Germany on Monday legalized cannabis for recreational purposes, but in small quantities. On this occasion, France Press recalls the situation in other places around the world.
Malta has become the first European country to legalize the cultivation and consumption of marijuana in the private sector. A law in this direction was passed in December 2021 and it allows the possession of 7 grams of cannabis and the cultivation of 4 plants. Possession of cannabis in public is illegal, as is consumption of cannabis in front of minors.
In Luxembourg, from July 2023, a law allows the cultivation of cannabis for up to 4 plants per household. Personal consumption in the private sphere is permitted.
In Germany, since Monday, April 1, people over 18 are allowed to buy cannabis up to a maximum of 25 grams per day through non-profit associations. Up to 3 plants can be grown for personal use. The German opposition has already said that if it takes power, it will repeal this legislation.
Contrary to popular belief, the consumption of hashish and weed is not legal in the Netherlands, but is tolerated and regulated in specialized café-type establishments. At the end of last year, an experiment began in two Dutch cities to create a legal network for growing and supplying cannabis to these establishments, which until now were supplied illegally.
In Spain, production for personal use is tolerated in private places, but trade and consumption in public places are prohibited.
In Portugal, cannabis and hard drugs were decriminalized in 2021. Consumption is no longer illegal, nor is possession for personal purposes, but trafficking and trade remain prohibited.
In Georgia, in 2018, by a decision of the Constitutional Court, the consumption of cannabis was allowed, without, however, lifting the ban on the sale and cultivation of cannabis.
Uruguay in December 2013 became the first country in the world to legalize the production, distribution and consumption of cannabis. It is allowed to grow cannabis at home for personal use, join a specialized club where one can obtain cannabis, or buy cannabis from a pharmacy.
In Mexico, the Supreme Court decriminalized the recreational use of marijuana in June 2021, before relaxing the criteria for marijuana possession in May 2022.
Cannabis remains illegal in Jamaica, but since 2015 possession and cultivation in small quantities has been decriminalized.
In Canada, since October 2018, cannabis has been legalized for recreational purposes. Possession of cannabis for personal use is limited to up to 30 grams and up to 4 plants per household. It is the provinces that must organize the sale of cannabis in special shops.
In the US, the use, sale and possession of cannabis remains prohibited under federal law. But many states have introduced exemptions for medical or recreational use of marijuana.
In 2018, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of South Africa declared as unconstitutional the law prohibiting the private use of cannabis by adults and asked the Parliament to develop a law in this direction.
Thailand is an exception in Asia regarding cannabis. In June 2022, the country removed cannabis from the list of narcotic substances and decriminalized its cultivation, consumption and sale. But in February, the government announced a bill that would once again make the recreational use of marijuana illegal.