10 Countries Where Weed Is Legal Nationwide

Cannabis legalization worldwide has been made very slow progress throughout the last few decades. Despite Canada’s legalization and select states in the United States choosing to decriminalize marijuana, there are still very, very few places in the world you can smoke weed legally.

Here’s a list of ten countries where weed is legal nationwide:

1. Canada

Canada enters this list before any other country because they are the first G7 country to have legalized cannabis. In fact, Canada is only the second country ever to legalize recreational marijuana, after Uruguay did so in 2013. This has marked a big step in the movement supporting worldwide cannabis legalization.

Canada is being used as a test subject for developed nations on weed legalization. Thus far, other than some hiccups in legal distribution and mistakes made during the initial roll-out, Canada has done exceedingly well with the decriminalization of cannabis. Canadians have access to many options of marijuana dispensaries near them, making this one of the friendliest countries where weed is legal nationwide.

2. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is likely to become one of the first European countries where weed is legal nationwide. Unfortunately, the process has become tied up in bureaucracy with government now estimating a two-year wait time before legislation kicks in.

Luxembourg is planning to allow it for every resident over 18, although delays continue to persist preventing policies from making their way to reality.

3. South Korea

South Korea approved several THC and CBD pharmaceutical products in late 2018. This transcended the perception of marijuana from ‘dangerous narcotic’ to medicine. Despite a conservative people, more benefits are being seen to cannabis legalization than expected.

Although a prescription is required and the medicine is very expensive, up to $1,400 CAD for a 100 ml bottle, it is suggested by supporters that at least this has opened the door to further improvement.

4. Israel

Last year, Israel made possession of small amounts of marijuana legal as long as it was in the privacy of one’s own home. Public carrying of cannabis is unfortunately still an offence. Furthermore, finding a legal source of cannabis and the purchase or consumption remains unmentioned in the current legislative framework of what’s legal and what isn’t.

5. Denmark

Denmark is in the midst of a 4-year pilot project with medical cannabis, having begun in 2018. Roughly 15,000 medical cannabis prescriptions exist in Denmark currently. Unlike other nations, Denmark’s covered half of cannabis medicines up to $1,500 CAD annually in this pilot.

Although full weed legalization hasn’t yet happened, the country continues to invest in cannabis pharmaceutical development, weed growing greenhouses, and more. If approved for full legalization, Denmark could prove to be a major player in weed exports.

6. Australia

Australia is facing a similar situation as the United States where certain areas have legalized cannabis while the nation hasn’t. The city of Canberra is the first city in the world to legalize marijuana personal use and cultivation, going against the wishes of the national government.

Maximum 50 grams or two plants per person are allowed however it is still illegal to sell it. Set to come into effect in January 2020, it remains to be seen who will win the battle between city and country.

7. Barbados

Barbados currently permits medical cannabis in accordance with 2019’s Medical Cannabis legislation. The country has focused its legalization on assisting the local economy, mandating international businesses to set up subsidiaries that are at least 30% Barbadian-owned.

As a community-building method, Barbados is well known for its variety of farms and agriculture opportunities. If all goes well in the next few years, it is believed the cannabis legalization in Barbados could expand in the future. Unfortunately, no flower has been approved. The only legalization is on processed pharmaceuticals. Even so, it’s an effort.

8. Uruguay

In Uruguay, weed has been legal since 2014. That said, the only place to shop weed in this country’s through its pharmacies. Supply only began in 2017, despite the legalization years prior.

All in all, Uruguay has been the world’s pioneer in weed legalization – the first of any anywhere legalization recreational cannabis. All other countries have lagged behind, with many failing to even offer medical marijuana.

9. The Netherlands

Despite not ever having a state-sanctioned legal source, the Netherlands have permitted marijuana to be sold and consumed.

In 2021, the country will initiate a pilot program allowing several Dutch cities sell legally grown marijuana. It is with some concern however as a battle between government and illicit sources are expected.

10. The Philippines

The Philippines are currently debating whether to remove cannabis from the narcotics list, providing more access of medical cannabis to those in need. Currently, only patients suffering from severe, terminal illnesses are allowed cannabis and even then, it is heavily regulated.

The Philippines continues to struggle with overcrowded prisons, harsh drug punishments which have done nothing to minimize drug use, and a legal framework that penalizes the disadvantaged. Farmers are anxiously awaiting to see if the Philippines approves plans for legalization. If the government supports the bill, farmers struggling with coconut or rice farming could potentially switch to cannabis resulting in new, reliable income.