Marijuana laws across the globe vary significantly, with some nations having strict anti-cannabis policies while others have embraced legal frameworks for marijuana use. Understanding where weed is legal can be confusing, but it’s essential to know which countries have legalized cannabis and which ones still impose harsh penalties.
In this guide, we’ll explore the countries where weed is legal in 2025 and offer insights into the various policies around cannabis usage.
A Global Overview of Marijuana Legalization
Before diving into the question, “What countries is weed legal in?” let’s take a brief look at the history of marijuana laws globally. Cannabis use has existed for over 3,000 years, with early medicinal uses in places like China.
The push for marijuana prohibition began in the early 20th century, with international treaties such as the 1925 League of Nations Opium Convention calling for greater control over narcotics. Many nations followed suit by making cannabis illegal, largely influenced by pressure from countries like the United States. However, by the late 20th century, attitudes started shifting, especially in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe, challenging the global prohibition stance.
This shift led to a surge in cannabis legalization, especially in North America and Europe, creating a larger legal cannabis market globally.
Countries Where Weed is Legal in North and South America
In the Americas, while weed legalization is still limited, some countries stand out for their progressive stance on cannabis laws, whether for recreational or medicinal use, including weed edibles, CBD products, and cannabis cultivation. Here’s a guide to countries where cannabis is legal or decriminalized, ideal for planning your next cannabis-friendly vacation.
Canada
Canada is one of the most cannabis-friendly countries globally, having legalized both recreational and medicinal marijuana at the federal level. This includes weed edibles, CBD products, and weed vapes. Citizens and tourists can freely buy, possess, and consume cannabis in various forms, including edibles and vapes. Domestic flights also allow cannabis, which is rare in most other countries. Canada’s sophisticated cannabis market makes it a leading destination for weed enthusiasts.
United States
While marijuana remains federally illegal in the U.S., individual states have the authority to legalize it for medicinal or recreational use. Nearly half of U.S. states have legalized recreational marijuana, and 37 states allow medicinal marijuana programs, including the sale of weed edibles, CBD products, and weed vapes. While not all states allow cultivation, many offer legal avenues for personal growing and possession, making the U.S. a patchwork of cannabis laws.
Mexico
In Mexico, while full legalization has not yet occurred, de facto legalization exists. Personal possession of up to five grams has been decriminalized since 2009, and medicinal cannabis became legal in 2016. In 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court decriminalized the private recreational use of marijuana, with full legalization likely to follow soon. Once fully legalized, Mexico could become one of the top weed-legal countries for tourists in the Americas.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the weed-legal countries in South America, having legalized medical marijuana in 2017 for patients with qualifying conditions. In 2022, the country decriminalized small amounts of cannabis for personal use. While recreational marijuana is still illegal, Argentina’s progressive stance on cannabis makes it a notable entry in the list of countries where weed is legal.
Belize
In 2021, Belize joined the ranks of weed-legal countries in Central America by decriminalizing personal cannabis use. While it’s now easier for locals to enjoy marijuana in a laid-back environment, the sale of cannabis remains illegal. Still, Belize is considered one of the more cannabis-friendly nations in the region, making it a favorable destination for those seeking a relaxed approach to weed.
Belize
In 2021, Belize joined the ranks of weed-legal countries in Central America by decriminalizing personal cannabis use. While it’s now easier for locals to enjoy marijuana in a laid-back environment, the sale of cannabis remains illegal. Still, Belize is considered one of the more cannabis-friendly nations in the region, making it a favorable destination for those seeking a relaxed approach to weed.
Colombia
Colombia has long been known for its history with recreational drugs, but it has also emerged as one of the countries where weed is legal for medicinal purposes. The country has decriminalized up to 22 grams for personal use and allows citizens to grow up to 20 plants at home. While recreational cannabis is not fully legal, Colombia’s progressive stance toward marijuana is noteworthy.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica decriminalized recreational cannabis, allowing personal use but not public consumption. Cannabis edibles and CBD products are becoming more widely accepted, though public smoking is still illegal. The country’s relaxed attitude towards cannabis makes it one of the more cannabis-friendly countries in Central America, where users can grow their own plants and enjoy cannabis products at home.
Chile
Chile has recently examined its approach to cannabis, allowing at-home consumption in private homes, which places it among the countries where weed is legal in specific contexts. While the sale and transportation of cannabis are still illegal, Chile has one of the highest per-capita cannabis use rates in Latin America, making it a notable cannabis-friendly nation.
Ecuador
Ecuador has also made significant progress in cannabis policy by decriminalizing personal use of up to 10 grams in 2019 and legalizing cannabis-based products and industrial hemp production. While the country remains strict about recreational marijuana use, Ecuador’s progressive cannabis laws have placed it among the countries where cannabis is legal for certain uses.
Jamaica
Jamaica is often regarded as one of the most iconic weed-legal countries, largely due to its association with Rastafarian culture and marijuana use. While it has only been decriminalized since 2015, Jamaica allows citizens to possess up to five ounces of cannabis and grow up to five plants for personal use. The country’s relaxed cannabis laws make it a prime destination for cannabis enthusiasts.
Uruguay
Uruguay was the first country to legalize the full use, sale, and cultivation of cannabis, making it one of the pioneering weed-legal countries. In 2014, Uruguay passed its landmark law to regulate both recreational and medicinal cannabis. However, tourists are banned from purchasing cannabis legally, which means you’ll need a local to buy it for you. Despite this, Uruguay remains one of the top cannabis destinations in the world.
Countries in Europe Where Weed is Legal or Tolerated
Although no European countries have fully legalized recreational cannabis, several nations operate tolerance policies or have legalized cannabis for medicinal use. Here’s a look at some of the weed legal countries in Europe.
Czech Republic
While cannabis remains illegal in the Czech Republic, the country decriminalized personal use in 2010 and became the first EU country to raise the THC limit in hemp products to 1%. This change has led many to believe that the Czech Republic could soon be one of the countries where weed is legal for broader use.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg took an important step toward cannabis legalization by permitting individuals to grow up to four plants at home. Consumption is also allowed in private spaces, and public possession results in small fines rather than criminal charges. Luxembourg’s gradual approach could make it one of the first European countries where weed is fully legalized.
Malta
In 2021, Malta became the first European nation to legalize recreational cannabis, allowing personal possession and use. However, the country has not opened the door to cannabis tourism, and coffee shops or dispensaries remain illegal. If you’re visiting, you’ll need to know a local to access legal cannabis.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its cannabis tolerance policy, enabling individuals to buy, possess, and consume marijuana in designated “coffeeshops.” However, this policy is not the same as full legalization, and no moves toward legalizing cannabis in its entirety have been made in recent years. The Netherlands is often cited as one of the countries where weed is legal, even though it technically operates under a unique tolerance framework.
Portugal
Portugal decriminalized all drugs, including cannabis, in 2001. While cannabis possession is no longer a criminal offense, it remains illegal to import, sell, or cultivate cannabis. However, ordinary users are unlikely to face legal trouble, and Portugal operates a tolerance policy similar to that of the Netherlands.
Spain
In Spain, personal possession of up to 100 grams of cannabis is allowed, but public consumption is prohibited. Cannabis is also permitted for personal use in private spaces, with certain regions, such as the Canary Islands, allowing the purchase of cannabis from licensed cannabis clubs for members only. Spain’s patchwork approach to cannabis laws creates a somewhat confusing landscape, but it’s considered one of the weed legal countries in certain areas.
Countries Where Weed is Legal in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
When considering countries where weed is legal, it’s important to note that most nations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have strict anti-cannabis laws. While some countries enforce long prison sentences or even the death penalty for cannabis-related crimes, there are a few countries where weed is tolerated or even partially legalized. Below are some notable examples from these regions.
Israel
Israel is a leader in medical marijuana legalization, having pioneered cannabis use for pain-related illnesses since the 1990s. Although recreational marijuana use is not yet fully legalized, Israel’s progress with medical cannabis has made it a notable destination for those seeking weed for health purposes. If you’re visiting Israel, medical cannabis can be obtained through authorized providers, though recreational use is still prohibited. Those consuming weed for medicinal purposes may not need to worry about overcoming weed highness, as the dosage is typically controlled and tailored to the individual.
Lesotho
While recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Lesotho, the country has become one of the first African nations to legalize cannabis cultivation for commercial purposes. Since 2008, farmers have been permitted to grow cannabis under strict licensing requirements. Despite this, much of the cannabis production is still done underground, as many growers prefer not to engage with the government regulations.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the few African countries where private consumption and cultivation of cannabis are legal. Citizens can possess cannabis for personal use in private spaces, and home cultivation is permitted. While the country lacks a commercial market for cannabis, it is becoming a more weed-friendly destination. If you’re looking for an ounce of weed, South Africa’s laws allow for personal consumption, but public use remains illegal. For those who may experience overpowering effects from cannabis, the country’s progressive stance means it is easier to overcome weed highness by taking your time in private spaces where consumption is allowed.
Thailand
Thailand made headlines in 2022 by becoming one of the countries where weed is legal for both medical and recreational use. The government opened coffee shops where anyone can buy and consume cannabis. Despite this, there are still certain regulations that limit where cannabis can be smoked—such as restrictions on smoking near schools and playgrounds. Thailand’s move to legalize weed has made it a trailblazer in Southeast Asia and a potential destination for cannabis enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which countries have fully legalized weed?
The two countries that have fully legalized weed at the federal level are Canada and Uruguay. In these countries, both recreational and medicinal cannabis are legal, and cannabis can be bought, sold, and consumed freely by residents and tourists (with some restrictions in Uruguay for tourists).
Is weed legal in the United States?
While marijuana is still federally illegal in the United States, many states have legalized cannabis for recreational or medicinal use. Currently, 37 states have medical marijuana programs, and nearly half of the states allow recreational marijuana use. However, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug.
Can you legally use cannabis in Jamaica?
Yes, Jamaica has decriminalized cannabis, allowing residents to possess up to five ounces for personal use. The Rastafarian community is exempt from limits on cannabis use, and everyone is allowed to grow up to five plants for personal use. Jamaica is known as a weed-friendly destination, attracting tourists interested in cannabis culture.
Is medical cannabis legal in Argentina?
Yes, Argentina legalized medical cannabis in 2017 for patients with qualifying conditions. Additionally, in 2022, the country decriminalized small amounts of cannabis for personal use. However, recreational cannabis use is still illegal in Argentina.
Can you smoke weed in public in Mexico?
Mexico has decriminalized personal possession of up to five grams of cannabis. The country also legalized medicinal marijuana in 2016. In 2021, the Supreme Court decriminalized private recreational cannabis use, and full legalization is expected soon. However, smoking in public is not permitted, and commercialization is still restricted.
Is weed legal in Colombia?
Colombia has decriminalized up to 22 grams of cannabis for personal use and allows individuals to grow up to 20 plants at home. While recreational marijuana is not fully legal, Colombia is one of the countries where weed is legal for medicinal purposes, and the decriminalization policies make it a relaxed destination for cannabis use.
What is the cannabis situation in Uruguay?
Uruguay is the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis. In 2014, the country passed legislation to legalize the use, sale, and cultivation of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes. However, tourists cannot purchase cannabis legally and must rely on a local to make the purchase on their behalf.
Is cannabis legal in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has decriminalized the personal use of cannabis, but public consumption is still illegal. Police generally turn a blind eye to cannabis smokers, but they actively pursue traffickers. Costa Rica’s relaxed approach makes it one of the more cannabis-friendly countries in Central America.
Can you legally smoke weed in Ecuador?
Ecuador decriminalized the personal use of up to 10 grams of cannabis in 2019 and has also authorized cannabis-based products and industrial hemp production. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal, and its use is only tolerated for personal purposes.
Are there any restrictions on cannabis use in Chile?
In Chile, the cultivation, transportation, and sale of cannabis remain illegal, but at-home consumption in private homes is allowed. Chile has one of the highest per-capita cannabis use rates in Latin America, and its progressive stance toward cannabis makes it one of the countries where weed is legal for private use.
