Updated guide to cannabis laws around the world

Continental, cannabis is decriminalized and approved for medicinal purposes in several regions of North America, Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America. However, it remains banned in Middle Eastern countries and Asia. It is important that every person who uses cannabis understands these cannabis laws, especially if they are traveling or relocating to another country.

This article is a compilation and a quick guide to cannabis laws around the world. So whenever you visit a new region, be sure to take a quick look at whether or not you can freely consume cannabis in that region.

Photo by Levi Ventura via Unsplash

Europe

Currently, cannabis use in some countries in Europe is at various stages of legality and decriminalization. Some of these countries are the Czech Republic, Portugal, Russia, Croatia, Spain, Ukraine and Switzerland. However, it remains illegal across Europe.

You can avoid the possibility of accidentally being caught searching for cannabis by vaping discreetly. But the smell of cannabis is still very divine, and if you get caught in areas with strict anti-cannabis rules you can face some legal issues.

With the European cannabis discourse, he stops at Turkey. Turkey is starting to reduce cannabis slightly, but it is still advisable not to take it with you when visiting the country.

The European police can also turn a blind eye to weeds if they are in small quantities and if it is clearly stated that they are for personal use. If you carry cannabis in large quantities it may appear like you are selling it and such commercial intent should be avoided. If you are buying cannabis to share with a group of people in Europe, be sure to break it up quickly into smaller quantities before a police search.

Americans and the Caribbean

In America and Canada, cannabis use is either legal or considered an offense. Just like in Europe, anyone visiting such countries is strongly advised to remain discreet, even in states where it is perfectly legal to do so.

Some people in America and the Caribbean may dislike the smell of cannabis if smoked or vaped around them, even though cannabis has legal status in the state. When you arrive in the southern US the situation gets very complex so be careful.

Legalization in Latin America Who's Next to Mexico?Plaza Botero, Medellin, Colombia, Photo by John Coletti / Getty Images

South American countries are more likely to accept marijuana as many nations in that region have decriminalized cannabis possession, although its sale and cultivation are still illegal.

Jamaica is the only country where the use of cannabis is celebrated as part of their culture. Other countries are either legal, semi-legal, or ignored (as long as people are discreet about it). Currently, those countries where it is legal, semi-legal, or ignored are Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Belize, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay.

RELATED: Legalization in Latin America: Who’s Next to Mexico?

Make sure, as we mentioned with Europe outside of Jamaica, that you have small amounts of cannabis with you. Also emphasize the fact that it is for personal and non-commercial use only.

Middle East and Asia

The best thing to do with cannabis in these regions is to ultimately avoid it. Cannabis is currently illegal in these regions, except in South Korea, where it can only be used for medicinal purposes. There are also rumors that it is legal in North Korea, but this is still controversial due to the country’s lack of access to information.

In the Middle East and Asia, most people still consider possession of cannabis a serious offense, while others completely ignore it. In some countries like Singapore, Turkey, Korea, KSA, Pakistan, Malaysia and Japan, it is not legal to touch cannabis at all.

Japanese lawmakers discover marijuana cultivation outside of their officesPhoto by fak1911 via Pixabay

You might be safe to use cannabis in countries like India, Laos, and Cambodia. Also remember that foreigners should not expect any preferential treatment than that of the locals. When you arrive in these regions, check the specific cannabis status in the countries you are visiting and stick to the rules.

It may be advisable to leave your stash at home when traveling to Asian or Middle Eastern countries, as those regions are still strictly against the plant in both forms (medicinal and recreational).

Australia, New Zealand and Africa

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. It is largely ignored explicitly in Australia and New Zealand, so if you get caught with t, it will only be treated as an offense. However, remember that if caught with smaller amounts it will be treated as an offense and clearly state that it is for personal use only.

Australia is still at the forefront of global cannabis reform as it first legalized medical marijuana across the country in 2016. The country has decriminalized and accepted cannabis in the cultures of the local Australian population.

Photo by Dan Freeman via Unsplash

In Africa, marijuana-related law enforcement is ineffective. If you get caught with it, you face serious consequences, especially in Nigeria and Ethiopia. South Africa is the only country where cannabis use is safe compared to other African countries, but it is still not recommended.

Lesotho and Zimbabwe have legalized cannabis for medicinal cultivation, while some other nations are considering legalization. Some of these countries are Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Malawi and Kenya. In the future, these countries have a better chance of decriminalizing cannabis.

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You may be wondering, “What about those who live in Antarctica?” Now that it’s kind of a lawless country, people can do whatever they want. However, be careful about cannabis possession during your visit as there may be some rules regarding cannabis that you may not be aware of.

Bottom line

Unlike in earlier times, many of these regions, which may seem very hostile to cannabis, are beginning to consider the medicinal benefits of the plant. Yes, many of these countries are still conservative, but the young people read and seek out the benefits of marijuana.

You may stay conservative for now, but experts agree that the future of cannabis in these regions is bright. A good example are North American countries, where cannabis may still be illegal at the federal level and legalized within states. Gradually, people are realizing the value of cannabis, which enables countries and regions to accept and legalize cannabis.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and was republished with permission.

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