Legality of cannabis by country

Legality of Cannabis by Country is a topic that encompasses the various laws and regulations pertaining to the use, possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis around the world. The legal status of cannabis varies widely from country to country, and in some cases, from state to state within a country.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It has been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. However, due to concerns about addiction, health effects, and its potential as a gateway drug, many countries have enacted laws to regulate or prohibit its use.

Legality by Country[edit | edit source]

United States[edit | edit source]

In the United States, the legality of cannabis is determined at both the federal and state level. Federally, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal for all purposes. However, many states have enacted laws to allow for medical use, and some have also legalized recreational use.

Canada[edit | edit source]

Canada legalized the recreational use of cannabis nationwide in 2018 with the passage of the Cannabis Act. Medical use had been legal since 2001.

Netherlands[edit | edit source]

In the Netherlands, cannabis is technically illegal but decriminalized for personal use. The country is known for its "coffee shops," where the sale of cannabis is tolerated.