The bid to legalize marijuana, a drug considered to be harmful to the body, has been long squabbled over in most countries across the globe.
However some countries have decriminalized the usage of the drug with some conditions.
The mere mention of the word cannabis sends chills down the spines of defaulters in any given country where use of the said drug is illegal.
See: Everything You Must know About Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana)
Marijuana comes from the Indian hemp plant. The part that contains the “drug” is found primarily in the flowers and much less in the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant.
There has been a seemingly unending argument, as to whether the drug is safe or unsafe for consumption. Despite massive follow-up researches on the former, pot has remained illegal in most countries across the globe. However, some countries seem to be accepting of the drug especially for medical purposes.
See Also: Kofi Anan Calls for Legalization of Cannabis
While some countries have criminalized marijuana, some are passing legislation either decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana in some form. Some countries have gone as far as shifting the marijuana market into economic profit, through producing different marijuana products.
Here are some of the countries where the use or smoking of pot is not frowned at.
Growing pots in small quantities is legal in Colombia. In 2012, the country had decriminalized the possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana, but smoking in public was still illegal. This simply means that in the South American country, the sale of weed is illegal and so is transporting it, but one can legally grow up to 20 grams for personal consumption.
Though medical marijuana has been legalized in Canada, selling of weed is technically illegal in the country. However it is legalized & regulated by some cities. The country, led by Justin Trudeau, is currently working on legalizing recreational cannabis.
Usage of cannabis comes with some flexible conditions in the country. Medical marijuana is legal in Czech Republic. More so, Czech drug law does not consider usage of the drug a criminal offense, just possession of large quantities. It’s technically illegal, but possession of up to 15g is decriminalized. Also Purchase of up to 15g is legal in the country.
The country legalized Marijuana on a national scale in 2014. It is legal to grow, sell and also consume cannabis in Uruguay. However, only pharmacies are allowed to sell the drug to citizens over the age of 18 and who are on a government registry.
Marijuana in Spain is not criminalized as long as you smoke in private. It is fully legal for private use only at home. However It is illegal to transport it or sell it.
Possession of weed is illegal in the US at the Federal level, but legal in some states like; Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Many states in the US, such as Hawaii and Vermont, have passed medical marijuana laws.
Portugal has decriminalized possession and consumption of cannabis, as long as you don’t have more than a 10-day supply. All drugs are decriminalized in Portugal. However, you can’t sell them but can transport and grow your own.
Marijuana in the Netherlands, is legal for use in coffee shops (not the normal cafes). Such products are available and can be smoked in designated coffee shops.
The country in 2013, decriminalized marijuana for people over 18 with 10 grams or less of the drug.
Romania waited till October 2013, to legalize Marijuana. The Eastern European country has legalized medical marijuana derivatives. The law allows for people to have products that contain cannabis compounds rather than the green itself. It is legal for medicinal use under certain conditions.
In some countries, it took years of long deliberations to finally legalize marijuana usage to some extent. For Africa, it is still a work in progress in most countries.
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