Legalization of Marijuana around the World for Medicinal and Recreational Purposes

When Canada legalized marijuana for recreational purpose, a hot debate ensued. One faction argued that legalization of marijuana was uncalled for, as this could bring in social evils. However, some supported the decision and even challenged other countries to legalize the use of marijuana. Legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana by 33 states in the US created a blueprint for other countries to follow. The main challenge that marijuana companies face is that banks are reluctant to advance loans to marijuana growers. However, financial institutions might be forced to rethink this decision, since more countries are legalizing the use of marijuana for recreational and the rate at which states are legalizing the use of recreational and medicinal marijuana. Here is a brief list of countries around the world which have legalized, or are planning to legalize marijuana.

Uruguay

Uruguay legalized recreational use of marijuana in 2013. As a result, many marijuana smoke shops opened to serve the surging demand for marijuana. However, the law restricts the consumption to residents alone. The retailers must be licensed to sell marijuana. Unlike other countries which require a person to have a medical certificate to access the products, Uruguay does not restrict her citizens from purchasing recreational marijuana.

Jamaica

Rastafarians adherents, who are deeply rooted in Jamaica, believe that the use of marijuana brings peace. However, it was not until recently when the government legalized the use of marijuana. The government is also planning to cash in on the herb, and create “wellness tourism,” which will serve the hundreds of tourists who visit the North American country to have a taste of her marijuana.

Portugal

Personal consumption of marijuana in Portugal is not a criminal offense. As a result, many citizens are growing the herb for personal use. The law does not prohibit the consumption of marijuana.

Switzerland

As long as a person consumes a small dose of marijuana in Switzerland, they are in the safe side of the law. However, the government has set restrictions, where the commercial growing of cannabis is illegal, and anyone is prosecuted.

Argentina

If it were not for 136 families who requested the government to allow them to grow cannabis to treat their autistic children, the herb would be illegal in Argentina. However, the law restricts the consumption of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Canada

Canada legalized the medicinal use of marijuana in 2001 and later for recreational purposes in 2019. The legalization also meant that Americans could also use the herb within the Canadian borders. The legalization of marijuana has opened a blueprint for other countries looking to legalize the consumption of cannabis.

United States of America

Most of the US states have legalized the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis. The ongoing debate in the superpower could see almost all states adopt the herb. Some of the states currently allowing the use of marijuana include California, Washington, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Maine. Before 2024, experts agree that all the countries will have legalized cannabis.

Spain

Spain is one of the few countries around the world with a complicated approach to the consumption of marijuana. According to their laws, a person is only allowed to consume the herb privately. The law further states that commercial distribution or use of marijuana in public is illegal. According to statistics, there are more than 800 clubs which locals can buy and smoke cannabis.

The Netherlands

The Dutch have a friendly approach to the consumption of marijuana. According to The Telegraph, there are more than 250 cafes which offer cafes. Tourists can smoke freely within Amsterdam. The government has banned smoking of weed in areas where people under the age of 18 frequent. Even though the law prohibits the smoking of marijuana in the Netherlands, people still do it freely.

North Korea

North Korea, which is famous for its autocratic leadership, has a soft spot for the consumption of cannabis. According to a report published in High Times, Rason in North Korea is the hot spot for growth and use of weed. The report also revealed that thousands of Chinese visit the region to buy marijuana in bulk to take back home. As much as the Asian country is painted negatively due to its leadership style, the legalization of marijuana is one of the most significant achievements admired globally.

Cambodia

Although Cambodia is not famous, she produces the “happy pizza” brand, which increases appetite. Cambodian laws have outlawed the consumption of marijuana. However, the high demand for the herb has made the government allow people to smoke freely.

The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a positive approach to the use of marijuana. According to the country’s law, a person is allowed to carry up to 15 grams of marijuana. However, it is illegal to grow the herb for commercial purposes.

Ecuador

The cool climate in Ecuador, coupled with the fertile soils, favor growing of marijuana. The country grows the rare natural cannabis. According to the Ecuadorian laws, a person is allowed to possess up to 10 grams of marijuana. The laws prohibit commercial growth of the herb.

Germany

According to German laws, the consumption of marijuana for medicinal purposes is legal. There is an ongoing debate, which if it is passed into law, could see the country legalize recreational use of marijuana.

Costa Rica

According to the country’s laws, ing in possession of marijuana is not a criminal case but is legal. The law states that a person can carry small amounts of the herb, without specifying the mount. Since the term “small” is relative, people still walk with kilograms of the grass.

Estonia

Estonians are allowed to carry up to ¼ oz. of marijuana. Consumption of marijuana is illegal but is not classified as a criminal offense. The high consumption rate of the herb has forced the government to allow people smoking.

South Africa

The Republic of South Africa was the first country to legalize the use of medicinal marijuana. There are several firms which grow marijuana for research purposes.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe was the second country to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana. According to the law, people are only required to apply for a license which is renewable after five years. The Zimbabwean law has decriminalized the commercial use of marijuana, and anyone growing marijuana for commercial purposes.

More countries have legalized the growth and consumption of marijuana. However, the medical benefits that people get from consuming cannabis-infused drugs and using marijuana could see more states legalize marijuana. Since most of the world economic leaders are adopting the consumption of cannabis, others are expected to follow suit in the next few years.

Health benefits of marijuana

Reduces anxiety

Marijuana’s CBD content induces a calming effect. The CBD can be extracted and stored in the form of oils or infused in other products such as edibles. When smoking marijuana, it is advisable to use small quantities, since the active compound is THC, which gives people a head high. Patients suffering from depression and anxiety are required to use the CBD oil, which acts as an antidepressant.

Relieves Arthritis

With 350 million people suffering from arthritis globally, marijuana is being used to relieve chronic pain that they go through. Savitex, a CBD-infused painkiller, induces sleep and reduces chronic pain in the patients.

Prevent Alzheimer’s

According to a 2006 report, THC inhibits the formation of amyloid plaques, by blocking the glands which produce them. When the plaques are inhibited, Alzheimer’s disease is deterred from forming. Many doctors are infusing the THC compound in their drugs to treat the condition.

Reduces Chronic Pain

Researchers found out that marijuana can reduce chronic pain. Chronic pain can be caused by different factors, such as muscle injuries. It reduces the pain by inhibiting the gland in the brain responsible for pain. Cancer patients go through a lot of pain during treatment. Some of the drugs administered to treat the chronic pain end up bringing side effects to patients. Marijuana, which grows organically, becomes the better solution for the treatment of chronic pain.

Slows and stops cancer cells from spreading

A report carried out by researchers in the California Pacific Medical Centre, San Francisco, found out that CBD reduced the spread of cancer cells. The different compounds found in marijuana plant also reduce the tumor growth in various parts such as breasts, lungs, and the brain.

Treatment of glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that imposes pressure on the eyeball, which might injure the optic nerve, causing a person to become blind. Marijuana inhibits the development of glaucoma, giving a person clear eyesight.

Conclusion

As research for the use of marijuana continues to take a unique direction, more countries are expected to legalize its use. Legalization of marijuana by Canada has put more pressure on other countries which have an aversive approach to the herb. According to researchers, before 2050, more than half of the countries in the world will have legalized marijuana, either for medicinal purposes or for recreation.

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