Marijuana has always been a highly politicized topic. Depending on where you are in the world consequences can mean jail time.
There are a handful of countries where recreational cannabis is completely legal and you may be surprised that they aren’t ones most people might think (ie Holland & Jamaica). Then there are countries where it is illegal but legal-ish a the same time.
While medical marijuana is legal in roughly 30 countries, this trend seems to be growing as countries like Canada, United Kingdom and the US are joining the list in 2018.
1. Georgia
Not a country that on most peoples bucket list. The former soviet country had protested for years. Led by the White Noise Movement in 2016, 80 plants were placed in front of Parliament calling for the decriminalization of cannabis which previously came with harsh sentences.
In July 2018, the Constitutional Court of Georgia legalized marijuana for consumption. Interestingly enough the court announced its decision at 4:20 PM.
2. Uruguay
On December 2013, cannabis became legalized in Uruguay. Designated pharmacies provided the first cannabis registrants with the equivalent to two blunts per day. Uruguay is the first country in the modern era to legalize marijuana. In 2014, personal cultivation allowed up to 6 plants. Considering the weather in Uruguay that can lead to a nice personal stash. In addition to pharmacies, state-controlled dispensaries are also available to sell cannabis to citizens. Don’t get too excited to plan your trip there for pot as it isn’t legal for foreigners to smoke up.
3. Spain
Who wouldn’t want to smoke up on the beaches of Ibiza? While cannabis in Spain is illegal for commercial purposes, there is one loophole. Cannabis clubs are a private collective which allow enthusiasts to obtain restricted amounts of marijuana at cost and only for legal adults. Cannabis cultivation is also legal for up to 3 plants for personal use. Plants must be grown away from any public areas or growers can face stiff fines of up to 30,000 euro.
4. United States
While cannabis is illegal on the federal level, 9 states have legalized it for recreational use. Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. States where marijuana is legal include an age requirement of 21 and limit the amount which can be purchased. As of 2018, nine US states have legalized marijuana which include Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Personal cultivation is still illegal at the federal level but allowed in most of the states where marijuana is legalized up to 6 plants.
5. Canada
Cannabis is set to be legalized nationwide in Canada on October 17, 2018. Canadian cannabis laws vary from province to province. Typically, marijuana will be sold through private-run retail, online and liquor boards. Sales will include mostly dry herbs. Cultivation will be allowed up to 3 plants for most provinces with some restrictions such as away from public spaces. Marijuana will not be permitted for consumption in public spaces, work places, in motor vehicles and apartments/condos according to the lease agreement. Given the restrictions, we may see a business opportunity for bud and breakfasts to accommodate the cannabis tourists. If you’re looking for a wider variety of cannabis products such as edibles, shatter, hash, seeds etc. you can find them through mail order marijuana websites. Weed List provides thousands of marijuana products that can be delivered to your mailbox in discrete shipping.
Thumbs up for those countries where weed is legal!! and thumbs down to those where it is illegal.