A brief rundown of legality of cannabis in various countries

CANADA
On October 17, 2018, Canada became the latest country to legalize recreational marijuana in full. Growers can get licensed by the federal government, and then individual provinces will determine how the product gets distributed and sold. It won’t be heavily advertised — the attitude here is that the government will sign off, but not promote.

THE UNITED STATES

You must check state by state. This is covered in another article.

The main point seems to be that most countries effectively turn a blind eye to possession of small amounts of marijuana, so in most cases its probably best to be cautious.

The following is a more comprehensive list of the situation in these countries outside of the north American area.

MEXICO
The personal and private use of recreational marijuana up to 5 grams is decriminalised, i.e. no criminal proceedings or jail time. Cultivation and sale are still illegal.

BELIZE

The law was changed around a year ago allowing smoking in your own home and possession up to 10 grams isn’t a crime.

COSTA RICA

There are no penalties to smoke in Costa Rica, and you should be able to smoke for example on the beach not only in the privacy of your room.

 JAMAICA

Weed is decriminalised and if you’re a Rastafarian then you can use unlimited quantities freely.

ARGENTINA

In Argentina medical marijuana can be provided for free and you won’t be arrested for personal use or possession of recreational marijuana.

 COLOMBIA

Up to 20 grams of marijuana can be carried leally as recreational marijuana has been decriminalised for several years now.

 ECUADOR

It is illegal to sell and cultivate marijuana but on a personal level you should be alright up to 10 grams.

PERU
It seems that smoking in Peru is still tight so it’s best not to cultivate or sell and do any smoking in a private discrete setting.

URUGUAY

First country to legalize marijuana for the over 18s.

CAMBODIA

Weed is illegal but it is generally accepted and many of the restaurants have food on their menu marked a s happy, i.e. contains THC.

LAOS

As in Cambodia, marijuana is illegal, but the policy isn’t enforced, and they also offer happy meals.

NORTH KOREA

Like most things in North Korea the situation is somewhat confused, I’ve read reports that its is fully legal, and others that its not, so best to stay clear of marijuana in North Korea.

BELGIUM Up to 3 grams seems to be OK but be discreet.

ITALY

Sale and cultivation is definitely not on here, however possession of a small amount is a misdemeanour which means you could get a lot of hassle, but you won’t go to jail.

THE NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam coffee shops have been Europeans oasis for marijuana for many years now and it looks like the Dutch may be about to legalise cultivation to open up the marijuana gates more fully.

 PORTUGAL

All drugs are decriminalised in Portugal, and you’re clear to carry up to 25 grams of marijuana quite safely.

 SPAIN

If you’re caught in the street with a small amount you could be fined, marijuana possession and cultivation (up to a small quantity—not yet defined), is legal in the privacy of your own home, out of view of the public. Using this as a basis for smoking clubs (CSC), being private property and buying in bulk for various members the clubs have got around the law and in Barcelona the clubs are fully regulated and licensed.

SWITZERLAND

Possession of small amounts has been decriminalized, you can grow up to 4 hemp plants.

CROATIA

Personal use is decriminalized here, although growing and selling are not, so beware.

THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Medical usage is legal and possession of up to 15 grams is decriminalised.

RUSSIA

Marijuana is decriminalised for quantities up to 6 grams, during the world cup they allowed world cup fans to bring their medical marijuana with them.

UKRAINE

Possession of up to 5 grams and up to 10 plants has been decriminalised.

AUSTRALIA

Medical marijuana is legal and has been for a couple of years now. However, recreational is not legal but has been decriminalised in most regions.