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Where is marijuana legal
As of 2025, marijuana legality varies widely across the globe, with jurisdictions adopting different stances on medical and recreational use. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
United States
Marijuana is legal for recreational use in 24 states and Washington, D.C., including California, Colorado, New York, and Illinois. Over 30 states permit medical marijuana with varying conditions. However, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Canada
Canada legalized both medical and recreational marijuana nationwide in October 2018 under the Cannabis Act. Adults 18 or older can possess, use, and grow limited amounts of cannabis.
Europe
- Netherlands: Cannabis is decriminalized and tolerated for personal use in licensed coffee shops.
- Germany: As of 2024, recreational cannabis possession is decriminalized, and regulated home cultivation is allowed.
- Portugal: All drugs, including marijuana, are decriminalized for personal use.
- Czech Republic, Spain, and Switzerland: Personal use and cultivation are decriminalized; however, sale remains illegal.
South America
- Uruguay: The first country to legalize marijuana fully (2013), allowing residents to grow, purchase, and consume cannabis legally.
- Argentina, Colombia, and Chile: Medical marijuana is legal; possession for personal use is decriminalized.
Asia
Marijuana remains mostly illegal with harsh penalties. However:
- Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize medical marijuana in 2018 and decriminalized cannabis in 2022 with ongoing regulatory development.
Africa
- South Africa: Legalized personal use and cultivation in private spaces.
- Lesotho and Zimbabwe: Permit medical cannabis cultivation with licenses.
Oceania
- Australia: Medical marijuana is legal federally; some territories (e.g., Australian Capital Territory) have decriminalized recreational use.
- New Zealand: Medical cannabis is legal; recreational legalization was narrowly rejected in a 2020 referendum.
Laws continue evolving rapidly; always consult local regulations for the most accurate and current legal status.
