With news that Germany is to scale back its plans for legal cannabis, many activists and cannabis users will be rightly disappointed that the Germans are seemingly moving backward on cannabis legislation. We take a look at the top ten places cannabis is legal.
But before we do that, why is Germany taking a step back on cannabis reform?
In simple terms, because of the EU. The proposal to regulate the German cannabis market will contradict EU law. If Germany goes ahead with legalization under the initial plans, it could face economic sanctions from the European Union.
The German Plan for Cannabis
The original idea was for adults aged 18 and above to be legally allowed to possess 20 - 30 grams that they would purchase from federally authorized shops. Additionally, growers would have the right to cultivate up to three plants for personal consumption. However, due to the EU's opposition to the plans, Germany will revise them and launch regional trials selling cannabis similar to those recently implemented in The Netherlands and Switzerland. There are also suggestions they could follow a model similar to Spain, where the country's social clubs and cannabis cups for non-commercial growers do not breach EU rules.
Where is cannabis legal?
So it might be a while before you're legally lighting up on the streets of Berlin or vaping in a nightclub in Hamburg, but there is a rising number of places where cannabis is legal and one or two of them might surprise you.
The Netherlands
No surprise here, as this is probably the most famous entry on this list. The Netherlands has long been the poster for liberal cannabis use. Aside from clogs, Renaissance architecture, and bikes, the country is famous for its cannabis coffee shops and the thousands of tourists that visit them. Although, the common misconception about weed in the Netherlands is that it is legal. The Dutch operate a tolerance policy to soft drugs (cannabis) and coffee shops. Users will not face punishment for possession or consumption, but growers might face jail time if caught cultivating a crop.
Thailand
Thailand was once notorious for its harsh recreational drugs laws and is now home to over 5,000 cannabis shops, and anyone over 20 years old that is not pregnant or breastfeeding can buy it. There are a few more rules, and to avoid confusion before traveling, you might want to check out High Thailand. The online guide is an informative website that covers cannabis, news, events, and culture and is the ideal place to get informed on Thai cannabis laws.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica falls into the sort of group of places you can smoke weed. It remains illegal, although it is common to see people consuming cannabis, and there are no legal punishments for smoking cannabis. The sale of cannabis, however, is illegal in Costa Rica.
Columbia
Again, it is illegal to sell cannabis in Columbia, but if you live there, you have the right to grow 20 plants. And if you think that might last you a few months, think again. Columbia has an almost perfect climate to cultivate cannabis, and plants there grow to the size of trees. And don't worry about taking something to smoke around to a friend's place; you can carry up to 20 grams without criminalization.
Spain
Smoking clubs in Catalonia, Spain, were fully legalized in 2017 and have since become a must-visit for any cannabis tourist. Tourists won't get in trouble if spotted out and about smoking, as the region has a liberal policy on consuming cannabis. Barcelona, now famous for its smoking clubs, is also home to the most prestigious cannabis expo in Europe, Spannabis.
Jamaica
Despite Rastafrains being able to consume weed without restrictions on religious grounds, it wasn't until 2015 that Jamaica decriminalized cannabis.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the more relaxed places with weed. Locals can grow and use cannabis in private spaces but are prohibited from selling or buying in public places.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has somewhat flown under the radar in some ways, and though they host one of the largest cannabis expos in Europe. It is little known that medical cannabis has been legal for several years, and recreational cannabis is decriminalized.
Belize
It's not legal here, but there is no outright ban on cannabis. You can have up to ten grams on you, but you need permission to use it anywhere other than your home.
Canada
Anyone over 18 can legally possess up to 30 grams and grow four plants, but they can only buy cannabis products from licensed producers and retailers. The Canadian model is largely seen as a successful way of legalizing and regulating the cannabis industry.
Notable mentions
Uruguay
Since 2013, Urugains have been able to register with a regulator and buy as many cannabis products as they like.
USA
Many US states have legalized cannabis, but it is yet to go Federal, and some places in the US still have some of the harshest laws for cannabis use.