AUSTRALIA
Like the U.S., Cannabis laws vary at a State/Territory level. In Victoria for instance, although cannabis is not legal, personal possession and small quantities tend to be treated leniently, at police discretion. In the Australian Capital Territory, growing, possessing and cultivating cannabis is legal for those over 18 for personal use. Medicinal cannabis also varies. CBD oil (usually Epidyolex) can be obtained by speaking to a pharmacist. Sativex spray (naxibimols) is another approved treatment for specific conditions. Unregistered medicinal products may also be prescribed and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
CANADA
In 2018, Canada became the second country in the World (the first being Uruguay) to legalise cannabis for recreational use (The Cannabis Act). Medical cannabis has been legal since 2001 (courtesy of the Medical Access Regulations). This means that residents can access flower and oil. Minimum ages vary between provinces with regards to recreational use but cultivation of up to 4 plants per residence is allowed, as is buying and sharing (with age-appropriate adults)
FRANCE
Both recreational and medicinal cannabis (flower and oil) remain illegal in France. Sativex oral spray is available on prescription but only for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers.
GERMANY
Adults in Germany can possess cannabis at home and grow up to 3 plants for personal use. Those with convictions for low-level possession and cultivation can apply to have their records expunged. Although the German government has changed course from the full legalization it was previously looking at, there are now planned pilot programs and Cannabis Clubs similar to those in Spain. Medical cannabis has been prescribable by any doctor since 2017, but this year (2023) it was announced that it would be treated more like other medicines (a reduction in red tape, refusals and lengthy waits being the expected outcome).
ISRAEL
Cannabis is legal for medicinal use in Israel and decriminalised with regards to small scale possession/ personal use (since 2019, fines may apply rather than criminal charges). For decades, Israel has been a forerunner in research.
ITALY
Medicinal cannabis in various preparations can be prescribed in Italy. Although recreational cannabis use is decriminalised, it is illegal to possess or sell so there may be penalties dependent on the circumstance.
LEBANON
Even in small amounts, recreational cannabis is illegal in Lebanon and penalties may be harsh, dependent on the region. Medicinal cannabis alo remains illegal. In 2018, the cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes was passed through legislation, but guidance and active change is yet to be seen.
LESOTHO
As of 2017, cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes became legal (the first African country to do this). Manufacture, distribution, import and export are also now legal. However, there is not yet a medicinal program in place, which means that despite this, both recreational and medicinal cannabis remain illegal.
LUXEMBOURG
This year (2023), Luxembourg became the second European Union member country to legalize cannabis for personal use. This allows for personal consumption and possession and cultivation of up to three plants. Public consumption remains illegal. Medicinal cannabis has been available for specific ailments since 2018.
MALAWI
Medical and industrial use of cannabis were decriminalised in 2020. Recreational cannabis remains illegal.
MALTA
Cannabis for medicinal use has been legal in Malta since 2018. Limited recreational use was signed into law in 2021. Adults can carry up to 7 grams, store up to 50g and cultivate up to 4 plants. Cannabis Clubs similar to those in Spain are also being introduced this year.
Cannabis Clubs Malta (2023)
Information and News about Cannabis Clubs in Malta. Cannabis Clubs Malta. Available online at:
https://cannabisclubs.mt/
MOROCCO
Recreational cannabis use is illegal in Morocco and penalties can be severe. Since 2019 it’s been possible to get prescribed cannabis for limited conditions and with a producer's license, it's legal to cultivate.
NETHERLANDS
Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands unless it is purchased and consumed in a ‘Coffee Shop’. Although not legal to grow cannabis, possession of up to 5g or cultivation of up to 5 plants will generally not be prosecuted as there’s an assumption that there isn’t intent to supply. Medicinal cannabis was legalized in 2001.
PORTUGAL
Though not actually legal, Portugal decriminalised all drugs in 2001 in order to focus on treatment and addictions. Small amounts considered sufficient for personal possession are allowed, but penalties may be high for selling without a licence. Medicinal cannabis has been legal on prescription since 2018, though it is difficult to obtain. Cannabis Social Clubs also operate.
RWANDA
Medicinal cannabis was introduced in Rwanda in 2021 and there is regulation for growing, export, medical and research use.
SOUTH AFRICA
Cannabis is available for medicinal use for any condition in South Africa. Since 2018, it’s also legal for adults to grow and smoke cannabis at home.
SOUTH KOREA
There can be severe penalties for cannabis offences in South Korea, although medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2018.
SPAIN
Spain recently altered its cannabis laws so that it can be imported and prescribed by doctors, though this continues to be delayed to be put into action. Cannabis is generally illegal though it is decriminalised for personal cultivation and consumption. It is illegal to buy or sell cannabis but there is still a system of Cannabis Social Clubs.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland has legalised medical cannabis on prescription. Various pilot studies have also been authorised with a view to possible recreational change in the future.
THAILAND
Medicinal Cannabis was legalised in Thailand in 2018. In 2021, cultivation of up to 6 plants was agreed, but recreational cannabis remains illegal.
URUGUAY
Uruguay was the first country in the World to legalise recreational cannabis in 2013. Medicinal cannabis is also available. Growing for personal use is also permitted and there are designated areas for public consumption.
U.S.A.
At the time of writing (August 2023) Medicinal Cannabis is legal to varying degrees in 37 States. 23 States have legalised cannabis for recreational use. In 2022, legislation was passed to make it legal in every State and convictions to be quashed.
ZAMBIA
Cannabis for Medicinal and research purposes was approved in Zambia and cultivation and export are also allowed but recreational cannabis remains illegal.
ZIMBABWE
In 2018, medical and scientific cannabis was approved, as was commercial cultivation the following year.
FURTHER READING
Maja (21 December 2020) The European Guidelines for Cannabis Social Clubs. European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies (ENCOD.org). Available online at: https://encod.org/the-european-guidelines-for-cannabis-social-clubs/
*Sanskara Platform, The (24 July 2023 update) Travel Abroad With Your Cannabis Prescription. The Sanskara Platform. Available online at: https://thesanskaraplatform.co.uk/travelling-abroad/#:~:text=Controlled%20Drugs%3A%20If%20you%20are,10%20days%20before%20you%20travel.