Though many countries still crack down pretty hard on marijuana, laws are beginning to change.
The Uruguayan House of Representatives passed a bill in July 2013 that legalized and regulated production and sale of marijuana, but this bill has not become a law. All eyes are on Uruguay now as this bill is processed because if it is in fact passed, Uruguay will be the first country with a state-run marijuana industry. And Uruguay isn’t the only country changing its tune . . .
AUSTRALIA
Marijuana has been decriminalized for personal use in small amounts in certain areas, such as the Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia. However, use or distribution is considered a criminal offence in other areas.
CANADA
Cannabis is illegal for distribution, sale, or cultivation, but with a government issued license, it can be classified as legal for medicinal purposes.
COLOMBIA
The Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that possession of marijuana for personal use is not a crime and citizens may hold up to five grams.
CZECH REPUBLIC
In April 2013, the Czech Republic legalized and regulated marijuana for medicinal purposes. Possession for other purposes is considered a misdemeanour.
EQUADOR
Law 108, passed in 2011, decriminalized the possession of less than 10 grams for personal use.
FRANCE
Marijuana is legal for medical use only.
IRAN
Cultivating marijuana is legal for food purposes. Iranians often eat the seeds and businesses extract the oil. This commodity is sold legally. Sale and transport is legal when regulated.
MEXICO
In August 2009, Mexico decriminalized possession of up to five grams for personal use, however growing and selling marijuana is still illegal.
NETHERLANDS
Products containing the drug are sold openly in “coffee shops.” A new rule emerged in 2013, stating that in coffee shops, only Dutch citizens, not tourists, are permitted to purchase marijuana and other cannabis products. However, it is unclear whether or not this policy is actually enforced.
JAMAICA
Though still illegal in Jamaica, marijuana is considered a significant part of Jamaican culture, and a thriving tourist business has grown there involving “ganja tours”—illegal tours through vast farms of the plant.
PERU
Marijuana is not legal in Peru, but Article 299 states that possession is not punishable if holding under eight grams for personal use or immediate consumption.
PORTUGAL
In 2001, Portugal initiated a unique policy on drug possession. The country decriminalized the use of all drugs for the purpose of recognizing addiction as a serious problem rather than criminal offence. There is still the possibility of arrest or forced rehab, but only in more serious cases.
UNITED STATES
Legalization and decriminalization of marijuana in the United States is a tricky subject. It is completely illegal at the federal level, but legal at the state level in Colorado and Washington, and decriminalized in 14 states.
