Germany has become the latest addition to the expanding roster of nations embracing cannabis legalization on May 1st 2024. Despite the shifting legal landscape in several countries, cannabis remains predominantly illegal for recreational purposes worldwide.

A liberal approach in Germany

The German cabinet approved a controversial bill on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards legalizing recreational marijuana use and cultivation. This move positions Germany as one of the most progressive countries in Europe regarding cannabis legislation.

Objectives of the legislation

The centre-left government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, aims to tackle the black market, safeguard consumers from contaminated cannabis, and diminish drug-related criminal activity through this legislation.

Germany legalizes cannabis: A historic moment!

Global legal framework

While many nations have revised their cannabis laws over the past decade to accommodate recreational use, the global legal landscape remains predominantly restrictive. Three United Nations treaties, including the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971), and the Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988), shape international cannabis policies.

Diverse legal status across nations

While certain countries have decriminalized cannabis possession, others still impose severe penalties, including up to five years of imprisonment, for possession.

Overview: Medical Use Only

Argentia

In 2009, the Supreme Court of Argentia declared that the use of marijuana in small quantities and private spaces is no longer illegal.

Medical marijuana has been legalized in Chubut and Santa Fe since September 23, 2016.

Barbados

In November 2019, the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Bill was enacted, legalizing cannabis for medical purposes. However, recreational use remains prohibited.

The Sacramental Cannabis Bill allows recognized Rastafarians to use cannabis for spiritual purposes.

Brazil

Since 2006, Brazil has permitted the private use of small quantities of cannabis, but recreational use remains illegal.

Chile

Chile initiated clinical trials in 2014, leading to the authorization of medical cannabis use in 2015. While production and public consumption are still prohibited, cultivation and sale for medical purposes are legal.

Costa Rica

President Carlos Alvarado signed a bill into law in March 2022, allowing therapeutic and medicinal cannabis use. However, recreational use remains prohibited.

Croatia

In 2015, the Croatian Ministry of Health legalized cannabis-based medicines to treat patients with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or AIDS.

Cyprus

Cannabis is classified as a Class B drug in Cyprus, carrying a maximum eight-year prison sentence. However, the use of cannabis oil for medical purposes was approved in January 2017 for severe cancer patients. In February 2019, a more comprehensive law was passed to cover a broader range of qualifying medical conditions.

Czech Republic

Cannabis has been authorized for medical purposes in the Czech Republic since April 2013, and its use has been decriminalized since January 2010.

Specialists are permitted to prescribe up to 180 grams of dried cannabis per month under the law.

Denmark

The Danish Medicines Agency certified three different cannabis derivatives for medical use in 2011; however, each form requires a prescription.

Patients, particularly those with multiple sclerosis or cancer, are typically prescribed these derivatives.

A four-year trial study commenced in January 2018 to explore the medical use of whole-plant cannabis.

Ecuador

Personal use of up to 10 grams of cannabis is permitted in Ecuador, but the sale of marijuana is prohibited.

Finland

While cannabis is generally prohibited in Finland, a limited number of individuals can purchase herbal cannabis under brands like Sativex, Bedrocan, Bediol, or Bedica from select pharmacies.

Germany

In Germany, cannabis consumption with a doctor’s prescription became eligible for health insurance coverage in 2017. This followed legislation adopted by the German Cabinet in 2016, allowing its use for seriously ill patients who have consulted with a physician.

Greece

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced the legalization of medical cannabis in June 2017, requiring a doctor’s prescription for patients. A year later, the Greek Parliament passed a law permitting medical cannabis production and cultivation.

Ireland

Medical cannabis use in Ireland requires clearance from the Minister of Health on a case-by-case basis, while recreational use remains prohibited.

Israel

Medical marijuana has been legal in some Israeli states since the early 1990s for individuals suffering from chronic pain, cancer, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While personal use remains prohibited, recreational use has been partially decriminalized, with enforcement typically lenient for possession of 15 grams or less.

Italy

Italy legalized medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes in 1998. The healthcare system covers six medical conditions for medical marijuana, while additional conditions can obtain cannabis through pharmacies. In June 2017, the Ministry of Health set a maximum price range of €8.50 to €9.00 per gram to standardize patient costs.

Jamaica

In February 2015, Jamaica amended its cannabis laws to permit possession of up to two ounces and allow cannabis use for religious purposes by Rastafarians. Tourists with medical marijuana prescriptions can apply for licenses to purchase limited amounts.

Lebanon

Lebanon became the first Arab nation to legalize cannabis cultivation for medical purposes in April 2020. However, medical advice must be provided by a doctor through a recognized organization.

Malawi

In 2020, Malawi’s parliament legalized cannabis production and processing for commercial and medical purposes, excluding recreational use. Malawi is known for producing strong sativa strains and is one of Southern Africa’s leading cannabis cultivators.

New Zealand

In 2020, New Zealand introduced the Medical Cannabis Scheme, allowing any licensed doctor in the country to prescribe CBD products.

North Macedonia

Following approval by the Macedonian Parliament’s Health Committee in February 2016, patients in North Macedonia were permitted to purchase oil containing up to 0.2 percent cannabis without a prescription. Stronger products require a prescription.

Norway

Marijuana is strictly permitted for medical use only in Norway; all other uses are prohibited.

Panama

President Laurentino Cortizo signed a bill into law in October 2021, legalizing medical cannabis in Panama. Recreational use remains prohibited, although enforcement is often lax.

Peru

After a police raid in Lima in 2017 led to the closure of a business producing cannabis-based medicines for patients with epilepsy and other illnesses, medical cannabis was legalized in Peru.

Poland

Medical cannabis was legalized in Poland in November 2018, following approval in July of the same year.

Portugal

Pharmacy prescriptions for medical cannabis became available upon its legalization in 2018. Possession of small amounts of marijuana is now legal.

Rwanda

After a proposal for legislation in 2010 and subsequent passage of an order in 2021, Rwanda legalized cannabis for therapeutic use.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2018, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines approved two acts, one of which initiated the medical cannabis industry. Possession of up to 56 grams (two ounces) of marijuana is no longer a crime, resulting in fines up to $500 and other penalties such as mandatory cannabis education, counseling, or rehabilitation.

San Marino

A public initiative in 2016 led to the approval of medical cannabis legalization in San Marino. Individuals suffering from conditions like multiple sclerosis or bone marrow disorders can now receive free Sativex.

Spain

In Spain, individuals are allowed to cultivate cannabis for personal use at home, but selling or public consumption is prohibited.

Sri Lanka

Cannabis is available through Ayurvedic herb stores in Sri Lanka for scientific and medical purposes, provided a permit is obtained from the Ministry of Health. Recreational use is prohibited.

Switzerland

Switzerland amended its drug laws in March 2021 to legalize medical cannabis exclusively. Cannabis tinctures and concentrates are prescribed by only two pharmacies for patients with severe or terminal conditions.

United Kingdom

In 2018, the UK legalized cannabis for medical purposes, with then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid announcing the availability of cannabis products for individuals with “exceptional clinical needs.” Treatment initiated by a specialist consultant can be continued by a GP or non-medical prescriber under shared care.

Vanuatu

In 2018, Vanuatu’s national healthcare system considered clinical trials of a cannabis-based medication for treating diabetes.

Zambia

Under the authorization of Steven Kampyongo, Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs, cannabis cultivation for medical purposes is now legal with a permit from the Ministry of Health.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe legalized marijuana for therapeutic and academic purposes on April 27, 2018. Possession is allowed only with a medical exception, with penalties of up to 12 years in prison for non-compliance.

Using THC for unwinding and stress relief

Cannabis Legalization and Use in Various Countries

Australia

Recreational Use

The Australian Capital Territory enacted a law in late 2019 legalizing recreational cannabis use, allowing individuals to possess and cultivate small amounts for personal use since January 2020.

Medical Use

Cannabis was legalized for research and medical purposes in Australia in 2016 following amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act.

Canada

In October 2018, the federal Cannabis Act legalized marijuana throughout Canada. Each household is permitted to cultivate up to four plants and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis for personal use. The “Marihuana Medical Access Regulations” (MMAR), enacted in July 2001, were the world’s first laws to legalize and regulate medical cannabis.

Colombia

Marijuana was partially legalized for recreational use in Colombia since 1994. However, since 2016, it has been approved for medical purposes.

Georgia

On July 30, 2018, the Constitutional Court of Georgia’s decision made Georgia one of the first countries globally to legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational use.

Germany

The new law legalizes possession by adults of up to 25 grams (nearly 1 ounce) of marijuana for recreational purposes and allows individuals to grow up to three plants on their own. Use is prohibited within 100 meters (109 yards) of the entrance to a playground or school. That part of the legislation took effect from 1st of May 2024.

Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Ministry of Health introduced a two-year pilot scheme in 2017 to allow residents access to cannabis extracts for medical purposes. A bill legalizing medical marijuana was unanimously adopted by MPs the following year. In June of the subsequent year, the government proposed legislation to permit residents to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, decriminalize public possession and smoking, and impose on-the-spot fines rather than criminal charges.

Malta

In 2015, Malta decriminalized cannabis. The country legalized the prescription-only use of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018. In December 2021, it became the first EU country to legalize cannabis for adults aged 18 and older. Recreational marijuana was legalized in the same month, allowing individuals to possess up to seven grams and grow up to four plants at home. However, smoking in front of children or in public places is prohibited.

Mexico

In June 2021, the highest Mexican court decriminalized cannabis, and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador signed legislation legalizing possession of up to 28 grams of cannabis and cultivation of up to six plants for adults aged 18 and older. Additionally, a law allowing medical cannabis use with products containing less than one percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was enacted by President Enrique Peña Nieto in June 2017.

Netherlands

Contrary to popular belief, marijuana use for recreational purposes is tolerated but decriminalized in the Netherlands for personal use. Since 2003, legally prescribed cannabis medications have been available from Dutch pharmacies.

South Africa

The South African Constitutional Court ruled that cannabis can only be consumed by adults in private settings. Its consumption, purchase, and sale outside of one’s home remain prohibited by law.

Thailand

Since 2018, cannabis consumption for medical purposes has been legal in Thailand, although individuals still require a prescription. In June 2022, marijuana commerce was legalized.

United States

Cannabis is legal for medical use in 37 states with a doctor’s approval, and it is also legal for recreational use in 21 states. By 2022, 10 states had decriminalized cannabis, and 16 more initially decriminalized it before legalizing it. In October 2022, President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of Americans convicted of cannabis possession.

Uruguay

Uruguay became the first country globally to legalize the production, distribution, and consumption of cannabis in 2013. Residents can purchase up to 40 grams of cannabis per month from pharmacies, cultivate it themselves, or join cannabis clubs where members collectively tend to the plants.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any THC product.