List of countries regarding their marijuana legalization status, categorized as medical or recreational.
This information is for general knowledge and may change. Always consult the most current state and local laws for the most accurate information. Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.
Key
MM Medical Marijuana Legal
RM Recreational Marijuana Legal
D Decriminalized (meaning possession of small amounts results in civil penalties, like a fine, rather than criminal charges)
Countries
Africa...
Lesotho... MM
South Africa... RM (personal use and cultivation), MM
Zambia... MM (export only)
Zimbabwe... MM
Asia...
Malaysia... Limited MM/CBD (under very strict conditions, currently being considered)
South Korea... Limited MM/CBD
Thailand... RM, MM
Lebanon... MM
Philippines... MM (Compassionate use under very strict conditions, but rarely, if ever, granted)
Europe...
Austria... D
Belgium... D, Limited MM/CBD (Sativex)
Croatia: MM
Cyprus... MM
Czech Republic... MM, D
Denmark... MM
Estonia... D
Finland... MM
France... MM (products in trial phases, Sativex available)
Georgia... RM, MM (constitutional ruling effectively legalized consumption and possession, but sale and cultivation are still debated)
Germany... RM, MM
Greece... MM
Ireland... MM (on a case-by-case basis, developing a more formal medical program)
Italy... MM, D (personal cultivation for personal use has been ruled legal by the Supreme Court, but the interpretation is complex)
Lithuania... MM
Luxembourg... RM, MM
Malta... RM, MM
Netherlands... D ("coffee shop" system allows for regulated sale and consumption, technically still illegal to cultivate at a large scale, but tolerated under certain circumstances)
North Macedonia... MM
Norway... MM, D (moving towards decriminalization for various drugs)
Poland... MM
Portugal... D, MM
Romania... Limited MM/CBD
San Marino... MM
Slovenia... D, Limited MM/CBD
Spain... D (private use and cultivation for personal use tolerated in "cannabis clubs", the legality is a gray area)
Switzerland... MM, D (products with less than 1% THC can be sold)
United Kingdom... MM (very limited access, mostly private prescriptions)
North America...
Canada... RM, MM
Mexico... RM, MM (implementation of laws has been slow), D
United States... Varies by state (see the previous U.S. list), MM, RM, D (federally illegal)
Central America and the Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda... D
Barbados... MM
Bermuda (UK Territory)... MM, D
Costa Rica: MM, RM (in progress, details being finalized)
Dominica... D, MM in process
Jamaica... MM, D (small amounts for personal, religious, or medical use)
Panama... MM
Puerto Rico (US Territory)... MM
Saint Kitts and Nevis... D
Saint Lucia... D
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines... MM, D
Trinidad and Tobago... D
U.S. Virgin Islands (US Territory)... MM
Oceania...
Australia... MM (federally legal, but varies by state/territory), D in some states and territories
New Zealand... MM
South America...
Argentina... MM, D (personal use in private settings has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court)
Brazil... Limited MM/CBD, D (very limited medical program, personal use technically decriminalized but with unclear guidelines)
Chile... MM, D (private personal use and cultivation permitted, but gray area)
Colombia... MM, D (small amounts for personal use and limited home cultivation)
Ecuador... D
Paraguay... MM
Peru... MM, D
Uruguay... RM, MM (fully legalized and regulated)
Important Notes
Enforcement Varies: Even in countries with decriminalization, enforcement can vary widely.
THC Limits... Medical marijuana programs often have strict limits on THC content.
Qualifying Conditions... Access to medical marijuana usually requires a diagnosis of a specific qualifying medical condition.
Constantly Changing... Marijuana laws are rapidly evolving around the world. This list is a snapshot in time, and it's essential to verify information with current sources.
Resources
Wikipedia... While not always perfectly accurate, Wikipedia's pages on "Legality of cannabis by country or territory" and similar topics offer a good starting point and often have links to further resources.
News Outlets... Following international news related to drug policy can help you stay updated.
Government Websites... For specific countries, try to find official government resources on drug policy or medical cannabis programs.
How to Find Local Information
State Government Websites... Most states with medical or recreational marijuana programs have websites dedicated to providing information about regulations, licensing, and resources.
County, Districts, Provinces and City Government Websites... Check the official website of the specific county or locale you're interested in. Look for sections on ordinances, regulations, or law enforcement.
Local News Sources... News outlets in your area often report on changes to local marijuana ordinances.
Legal Professionals... Attorneys specializing in marijuana law can provide up to date and accurate information about specific jurisdictions.