Countries Where Marijuana is Legal

Whether you want to grow your own marijuana or simply consume the product, there are some countries where cannabis is legal. Some of them are Switzerland, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Mexico, Malta, Canada, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

Canada

Earlier this year, Canada became the world’s first developed nation to legalize recreational marijuana use. This new law, known as the Cannabis Act, allows Canadians to possess and grow up to four cannabis plants at home.

The Canadian government is pledging $46 million over the next five years to fund public education about the dangers of cannabis use. The government also hopes to educate youth about the potential risks of using cannabis.

The Canadian Medical Association continues to advise caution with cannabis. Its public health approach includes assessing patients for medical reasons, providing treatment services, and advocating awareness.

Switzerland

Despite the fact that it is still illegal to produce, consume, or trade marijuana in Switzerland, the country has been pursuing the slow normalization of medical cannabis use. This would eventually allow the country to compete with other European countries in the CBD segment.

Legalization of cannabis will allow growers in Switzerland to participate in the global market. According to the University of Geneva, the country’s annual turnover for cannabis could reach over one billion dollars. This would create an estimated four thousand full-time jobs in the country.

Medical use of marijuana is approved for patients suffering from cancer and multiple sclerosis. It is also approved for patients with neurological conditions. Those suffering from epilepsy or chronic pain can also receive medical cannabis.

Netherlands

Often referred to as the “weed capital of the world,” the Netherlands is one of the countries where marijuana is legal. The Dutch government has a liberal drug policy. But the country is also known for its tolerance.

While cannabis is legal in most of the country, large scale growth and trading of marijuana is prohibited. However, there are some exceptions. The government plans to allow a limited number of cannabis growers to cultivate recreational marijuana. The plan was endorsed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on January 30.

Mexico

Despite Mexico’s shady history with drugs, marijuana is now legal in the country. In addition to medical use, there is a legal cannabis market. The Mexican Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis will issue licenses to companies for cultivation, research, and sale of marijuana. The institute will also oversee public education campaigns to discourage people from using the drug.

In October, the Supreme Court declared that the prohibition of marijuana use was unconstitutional. The court also ordered the Ministry of Health to publish guidelines for medicinal use of the plant within 180 days.

Malta

Despite Malta’s conservative reputation, its government has taken a progressive approach to cannabis. In addition to legalizing medical and recreational use, the country has established an Authority on the Responsible Use of Cannabis. This authority will regulate the consumption of cannabis in the Maltese context and uphold the law.

The Maltese government claims that its cannabis law will not encourage drug abuse. In fact, it aims to reduce criminal trafficking by creating a more regulated market. It also intends to make cannabis legal for tourists.

The bill passed in Parliament by 36 votes to 27, with the opposition party Maltese Nationalist Party opposing it. It was introduced by former minister of justice Owen Bonnici, who called the previous marijuana law “draconian.”

The new legislation is designed to provide a more sensible approach to the cannabis industry. Adult users will be able to carry up to seven grams of weed. However, they will need to be careful. The law will also allow them to form a cannabis club. These organizations will only be allowed to have up to 500 members. The clubs will be non-profit and can only sell cannabis to their members.

Costa Rica

Several Latin American countries have passed legislation to legalize medical marijuana, including Costa Rica. Those who have a prescription can access marijuana via pharmacies.

But Costa Rica’s marijuana law does not go into the details of how it works. It does not permit recreational use of the plant, and it is still illegal. This is a glaring omission that could affect tourism and agricultural growth.

The country’s president is expected to introduce a decriminalization bill in November that would allow for cultivation and sale. However, the law is not yet finalized, and its approval will require a qualified majority vote.

Ayurvedic Medicine in Sri Lanka

Despite the fact that Sri Lanka’s government has banned the cultivation of cannabis for Ayurvedic medicine, a significant number of Ayurvedic practitioners in the country are using marijuana for traditional medical purposes. While the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine defends the use of cannabis for Ayurvedic treatments, some people view the drug as being dangerous.

Ayurvedic pharmacies in the country have also been subject to police raids. Vendors have been arrested and packages of madana modaka have been destroyed.

The Sri Lankan National Council of Mental Health opposes the use of marijuana for treatment. They warn that the drug can cause serious psychological effects.