International Cannabis Laws & News

While we are trying to figure out cannabis in the United States, other countries have also been changing their treatment of cannabis. Below is a list of international cannabis news feeds featuring the few countries leading the charge.


Most Restrictive


China
Egypt
France
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Nigeria
Norway
the Philippines
Poland
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
the United Arab Emirates
Vietnam

Least Restrictive


Australia
Bangladesh
Cambodia
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
the Czech Republic
Germany
India
Jamaica
Mexico
the Netherlands
Portugal
South Africa
Spain
Uruguay
some US jurisdictions

The legality of cannabis for general or recreational use varies from country to country. Possession of cannabis is illegal in most countries as a result of the agreement about Indian hemp, also known as hashish, in the International Opium Convention (1925). However, many countries have decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis.

In the United States, medical marijuana is slowly being accepted by some states, territories, Indian reservations, and by District of Columbia law. Ironically, federally the medical and recreational use of cannabis is still illegal and classified as a Substance 1 drug.

As of 2017, here is a list of the most and least restrictive countries when it comes to medical marijuana and/or recreational cannabis use.