Uruguay was first, Canada becomes the second country to legalize Cannabis, which one will be the next?
The use of medical marijuana has been legal in Canada since 2001 and Justin Trudeau’s government has spent two years working toward expanding that to include recreational marijuana. The goal is to better reflect society’s changing opinion about marijuana and bring black market operators into a regulated system.
So far, 21 countries or territories have legalized cannabis fully or partially for medical and/or adult use.
Argentina – Status: CBD legalized/Partially medically legalized/Decriminalized
In March, the Argentinian senate legalized cannabidiol (CBD) oil for the treatment of certain conditions, including epilepsy. The national medical authorities are the only group allowed to produce and distribute the medicine.
Australia – Status: Medically legalized/Partially decriminalized
Federally legalized production and use of MMJ on Nov. 1, 2016. First federal research license granted Feb. 17, by The Office of Drug Control in the Federal Department of Health.
Canada – Status: Full federal legalization
Canada legalized medical cannabis use and cultivation in 2001. The program, which licenses cannabis producers, is regulated by the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations by Health Canada.
Chile – Status: Medically legalized
Chile legalized the cultivation of medical cannabis in 2014. Cultivators must get a license from the Chilean Agriculture Service. Sale of medical cannabis is only allowed through prescription at pharmacies.
Colombia – Status: Medically legalized/Decriminalized
In 2015, President Santos signed a bill into law to regulate the medical cannabis industry. It is now fully legal to grow, process, import and export medical cannabis and cannabis derivatives if you possess a federal license from the National Narcotics Council and/or the health ministry.
Croatia – Status: Medically legalized
Legal for certain conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS.
Czech Republic – Status: Medically legalized
Since 2013, MMJ has been legal in the Czech Republic. In the first year of the program, federal authorities imported medical cannabis products to sell at pharmacies. Today, licensed cultivators grow cannabis for the state.
Germany – Status: Medically legalized/Decriminalized
Earlier this year, Germany began importing medical marijuana (MMJ) from Canada as part of a recently expanded program. Potential cultivators are vying for government licenses, and current patients may pick up their prescriptions at pharmacies.
India – Status: Federally illegal, but legal in some states
While cannabis (often called “ganja” in India) remains federally illegal, it is reportedly widely tolerated, and several states have their own laws legalizing cannabis for possession/use or sale.
Israel – Status: Medically legalized
Long a center for cannabis research, Israel legalized medical marijuana in the 1990s. In 2004, it began experimenting with THC as a treatment for PTSD in its military members. There are currently eight licensed producers, and patients can get their prescriptions filled in company stores or medical centers.
Italy – Status: Medically legalized
Italy legalized cannabis for medical use in 2013. Currently, production is limited to a military operation in Florence called the Military Pharmaceutical Plant. The Army sends final medicine to pharmacies across the country, where patients with prescriptions can purchase medicine.
Jamaica – Status: Partially medically legalized/Decriminalized
In February 2015, an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act was passed in the House of Representatives, making minor possession a civil penalty and opening the door for a regulated system of permits and licenses, as well as used for medical, therapeutic and religious purposes.
Macedonia – Status: Medically legalized
Legalized in 2016, medical marijuana in Macedonia is already attracting international investors. A U.S.-based group, NYSK Holdings, has invested in a cannabis oil-producing plant in the Balkan country. Production is regulated by the federal authorities who issue licenses to select operators.
Mexico – Status: Medically legalized/Decriminalized
A recent law change saw cannabis legalized for medical purposes in Mexico. In April, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved a Senate measure legalizing the plant for medical use. Regulation and policies are being set by the country’s Health Department.
THE NETHERLANDS
While weed has been legal to smoke in coffee shops in the Netherlands for decades, it’s been illegal to grow. But in 2017, a bill to partially legalize marijuana cultivation showed that the country may hopefully be headed for full legalization, which is excellent news for the many, many citizens who enjoy getting a little weird.
Philippines – Status: Medical cannabis legislation in progress
March 2019. The House of Representatives is debating HB 6517, which would legalize cannabis in all forms for medical use.
Poland – Status: Partially medically legalized
While cannabis is still illegal in Poland, health authorities have been issuing reimbursements for the purchase of medical cannabis. Medical cannabis products are imported from other countries. Currently no laws regulate nor legalize the domestic production of cannabis.
Puerto Rico – Status: Medically legalized
An executive order signed by the government legalized the medical use of cannabis in 2015. Only groups licensed by the U.S. territory may cultivate medical cannabis. Dispensary sales began early this year.
SPAIN
In 2017, Spain’s famous smoking clubs -- of which there are hundreds -- became fully legalized in Catalonia, a northern region of the country. Even if you aren’t smoking in a club, you’re free to smoke on your own without fines or legal repercussions of any kind.
SWITZERLAND
Possession of small amounts has been decriminalized, and there’s a push to get some cannabis clubs going. You can also grow up to four hemp plants here if that’s your thing.
Turkey – Status: Medically legalized
Turkey legalized cannabis for medical uses in October 2016. Cultivation is allowed in select provinces, although any province can host a cultivation facility for scientific purposes if the federal authorities allow it. Licenses are government-controlled and valid for three years.
Uruguay – Status: Legalized
Uruguay legalized cannabis in all forms in 2013. Consumers must be 18 years old or older, and residents of Uruguay and must be registered with federal authorities. Cannabis sold in the country is produced by the federal government.
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/cannabis-legalization-world-map/
Photo by Jose Luis Sanchez Pereyra on Unsplash
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