Where is cannabis legal worldwide? Weed world map

In which country can you legally buy cannabis? Where can you carry and consume cannabis? And in which Asian country is cannabis legal? Thailand has just tightened its cannabis laws again and in the USA each state has its own law. So that you don’t lose track, here is an overview of how and where cannabis is permitted, prohibited or only approved for medical use worldwide.

In which country can you legally buy cannabis?

Cannabis has already been decriminalized or fully legalized in various countries, but only partially legalized in Germany.

In California (USA), you can easily and legally buy cannabis. Currently, Portugal, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Belgium and Jamaica, among others, have regulations that treat the consumption, possession and cultivation of cannabis in small quantities as a misdemeanor at most.

In other countries, such as Uruguay or Canada, cannabis is even completely legal. In many other countries, cannabis is not approved for recreational use, but is available to patients with a prescription. Here is an overview.

The classification is very simple in three categories:

• Deep green = legal
• Green = medical, partly legal
• Gray = not legal

Cannabis in America

America is the continent with the biggest differences. In North America, cannabis has been legal nationwide in Canada since 2018. The country is considered a pioneer and has regulated the market with pharmacies, licensed stores and clear tax models. In the USA, each state decides for itself. California, Colorado, Nevada and New York allow recreational use. Other states such as Texas or Idaho continue to strictly prohibit cannabis. For travelers, this means that the legal situation varies greatly within the USA, so a look at the current overview is a must.

Mexico decriminalized consumption in 2021 and plans to introduce regulated distribution, although implementation is not yet politically complete. In South America, Uruguay is the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis. There you can buy it in licensed pharmacies or grow it yourself. In Colombia and Argentina, cannabis is only permitted for medical purposes, while countries such as Brazil and Peru have strict rules and only offer medical programs for certain patient groups.

Shortlist America

• Canada – legal
• USA – depending on the state, e.g. California legal
• Mexico – decriminalized, implementation underway
• Uruguay – legal
• Colombia, Argentina – medical
• Brazil, Peru – strict, only medical

Cannabis in Europe

Europe is a patchwork quilt! The Netherlands is internationally known for its coffee shops, where cannabis is not officially legal, but tolerated. In Portugal, consumption was already decriminalized in 2001, so that small quantities are not prosecuted. Spain allows cultivation for personal use and private social clubs where members are allowed to consume. Germany legalized cannabis for adults in 2024 – cultivation in clubs and limited quantities for personal possession are permitted. In Switzerland, a pilot project is currently underway with legal sales in certain cities such as Zurich and Basel.

Other countries such as Italy, Greece and Poland have opted for medicinal cannabis, while countries such as France and Sweden continue to have very restrictive policies. There are also major differences in Eastern Europe: the Czech Republic allows small quantities for personal use, while Russia imposes harsh penalties.

Shortlist Europe

• Netherlands – Coffeeshops, tolerated
• Portugal – decriminalized
• Spain – Clubs & home growing
• Germany – partially legalized since 2024
• Switzerland – Model projects
• Czech Republic – small quantities allowed
• France, Sweden – strictly prohibited

Cannabis in Asia

Asia is considered the strictest continent overall. In countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, drug offenders face long prison sentences, sometimes even the death penalty!

Cannabis is absolutely taboo there. China, Japan and South Korea also have strict bans. Thailand was an exception: in 2022, the country opened up cannabis for medical and, in some cases, private use. However, the laws were tightened again in 2024, meaning that only medical applications are now permitted. India is a special case: there are religious traditions surrounding cannabis, and certain preparations such as bhang are legal in some regions, while the possession of flowers remains officially prohibited.

Shortlist Asia

• Thailand – medical only
• India – Bhang regionally permitted
• China, Japan, South Korea – strictly prohibited
• Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia – extremely strict laws

Cannabis in Africa

Africa also presents a mixed picture. In 2018, South Africa decided to allow private consumption and cultivation. This makes the country the first on the continent with clear legalization for personal use.

Lesotho and Malawi are known for their cannabis production and have legal medical programs. In Morocco, cannabis has been culturally anchored for centuries; consumption is officially prohibited, but cultivation for medicinal purposes is permitted. Many other African countries – from Nigeria to Egypt – have a strict zero-tolerance policy, where even small amounts can lead to imprisonment.

Shortlist Africa

• South Africa – legal for personal use
• Lesotho, Malawi – medical
• Morocco – medicinal cultivation permitted
• Nigeria, Egypt – strict ban

Bonus! Cannabis in Australia

Australia has permitted cannabis for medical purposes nationwide. There are more extensive regulations in individual federal states: In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), i.e. around Canberra, adults are allowed to possess and grow small amounts for private consumption. In the other regions, however, cannabis is only legal with a prescription from doctors and pharmacies. New Zealand narrowly decided against full legalization in a referendum in 2020, but also offers a medical programme.

• Australia – medical, ACT allows personal use
• New Zealand – medical

Cannabis on prescription: World map

Here’s another look at medicinal cannabis, away from recreational use.

Conclusion: Where is cannabis legal?

There are huge differences around the world. From a total ban in many Asian countries to full legalization in Canada, Uruguay, Luxembourg or Germany. In between is a wide gray area with medical programs or toleration of small amounts. If you are traveling, you should definitely inform yourself locally to avoid any nasty surprises.