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Where is marijuana legalized

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Cannabis legalization varies widely around the world, with some countries permitting recreational weed use, others allowing marijuana strictly for medical purposes, and many maintaining partial or evolving regulations. This page highlights where marijuana is currently legalized, decriminalized, or regulated across different regions and continents. For a broader reference covering cannabis laws by location—including U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide—visit our Cannabis Laws by Location guide.

Where is marijuana legalized
Where is marijuana legalized
1. North America
where is marijuana legalized a
  • United States: Recreational marijuana is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C., including California, Colorado, and New York. Medical marijuana is permitted in 38 states. Cannabis is still prohibited at the federal level, though.
  • Canada: Fully legalized for recreational and medical use since 2018, with regulated cultivation, sales, and possession.
  • Mexico: The Supreme Court decriminalized recreational marijuana, and full legalization is pending implementation of regulatory frameworks.
2. South America
where is marijuana legalized k
  • Uruguay: The first country to fully legalize recreational marijuana (2013), allowing regulated sales through pharmacies, home cultivation, and cannabis clubs.
  • Colombia: Medical marijuana is legal; possession of small amounts is decriminalized.
  • Argentina & Chile: Allow medical use; recreational possession is decriminalized to varying degrees.
3. Europe
where is marijuana legalized q
  • Germany: Legalized recreational cannabis in 2024, with strict limits and regulated use in private and cannabis clubs.
  • Netherlands: Tolerates recreational use in licensed coffee shops; technically illegal but not enforced.
  • Malta & Luxembourg: Legal for personal use and cultivation in limited quantities.
  • Portugal & Spain: Decriminalized for personal use; cannabis social clubs operate in gray zones.
4. Asia & Middle East
where is marijuana legalized h
  • Thailand: Decriminalized marijuana in 2022, focusing on medical and industrial use; recreational use remains discouraged.
  • Israel: Strong medical cannabis program; discussions on broader legalization are ongoing.
  • Other nations: Generally maintain strict prohibition.
5. Africa & Oceania
  • South Africa: Personal use and home cultivation allowed; public use and sale remain illegal.
  • Australia: Medical cannabis is legal federally; recreational use is allowed in the Australian Capital Territory.

Marijuana laws are rapidly evolving, with more regions shifting toward medical use, decriminalization, or full legalization.