Will Iceland be the new normal for cannabis?

Is Iceland the wave or the wind of the future?

While the US is debating reclassifying cannabis and officially recognizing its medicinal benefits, the public has already turned away from the discussion. In Canada, cannabis is fully legal and over 50% of the US, as well as parts of Europe, have access to legal weed. Interestingly, though, things are only getting better with legalization. Teen use is declining, medical use is on the rise, and many people of all ages are benefiting. While cannabis isn't perfect, it's definitely healthier than alcohol. The consuming public has taken notice, and more and more people are turning away from alcohol and turning to weed. One of those neighbors is our frosty northern neighbor. Will Iceland be the new normal for cannabis?

It is estimated that 6.6% of the population uses cannabis regularly. Due to data confusion, the number is commonly estimated at 18.3%. This makes sense when you consider that California's temperance movement is replacing cannabis with alcohol. Generation Z is drinking less and chewing more, and baby boomers are turning to medical marijuana for health reasons. Although it is still illegal, domestic production is growing. Although it is not a world record for consumption, the liberal country seems to prefer marijuana to mojitos.

The European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) suggests that people in Iceland drink less frequently than people in the other Nordic countries. Iceland has the seventh lowest proportion of people who drink at least once a week, at just over 20%. Overall, 62% of U.S. adults say they ever drink alcohol, while 38% abstain completely, while the figure for marijuana is more like 10-12%. With these trends, the U.S. will move closer to Canada, where consumption is almost the same. Even states like Texas, where cannabis is illegal, still sell hemp, which is derived from the same plant.

Purchasing and possessing small amounts for personal use is not severely punished, aside from a small fine of $500. Possession of small amounts of cannabis is prohibited but not punishable under Iceland's Narcotic Drugs and Controlled Substances Act. History moves and it is good to observe trends in other parts of the world.