The legalization of cannabis varies from country to country. While some countries have taken a more progressive stance toward cannabis, many others continue to enforce strict laws against the use, possession, cultivation, and trafficking of the drug.
South Africa
South Africa recognizes a medical cannabis program run by the National Institute for the Control of Drug and Substance Abuse (NICSA). The program allows patients with conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and Multiple Sclerosis to receive a medical cannabis permit. The permits are only available to patients who have tried “all other available therapeutic options.”
The program is available to patients who have been assessed and certified by a physician. The government also offers cannabis products for sale in licensed pharmacies across the country. The government of South Africa does not fully appreciate the benefits of cannabis, but nevertheless, it is slowly opening doors for research and use.
Medical cannabis is allowed in South Africa but is only available to a select few. The program is run by the National Institute for the Control of Drug and Substance Abuse, an agency under the South African Health Ministry.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the first Western countries to legalize cannabis. It was in 1928 when the Dangerous Drugs Act was passed, making cannabis illegal. The Act was then amended in 1964 to include cannabis, as well as LSD and ecstasy, as controlled substances.
The UK is one of the few places in the world where cannabis is actually decriminalized. Even though it is still illegal, law enforcement and government offices in the UK are not allowed to penalize or prosecute citizens for the possession or use of cannabis. However, selling or possessing cannabis is still an offense and is punishable by law. The UK’s current cannabis laws date back to 1971.
Since then, the UK has had three different laws pertaining to cannabis. In 2001, the Misuse of Drugs Act was passed. The Act, which is still in effect, replaced previous laws that were much harsher. Cannabis was placed under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act, which was a far more lenient law. Cannabis can be purchased at select licensed retailers and is available for recreational use.
It is legally classified as a soft drug, which means that the drug is not considered to be dangerous and is not associated with harmful effects. In 2012, the UK’s Home Office released a report to the Government on the benefits of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The report led to the legalization of CBD-rich medicinal cannabis products.
Canada
The Canadian government recognizes the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, but it does not encourage or endorse its use. Government-run Health Canada has approved several cannabis-based products for sale as food and dietary supplements. However, the producers and sellers of these products are not allowed to make any medicinal claims.
In 2017, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. The law allows adults to purchase and consume cannabis products at age 18 and older, but there are a few stipulations.
The products must be cannabis-infused, with no more than 5 percent tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the drug.
The products must also contain cannabidiol, which does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC. Since the legalization of cannabis, many Canadian citizens and companies have invested heavily in the cannabis industry. Every day, more and more people are becoming interested in the potential benefits of cannabis.
Mexico
Mexico is one of the few countries in the world where cannabis is illegal but decriminalized. The Mexican government allows citizens over the age of 18 to consume, purchase, and possess small amounts of cannabis. However, it is illegal to sell or distribute cannabis in any way.
In Canada, cannabis is not considered a dangerous drug and is not associated with harmful effects. Cannabis consumption is only allowed in private places, such as homes and private recreational spaces. Although cannabis consumption is not a federal crime, it is illegal under federal law. In Mexico, the federal government is responsible for enforcing state and local laws.
There have been several instances where federal police have raided private cannabis consumption spaces. The government does not actively pursue individuals for cannabis consumption offenses.
China
Cannabis use in China is not only illegal but also a very serious crime. The consumption, cultivation, and trafficking of cannabis is considered a severe criminal offense and is punishable by life imprisonment or even death.
The Chinese government strictly enforces its cannabis laws, which makes it difficult for foreigners to obtain cannabis in China. However, it is possible for locals to grow and consume cannabis. It is illegal to cultivate, possess, purchase, sell, or consume cannabis in any way, shape, or form under Chinese law. However, these laws are not enforced as strictly as they are in many other countries.
As a result, there has been a rise in the number of cases where citizens have been caught illegally consuming cannabis.
India
Cannabis use is illegal in India and is considered a Schedule 1 drug. There have been a few cases where individuals were caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption. However, there have been no reports of individuals being arrested for trafficking or selling cannabis in the country.
The Indian government has enacted a law that allows the use of cannabis oils for medical purposes. Under the rules, the Indian government will issue a prescription for cannabis oil products to patients suffering from certain serious illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.
There are strict guidelines for the prescription of cannabis oils, and the government is working to expand the availability of cannabis products in the country.
Japan
The use of cannabis is illegal in Japan and is considered a serious criminal offense. It is also considered to be harmful to one’s health and to be associated with harmful effects. The government of Japan has not made any official statements regarding the legalization of cannabis.
However, it is possible that the government may enact a law allowing the use of cannabis oils for medical purposes in the near future. Cannabis is not widely used in Japan, and it is mostly consumed by tourists visiting the country. If a law allowing the use of cannabis is enacted, it is likely that it will be implemented only for tourists, who are not considered a part of the Japanese population.
Germany
Cannabis use is not only illegal in Germany, but it is also considered a harmful drug. The consumption of cannabis, even for medical purposes, is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by up to three years in prison. It is also illegal to sell or buy cannabis products. There have been a few cases where citizens were caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption.
However, there have been no reports of individuals being arrested for trafficking or selling cannabis in the country. Since the cannabis laws in Germany are strict, it is difficult for citizens to legally consume cannabis in the country. Many people who want to consume cannabis in Germany do so illegally and risk breaking the law.
France
Cannabis use is not only illegal in France, but it is considered a harmful drug. The consumption of cannabis, even for medical purposes, is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by up to three years in prison. However, it is possible that the French government will enact a law allowing the use of cannabis oils for medical purposes.
It is unclear whether or not a law legalizing cannabis would be enacted or whether the government would allow cannabis products to be used for medical purposes. France has some of the strictest cannabis laws in Europe. As a result, it is difficult for citizens to consume cannabis in the country. Many people who want to consume cannabis in France do so illegally and risk breaking the law.
Italy
Cannabis use is not only illegal in Italy, but it is considered a harmful drug. The consumption of cannabis, even for medical purposes, is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by up to three years in prison. It is also illegal to sell or buy cannabis products. There have been a few cases where citizens were caught with small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption.
However, there have been no reports of individuals being arrested for trafficking or selling cannabis in the country. The laws in Italy are among the strictest in Europe. As a result, it is difficult for citizens to consume cannabis in the country. Many people who want to consume cannabis do so illegally and risk breaking the law.
Russia
The use of cannabis is not only illegal in Russia, but it is considered a harmful drug. It is illegal to consume cannabis, even for medical purposes. The Russian government has not made any official statements regarding the legalization of cannabis. However, it is possible that the government may enact a law
