In which countries is cannabis legal?
More than a hundred years after its criminalisation, cannabis has become legal again in several countries around the world. In this article we explain some of the countries that decided to liberalise cannabis in different ways and for different purposes.
The first major crossover is between the liberalisation of cannabis for recreational and therapeutic use. Some countries allow the possibility of using medical cannabis under state control, while others legalised the use of cannabis 100% tout court.
The second differentiation is more legal with the distinction between legalisation y decriminalisation of cannabis. In some countries cannabis is completely legal, in others it remains illegal. However, thanks to decriminalisation, use, cultivation and possession are punishable only on a civil level, without any criminal charges.
In this post we will talk about the situation in Spain and the main countries where cannabis has been legalised.
Is cannabis legal in Spain?
The possessionthe consumption and the cultivation from cannabis for personal use is legal. In fact, it is legal to possess up to 100 grams of cannabisas long as it is not trafficked illegally. It is cannabis use in public places strictly prohibitedwith fines of up to €30,000. The sale of cannabis is illegal, except in the cannabis associations like us, who meet the legal requirements. Therefore, Spain is part of the countries where cannabis is decriminalised.
Legal cannabis for recreational use
As mentioned above, some countries have legalised the use of cannabis for recreational use.
Uruguay
The first was Uruguay in 2013, thanks to a law approving the cultivation, sale and consumption of cannabis. Production is still controlled by the state, although each Uruguayan citizen can grow up to 6 plants for personal use and carry up to 30 grams of cannabis in public places.
Canada
In 2018 Canada decided to legalise cannabis, although it was already possible to consume medical cannabis since 2001. Now with the new law, recreational use is also possible. Anyone over the age of 18 can possess and share up to 30 grams of cannabis in public places with other persons of legal age. Cultivation of up to 4 plants at home (for personal use) is also allowed. Sale is allowed in state-licensed shops to both Canadians and tourists.
United States
Crossing the border, we find the peculiar case of the United States. At the Federal level cannabis is still illegal. However, it is allowed for medical use. More than half of the states also allow recreational use: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Washington DC.
South Africa
South Africa joins this list, where possession, consumption and cultivation of cannabis is legal at the private level. Public use and sale to third parties remains illegal.