Author: Toni Allen | Last update: Feb 26, 2023
This interactive global map shows the legal status of cannabis by country. Learn which countries have legalized or decriminalized cannabis, and which countries have the strictest anti-cannabis laws. Hover over any country for details.
Hover over any country to for details.
Countries with Most Permissive Cannabis Laws
The countries with the most permissive cannabis laws include Canada, Uruguay, Thailand, South Africa, Georgia, Jamaica, Switzerland and Mexico. The following details these countries which have passed regulations to legalize or decriminalize recreational cannabis use.
Canada
Canada – Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational purposes, with production and sales regulated by the government.
Uruguay
Uruguay – First country to fully legalize marijuana for recreational purposes.
Thailand
Thailand – Legalized cannabis on June 9, 2022. Possession, cultivation, distribution, and sales are legal and regulated.
South Africa
South Africa – Private use and private cultivation decriminalized since 2018.
Jamaica
Jamaica – Decriminalized since 2015, and in 2018 the first medical cannabis dispensary opened.
Switzerland
Switzerland – Decriminalized recreationally & medically legal. Additionally, a trial version of a legal recreational marijuana market was launched in May 2021.
Georgia
Georgia – Legal for possession and consumption both recreationally and medically, but illegal for sale.
Mexico
As of June 2021, cannabis is legal for private, recreational use in Mexico.
Countries with Most Restrictive Cannabis Laws
The following countries have the most strict laws regarding cannabis use, where even small amounts are punishable by jail time (or worse).
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates – Illegal. Even small amounts subject to jail time.
Indonesia
Indonesia – Illegal. Possession is subject to a minimum sentence of four years in prison.
Japan
Japan – THC is completely illegal, and use and possession are punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine.
Singapore
Singapore – Illegal and strictly enforced. Trafficking cannabis is punishable by death.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia – Illegal. Use and possession for personal use of any kind of recreational drugs is punishable by imprisonment if caught.
For more detailed information see our guide to Where in the World is Weed Legal?
