The (possibly) best and worst countries to get caught with Pot
This article was written by Andrew Ward and originally published on Benzinga.
The return to world travel and current affairs has recently put cannabis travel back in the spotlight. People are traveling again despite ongoing COVID-19 concerns and rising cases of moneypox.
At the same time, WNBA star Brittney Griner’s 9-year sentence in a Russian court over two cannabis cartridges sparked outrage and concerns about traveling with weed.
Griner’s case closely resembles that of Marc Fogel, who was sentenced to 14 years in a Russian prison in June.
Fogel was found at a Russian airport in possession of less than an ounce of medicinal cannabis. He claimed not to have known that medicinal cannabis was illegal in the country.
Regardless of the individual or country, even as acceptance of cannabis is increasing, it is wise to be aware of local cannabis laws and the nation’s approach to policing.
Global warming from weed
A September 2021 global cannabis growth report published by New Frontier Data found that 70 countries have legalized or decriminalized cannabis in some form.
In North America, Canada has approved adult use, the United States has state-by-state legality, and the Supreme Court of Mexico has legalized cannabis, but a marketplace has not been established. Meanwhile, the Caribbean is showing signs of access to medical reform.
South America has seen a wave of reforms, with different nations allowing access to low- or high-potency drugs. Several countries in central and northern South America and Central America ban cannabis in all forms.
Cannabis remains largely banned in Africa. However, a handful of nations have legalized medical access to low-THC. As in Mexico, the court in South Africa has legalized cannabis but has not established a marketplace.
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Most of Oceania remains opposed to cannabis in all forms. However, some U.S. nations and island territories have implemented policies for medicinal or adult use. Australia and New Zealand have medicinal cannabis laws, with the latter losing a narrow vote on adult use in 2020.
Asia and Eurasia combined remain the strictest country bloc for cannabis. So far, only a few southern counties and South Korea have legalized low-THC medicinal use.
Countries like India allow exceptions, such as consuming cannabis leaves for the traditional edible bhang. Other parts of the world, including Jamaica and Pakistan, have legalized or tolerated cannabis among various religious and tribal groups.
Worst nations to get caught with pot
The topic is somewhat more differentiated than it might appear at first glance. Depending on the criteria, a person can identify different nations as the best and worst for owning the pot.
Global property laws vary, as do opinions on where the best and worst places to get caught are.
In Iran, criminals can be flogged or sentenced to death by kilogram. In recent years, conflicting reports have claimed the nation has abolished the death penalty for cannabis, while others claim executions have continued.
Like Iran, several nations, including Singapore and Saudi Arabia, use lashes as punishment. Malaysia, North Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, China, Taiwan and other regional nations are also reported to have executed offenders.
Death and lengthy prison sentences are not the only parameters worth considering. Even short stints in harsh prisons can result in severe penalties.
Depending on the nation and institution, a person can face high levels of violence, overcrowding, starvation, and other adverse health risks. Some court systems are so secure that people can be held in custody for years while they await their day in court.
Best countries to get caught with pot?
Nowhere is the honest answer. But when push comes to shove, there are nations with friendlier regulations and prisons for cannabis possession crimes.
The best place to get banged is in a legalized or decriminalized country where people can avoid prosecution aside from a possible fine. Uruguay and Canada, the two countries legalizing adult consumption, top the list.
Countries or parts of countries have taken action to decriminalize the facility. As of August 5, 2022, the following people have decriminalized or permitted possession through similar laws:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bermudas
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Dominika
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Portugal
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
Several other nations are reported to be banning the facility but are not enforcing the law. In rarer cases, autonomous zones such as Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark, are allowed to sell, possess and use cannabis.
What about the United States?
The United States presents an interesting federal approach to cannabis law and sentencing.
As many have noted in recent years, the growing legal status of the plant appears to be at odds with America’s continued incarceration for cannabis crimes.
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It is estimated that over 40,000 people are in state or federal prisons on cannabis-related charges, and people continue to be arrested on new cases. Others have suggested the figure is closer to 31,000 as arrests have fallen in recent years.
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