Demonstrators roll down a road with a large marijuana plant cutout
Campaigners have been pushing for wider legalisation in many countries (Picture: Getty)

More than 147,000,000 around the world use cannabis, making it one of the most popular and readily available drugs in the world.

In the last decade, more and more countries have begun the process of legalising and decriminalising use of the drug, with others opting to legalise it only for medicinal use.

In the United Kingdom, marijuana is a Class B controlled drug, meaning it’s unlawful to possess, supply, produce, import, or export the drug.

Those found in possession with it face a five-year prison sentence, while those dealing it can be punished with a 14-year prison sentence or an unlimited fine.

But other countries are taking a more lenient stance towards the widely popular drug, making it easier to use without fear of retribution.

Where is cannabis legal for recreational use?

A map shows which countries have legalised cannabis
Many countries have legalised cannabis recreationally (Picture: Metro.co.uk/Katie Ingham)

Most countries still prohibit the use of cannabis recreationally, but some have decriminalised the drug – meaning possessing cannabis is a non-criminal offence.

Commercial sales of cannabis for recreational purposes is only legal in three countries: Canada, Thailand and Uruguay.

But the following countries have legalised the drug for recreational use:

  • Canada
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • South Africa
  • Thailand
  • Uruguay
  • Australia (only legal in Australian Capital Territory)
  • The United States (24 states and 3 territories)

Germany was the most recent country to legalise growing and smoking the drug – with celebrations reminiscent of that after the Berlin Wall fell seen in Germany’s capitol in early April.

German residents aged 18 and older will be allowed to join non-profit ‘cannabis clubs’ with a maximum of 500 members each starting on July 1.

Within each club, cannabis can be distributed among members, and the clubs’ costs will be covered by membership fees, which are to be staggered according to how much marijuana members use.

Smoking the plant in public is also allowed, so long as it’s 100 metres away from schools, playgrounds and sports centres and not in the ‘immediate proximity’ of minors.

Where is cannabis legal for medicinal purposes?

Workers in protective gear inspect marijuana flowers
Medicinal cannabis is used to treat a variety of conditions (Picture: AFP)

As of March 2023, it’s believed upwards of 20,000 people in the UK are using medical cannabis after it was legalised in 2018.

The drug is a game changer for those suffering from severe epilepsy, side effects from chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other conditions.

  • Argentina (recreational use also decriminalised, but purchase illegal)
  • Australia (at federal level and all states)
  • Austria
  • Barbados (also legal for spiritual use by registered Rastafarians)
  • Belgium (recreational use also decriminalised for up to 3g)
  • Bermuda (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Brazil (only for terminally ill patients or those who have no other treatment options)
  • Chile (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Columbia (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Croatia (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Ecuador (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Finland
  • Georgia
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Israel (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Italy (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Jamaica (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • South Korea (access limited)
  • Lebanon
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Malawi
  • Malta (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Mexico (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Netherlands (recreational consumption allowed in licensed coffee shops)
  • New Zealand
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Peru (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Poland
  • Portugal (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • San Marino
  • Slovenia (recreational use also decriminalised)
  • South Africa (also legal for cultivation but not for sale)
  • Spain (limited)
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sweden (under limited circumstances)
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey (Cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals only)
  • Ukraine (limited)
  • United Kingdom
  • Vanuatu
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

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