Table of Contents
What countries is marijuana legal
1. Fully Legal (Recreational & Medical Use)
These countries have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use and medical purposes:
- Uruguay – First country to legalize recreational marijuana (2013); regulated by the government.
- Canada – Legal nationwide since 2018; includes retail sale, personal cultivation, and use.
- Germany – Legalized limited recreational use in 2024; adults may possess and grow small amounts.
- Malta – Legal since 2021 for personal use and limited home cultivation.
- Luxembourg – Legalized in 2023 for adults to possess and grow cannabis at home.
- Thailand – Decriminalized in 2022, allowing use and cultivation, though recreational sales remain controversial and are under new restrictions.
2. Legal for Medical Use Only
These countries allow marijuana use with a medical prescription or under specific healthcare frameworks:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Italy
- Greece
- Israel – A global leader in medical cannabis research.
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Chile
- South Korea – Very limited and strictly regulated.
- United Kingdom – Legal but access remains restricted.
3. Decriminalized
Cannabis is illegal but possession of small amounts does not result in criminal charges:
- Netherlands – Cannabis is technically illegal but tolerated in licensed coffeeshops.
- Portugal – Decriminalized all drugs; users may receive fines or treatment, not jail time.
- Czech Republic
- Spain – Personal use and cultivation in private spaces is tolerated.
- Switzerland – Small amounts decriminalized; pilot projects for regulated adult use.
4. Illegal (Strict Prohibition)
Cannabis remains illegal, with harsh penalties for possession or trafficking:
- Singapore
- Indonesia
- Japan
- China
- Philippines
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
5. United States (Hybrid System)
- Federally Illegal, but 24 states (including California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, etc.) have legalized recreational marijuana.
- Most other states allow medical use.
Laws are rapidly evolving, and legalization trends are increasing globally, especially for medical use.
