Illegal since 1965. As of 2022, use and possession of up to 15 g (1⁄2 oz) are punished with heavy fines and possible loss of driver's license.[196][197][198]Solberg's Cabinet proposed a decriminalization bill in 2021 that would remove all sanctions for illegal drug use, including possession of up to 10 g (3⁄8 oz) of cannabis. Six parties (43,8%) voted for, while three parties (56,2%) voted against. As a result, the bill did not pass the parliament.[199][200]
Prohibited, but the smoking of hashish in Peshawar and the northern parts of Pakistan tends to be tolerated. One may be sent to jail for up to six months if found with charas in other parts of the country.[202] CBD legalized by cabinet announcement in September 2020.[201]
Possession of up to 8 g (1⁄4 oz) is not punished.[208][209][210][211] Cultivation, production, and sale are punished with 8–15 years in prison.[212][213]
Medical use of cannabis is possible with a special permit from the Food and Drugs Authority for use by individuals with serious or terminal illness.[214]
Since 2011, prosecutors can choose not to prosecute possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use if it is a first offense or if the person is drug dependent.[215] Possession of large quantities of drugs can result in up to 10 years in prison.[216]
Small quantities punishable by a large fine for first offenders or 6 months to 2 years in prison if the person has been convicted before. Possession of large amounts or trafficking is punishable by 2–7 years of jail time.[218] Decriminalization proposed.[219] Limited medical use approved in 2013.[220][221]
Possession of up to 6 g (1⁄5 oz) of cannabis (or 2 g, 1⁄20 oz of hashish) is an administrative offense, punishable by a fine of ₽5,000 or detention of up to 15 days. Possession of larger amounts is a criminal offense. Foreign nationals and stateless individuals who violate the law are subject to deportation regardless of the amount.[222]
Use and possession for personal use of any kind of recreational drugs is punishable by imprisonment if caught. Imprisonment for personal use can entail jail time of six months or more. Dealing and smuggling high amounts of drugs usually result in harsher prison time or even execution, although recently executions have been rare. Foreigners who use drugs might be deported.[229]
Possession of small amounts is punishable by fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years. Sale and transportation punishable by imprisonment of 3–12 years. Cultivation punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 5 years. Higher penalties for organized crime.[231]
Banned in 1870.[233] Cannabis is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, making it illegal to cultivate, sell, or possess. Those who are caught with 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) of cannabis or more are considered drug traffickers and are liable to be punished with an automatic death penalty.[234][235] In rare cases, permission has been granted to use cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals for treatment of epilepsy.[236]
Medical cannabis legalized in 2025.[239][240] Prior to 2025, cannabis-based drugs were legal for medicinal use, but not cannabis itself.[241][242] Possession of any drug for personal use is decriminalized.[243]
Decriminalized. Use and possession in private areas allowed for own consumption.[248] Public possession or consumption can result in a fine.[249] Cultivation for personal use allowed in private areas including Cannabis Social Clubs.[248]
All actions related to cannabis for own consumption aren't considered criminal offenses,[253] but misdemeanors punishable by a fine.[254] Cannabis trafficking, including sale, import, or cultivation for sale, is punishable by jail time. Legalized in Catalonia in 2017,[255] but that law was challenged by the state and declared unconstitutional.[256] Cultivation in private areas for own consumption is allowed if the plants cannot be seen from the street or other public spaces.[257]
All cannabis-related activity illegal. The national police runs a "disturb and annoy" program aimed at users supported by the national "zero tolerance" policy.[262][263]
Since 2017, consuming cannabis in Switzerland may result in a fine, but possession of up to 10 g (3⁄8 oz) without evidence of consumption is not penalized; and as of 2023, confiscated amounts under this limit must be returned to the individual.[264][265]
Criminalized in 1935, medical use legalized in 2018. Recreational use legalized in 2022 for those aged 20 and over, but recriminalized in 2025.[268][269]
Medical grade cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC legalized in 2025.[276][277] Recreational use is illegal and is punishable by 1 year of probation while repetition is punishable by 2 years of probation and enforced treatment.[278] Sale and supply is punishable by a prison term of 5–10 years, and production or trafficking by a minimum term of 10 years.[278][279]
In December 2023, Parliament adopted a bill to legalize medical cannabis on second reading.[280] It was signed into law by President Zelensky on 15 February 2024.[281]
Illegal,[283] but a cannabis warning or an on-the-spot fine ("Penalty Notice for Disorder") may be issued instead of prosecution for simple possession.[284]
Cannabis-derived medicines may be prescribed only by a specialist consultant.[285]
Banned in 1928.[286] A class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.[287] Limited medical use legal since 1 November 2018[288] when prescribed by a specialist consultant, not a GP. Guidance: only prescribe when clearly beneficial and no other option available.[285]
Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug at federal level, prohibiting even its medical use with narrow exceptions. The Rohrabacher–Farr amendment prevents federal enforcement in states that have legalized medical, however. No such protections exist regarding recreational, but the federal government has so far generally not intervened. Recognized Indian reservations are allowed to legalize for either use under a policy announced in 2014.[289] Every U.S. state that has legalized recreational use has set a mandatory legal minimum age of 21 for purchase, possession, and use.[290] In 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice indicated they were planning to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III.[291]
Legal since late 2013.[292] Buyers must be eighteen or older, residents of Uruguay, and must register with the authorities. Authorities grow the cannabis that can be sold legally.[293][294][295]Non-profit Cannabis Clubs can also operate.[296] The minimum age to purchase or obtain cannabis in Uruguay is 18.[297]
Possession of up to 20 g (3⁄4 oz) of marijuana or 5 g (3⁄16 oz) of genetically modified marijuana for commercial purposes is punishable by 1–2 years in prison at judge's discretion. If deemed to be for personal consumption, the user is subject to security measures involving rehabilitation and detoxification procedures.[299]
^ ab"State Medical Marijuana Laws". National Conference of State Legislatures. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 11 December 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
^"Bhutan"(PDF). UNODC: South Asia Regional Profile: 21–26. September 2005. Archived(PDF) from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
^ ab"Se abre el debate en Bolivia sobre el uso medicinal del cannabis" [Debate opens in Bolivia on the medicinal use of cannabis]. Associated Press (in Spanish). 28 June 2023. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2024. La legislación boliviana tipifica a la marihuana como una droga prohibida al igual que la cocaína y castiga su posesión -así sea un de un gramo- con penas de cárcel de 10 a 25 años. [Bolivian law classifies marijuana as a prohibited drug equal to cocaine and punishes its possession – of even one gram – with prison sentences of 10 to 25 years.]
^Congresso Nacional (23 August 2006). "Lei nº 11.343". www.planalto.gov.br (in Brazilian Portuguese). Brasília: Presidência da República – Casa Civil. Archived from the original on 25 November 2018. Retrieved 13 October 2009.
^"Law on Drug Management (Drug Control)". Council for the Development of Cambodia. Archived from the original on 3 August 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2017. Article 2 : Except for the cases of the article 14, the cultivation of opium poppy, cocoa plants, cannabis indica and cannabis saliva in the Kingdom of Cambodia, shall be prohibited.
^Soenthrith, Saing (15 March 2013). "Foreigners Arrested in Siem Reap Marijuana Bust". The Phnom Penh Post. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 16 July 2017. Police in Siem Reap City on Tuesday arrested 18 people, including 14 foreign nationals, during raids on two establishments, where they confiscated a stash of marijuana and an as-yet-unidentified powder, police said.
^Goldberg, Lina. "Recreational drugs in Cambodia". Move To Cambodia. Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2017. Foreigners are rarely prosecuted for small amounts of marijuana, but expect to pay a few bribes if you do get caught.
^Harfenist, Ethan (30 May 2015). "The high life". Phnom Penh Post. Archived from the original on 8 June 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
^"Decreto Número 2467 de 2015"(PDF). Ministry of Health and Social Protection (Colombia). 22 December 2015. Archived(PDF) from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
^Eisenchteter, Jules (17 April 2023). "CZECHS GO TO POT". balkaninsight.com. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
^"Czech Republic Marijuana Information". Kush Tourism. Kush Tourism LLC. 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017. If you have more than 15 grams of cannabis or are growing more than five plants, the maximum penalty is a custodial sentence of one year. However, simple possession charges rarely receive the maximum charge.
^Hughes, Brendan (March 2010). "New Czech penal code enters into force". Drugnet Europe. Retrieved 23 January 2017. the new penal code criminalises the cultivation or possession of an illicit drug for personal use when the quantity is 'greater than small'. However, the new code now establishes quantity limits via a binding governmental decree (No 467/2009 Coll.) (2). For example, it stipulates that a crime is committed on possession of more than 5g of cannabis resin (previously 10g), 15g of herbal cannabis or 1g of cocaine, and on cultivation of more than five marijuana plants.
^"National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009–2016"(PDF). Official publications. Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. June 2009. p. 26, sec.2.49. Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 April 2018. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
^Réalités. Spectacle du monde. May 1996. p. 354. Les Américains ne lâchant pas prise, le gouvernement libanais interdisait officiellement la culture du pavot et du cannabis en 1992.
^"MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT". Attorney-General's Chamber. Singapore Government. 31 March 2008. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2013.
^United Nations. Commission on Narcotic Drugs (1949). Summary of Annual Reports of Governments Relating to Opium and Other Narcotic Drugs. Archived from the original on 20 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2018. TUNISIA 18. A Decree of 23 April 1953" (published in the Journal Officiel Tunisien of 28 April 1953) prohibits the cultivation of cannabis and the use of takrouri (cannabis) and specifies the conditions under which ...
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