As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, the legal status of cannabis varies widely around the world, with some countries and regions having fully legalized cannabis for recreational and/or medical use, while others maintain strict prohibitionist policies. Since this is a broad and complex topic, I will provide an overview of the legal status of cannabis in various countries and regions, focusing on key developments and trends up to 2021.
North America
Canada: In October 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to fully legalize cannabis for recreational use. The Cannabis Act allows for the legal possession, consumption, and cultivation of cannabis for personal use, as well as the commercial production and sale of cannabis products. Each province and territory has the authority to establish its own regulations for retail sales and distribution.
United States: Cannabis laws in the United States vary by state, with an increasing number of states legalizing cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. As of September 2021, recreational cannabis was legal in 18 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories, while medical cannabis was legal in 37 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and one tribal territory. However, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, creating a complex legal landscape with variations in regulations and enforcement from state to state.
Mexico: In June 2021, Mexico’s Supreme Court declared the country’s prohibition on recreational cannabis unconstitutional, paving the way for potential legalization. The Mexican legislature has been working on comprehensive cannabis reform legislation, which, if implemented, would establish a legal framework for the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis for recreational use.
South America
Uruguay: In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis, allowing for the production, distribution, and consumption of cannabis for recreational use. The country’s cannabis law establishes a state-controlled system for the production and sale of cannabis, with licensed pharmacies authorized to sell cannabis to registered consumers.
Argentina: While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use, Argentina passed a law in 2017 that legalized the medical use of cannabis and established a regulatory framework for the production and distribution of medical cannabis products. Patients with certain medical conditions can access cannabis-based medications through the country’s healthcare system.
Europe
Netherlands: The Netherlands is known for its liberal approach to cannabis, with the famous “coffee shops” in Amsterdam and other cities where the sale of small quantities of cannabis for personal use is tolerated under certain conditions. However, the production and wholesale distribution of cannabis to these establishments remain illegal, creating a unique gray area in Dutch cannabis policy.
Portugal: In Portugal, the possession and consumption of small quantities of drugs, including cannabis, were decriminalized in 2001. While decriminalization does not mean full legalization, it represents a significant departure from punitive drug policies, with a focus on harm reduction and public health interventions rather than criminalization.
Czech Republic: The Czech Republic decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis and other drugs in 2010, with a focus on diverting individuals caught with personal-use amounts into educational and treatment programs rather than criminal prosecution.
Spain: While cannabis remains illegal for commercial purposes, Spain has a unique approach to cannabis clubs, where members can collectively cultivate and share cannabis for personal use. These private associations operate in a legal gray area, with some regions and municipalities adopting more permissive policies toward cannabis clubs.
Germany: Germany legalized medical cannabis in