August 28th 2024.
Advocates around the world have been pushing for the legalisation of cannabis on a wider scale. It's no surprise, as over 147 million people globally use this plant, making it one of the most popular and easily accessible drugs out there. In the past decade alone, we have seen a significant increase in countries taking steps towards legalising and decriminalising cannabis, with some even permitting its use for medicinal purposes.
However, there are still strict laws in place in many countries, such as the United Kingdom, where marijuana is classified as a Class B controlled drug. This means that possessing, supplying, producing, importing, or exporting the drug is illegal. Those caught with it could face up to five years in prison, while dealers could be sentenced to up to 14 years in jail or receive an unlimited fine. But thankfully, there are other countries that have taken a more lenient approach towards this popular drug, making it easier for people to use without fear of punishment.
So where exactly is cannabis legal for recreational use? While the majority of countries still prohibit its use for recreational purposes, there are a few exceptions. Canada, Thailand, and Uruguay are the only countries where commercial sales of cannabis for recreational use are legal. However, there are other countries, such as Germany, Luxembourg, and South Africa, where the drug has been fully legalised for recreational use. And let's not forget about Australia and the United States, where certain states have also legalised cannabis for recreational purposes.
In April 2021, Germany became the latest country to legalise the cultivation and consumption of cannabis. This decision was met with celebrations reminiscent of those seen after the fall of the Berlin Wall. From July 1, 2021, adults aged 18 and older will be able to join non-profit 'cannabis clubs' with a maximum of 500 members each. These clubs will be responsible for distributing the drug among their members, and the cost of running the club will be covered by membership fees. Additionally, smoking cannabis in public is allowed, as long as it is not within 100 metres of schools, playgrounds, or sports centres and not in the immediate proximity of minors.
But it's not just for recreational use – cannabis has also shown great potential in the field of medicine. As of March 2023, it is estimated that over 20,000 people in the UK are using medical cannabis, following its legalisation in 2018. This drug has been a game-changer for those suffering from conditions such as severe epilepsy, side effects of chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and more.
Many countries have legalised cannabis for medicinal use, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, South Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Medical cannabis has proven to be a game-changer for those suffering from various conditions, and it's no wonder that so many countries have legalised its use for medicinal purposes. As more research is conducted and the stigma surrounding this plant continues to diminish, we can only hope to see more countries join the growing list of nations where cannabis is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
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