A List Of The World’s Marijuana Friendly Countries
The world is opening up for the marijuana travel enthusiasts looking for highs in locales other than Venice Beach and Amsterdam. In the past ten years, multiples countries have made moves decriminalizing, or in some cases even legalizing marijuana consumption. And while selling flower in many of these countries is still illegal, indulging on your holiday gets a near-universal pass. Below are the countries with marijuana-friendly laws.
CanadaÂ
Cannabis in Canada is legal for both recreational and medicinal purposes. The federal Cannabis Act came into effect on 17 October 2018 and made Canada the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to formally legalize the cultivation, possession, acquisition and consumption of cannabis and its by-products
The United States (Some Parts)
Marijuana use on a federal level is still very much illegal, but depending on what state you’re in, recreational use is acceptable. Colorado, Washington and California have some of the country’s most relaxed views on marijuana. But before visiting the US, make sure to read up on local laws relevant to your travel itinerary.
MexicoÂ
On October 31, 2018, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that the law prohibiting recreational use of cannabis in Mexico was unconstitutional. The effect of the ruling was that the law prohibiting cannabis still remained in effect, but it was made unenforceable due to the fact that offenders could cite the ruling and demand that their charges be dismissed.
Belize
On October 20, 2017, the Belizean government passed an amendment decriminalizing possession or use of 10 grams or less on private premises. The bill was signed into law in early November by the Governor General.Â
JamaicaÂ
On February 2015, Jamaica’s legislature voted to amend the nation’s cannabis laws allowing tourists with prescriptions for medical marijuana the opportunity to apply for permits to purchase small amounts. Possession of up to 2 ounces has been reduced to a petty offense from jail time. And cultivation of five or fewer plants is now permitted.
ArgentinaÂ
Argentina was one of the first countries to decriminalize marijuana use for personal use in small amounts and for consumption in private locations. The ruling was handed down by the Supreme Court ruled in 2009. Cultivating, selling and transporting large amounts is however illegal.
Colombia
In 1994 the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruled that possession of cannabis and other drugs in amounts for personal use was legal. The Colombian government officially decriminalized the possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis In 2012. And in 2015 the Colombian Supreme Court ruled that cultivation of up to 20 cannabis plants was allowed.
Ecuador
Cannabis in Ecuador is legal for personal consumption in quantities of up to 10 grams. The sale of marijuana is illegal. The government considers drug use a health issue, not a criminal offense.
UruguayÂ
Uruguay has never criminalized personal possession of drugs, and a 1974 law allowed judges to determine whether a given case of possession was personal or commercial. President Jose Mujica signed legislation to legalize recreational cannabis in December 2013. The government supports personal cultivation, cannabis clubs and operate a state-owned dispensary.
Belgium
Cannabis in Belgium is illegal, but personal possession has been decriminalized since 2003;[1][2] adults over the age of 18 are allowed to possess up to 3 grams.
The NetherlandsÂ
Cannabis has been available for recreational use in coffee shops since 1976.[5] Cannabis products are only sold openly in certain local “coffeeshops” and possession of up to 5 grams for personal use is decriminalised, however, the police may still confiscate it, which often happens in car checks near the border.[
PortugalÂ
Cannabis in Portugal is decriminalized, as a result of the decriminalization of all drugs in Portugal in 2001. Medical use of cannabis was legalized in 2018.
SpainÂ
Cannabis in Spain is illegal for commercial purposes, but decriminalised for personal cultivation and use, and other purposes other than sale or trade. That being said, there are over 500 cannabis clubs in the country where weed enthusiast can procure flower.
SwitzerlandÂ
In September 2017, the federal court ruled that only the consumption of cannabis can be fined. As a consequence, most police departments changed their policy towards stopping the prosecution of small amounts of cannabis, while others had already done so earlier. However, the states of Geneva, Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, Jura, Ticino, St. Gallen and both Appenzell enforce the old policy.
CroatiaÂ
Cannabis in Croatia is decriminalized for personal use and legalized for limited medical uses.
EstoniaÂ
Cannabis in Estonia is illegal, but possession of up to 7.5Â grams is considered an amount for personal use, and is punished with a fine. But more often than not, officials will look the other way. In fact, this country is becoming increasingly green friendly. In 2018, the then recently merged municipality of Kanepi in southern Estonia adopted the cannabis leaf as the symbol on its flag and coat of arms.
Eric has revolved in and out of passport controls for over 20 years. From his first archaeological field school in Belize to rural villages in Ethiopia and Buddhist temples in Laos, Eric has come smile to smile with all walks of life. A writer, photographer and entrepreneur, the LA native believes the power of connectivity and community is enriched through travel.
