Cannabis Laws
Around the World

Canada became the first G7 nation to federally legalize recreational cannabis in October 2018 under the Cannabis Act. The system is mature, with a robust licensed producer framework, provincial retail systems, and over $5 billion in annual legal sales.

Germany enacted the Cannabis Act (Cannabisgesetz) on April 1, 2024, making it the largest European country to legalize cannabis. The law permits personal possession, home cultivation, and non-commercial cannabis social clubs. A commercial retail pilot program is planned but delayed.

The Netherlands has the world's most famous cannabis policy — the "gedoogbeleid" (tolerance policy) that permits coffee shops to sell cannabis while technically keeping it illegal. This paradox has persisted since the 1970s. A regulated supply chain experiment (the "Experiment Closed Cannabis Chain") began in 2023.

The UK legalized medical cannabis in November 2018 following high-profile cases of children with severe epilepsy. However, access remains extremely limited — NHS prescriptions are rare, and most patients access cannabis through private clinics at significant cost.

Australia federally legalized medical cannabis in 2016 and has developed one of the world's most accessible medical cannabis systems, with over 300,000 patients by 2025. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) decriminalized personal recreational use in 2020.

Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis in December 2013 under President José Mujica. The system is state-controlled — the government regulates production, distribution, and sales through pharmacies and cannabis clubs.

Mexico's Supreme Court ruled cannabis prohibition unconstitutional in 2021, effectively decriminalizing personal use. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2017. However, a comprehensive regulatory framework for recreational sales has not yet been enacted, leaving the market in legal limbo.

Thailand made international headlines in 2022 by removing cannabis from its narcotics list, effectively decriminalizing it. However, the government reversed course in 2024, recriminalizing recreational use while maintaining medical and industrial hemp programs.

Israel is a global leader in cannabis research — home to Raphael Mechoulam, who discovered THC and the endocannabinoid system. Medical cannabis has been legal since 1992. Personal use was decriminalized in 2017. Israel is one of the largest per-capita medical cannabis markets in the world.

Switzerland launched a regulated cannabis pilot program in 2023, allowing licensed pharmacies and specialty stores to sell cannabis to registered adults in participating cities. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2022. Switzerland is conducting one of the most rigorous cannabis policy experiments in Europe.