So far, cannabis is only really legal in a few countries. However, Germany could soon be one of them. Nevertheless, there is a global trend towards more relaxed use of the drug. But the handling is quite different internationally – here is an overview.
Cannabis could be legally smoked in Germany from 2024. On Wednesday, the federal cabinet approved the key points of Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach on the legalization of the drug. In other countries, real legalization, as it might be coming in Germany, is still rare. But there has been a trend towards the decriminalization of cannabis around the world in recent years.
The small EU country of Malta in December allowed citizens over the age of 18 to own up to seven grams of weed and grow up to four plants as part of a reform. From seven grams and up to 28 grams, the consumer risks a fine of 100 euros. Consumption in public and in front of minors remains prohibited.
Luxembourg plans to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. In late June, the government presented a bill that would allow up to four cannabis plants to be grown at home.
The Netherlands are practically a classic when it comes to cannabis: Possession, consumption and sale of up to five grams in “coffee shops” have been permitted since 1976. Cultivation and sale on a large scale are prohibited, and criminal gangs are mainly active in this area. The Netherlands was also the first EU country to allow medicinal use of cannabis in 2003. The medicinal use of the drug is now permitted in around 30 countries around the world.
In Spain, cultivation for personal use in private rooms is tolerated. Trading and consumption in public are prohibited.
Neighboring Portugal decriminalized the use and possession of all drugs in 2001. However, consumers can be fined, which they can avoid through addiction treatment.
In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize the cultivation, distribution and consumption of cannabis. Drugs are available to users in three ways: by growing them at home for their own use, by joining a cannabis club, or by purchasing them from a pharmacy.
In June last year, Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalized recreational marijuana use. Then, in May 2022, the country relaxed the criteria for ownership.
In the United States, federal law prohibits the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana. However, recreational use has been legalized in 19 states. In early October, US President Joe Biden pardoned those convicted at the federal level of simple marijuana possession.
Canada became the second country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis in October 2018. Legislation limits personal possessions to 30 grams and four plants per household. It is up to the provinces to organize sales in authorized state or private shops.
In South Africa in 2018, the highest court ruled unconstitutional a law banning the use and cultivation of marijuana at home. However, the ruling does not decriminalize the public use of the drug, nor its marketing.