New Health Guide

Where Is Marijuana Legal?

Nov 10, 2013

The legality of Marijuana or cannabis for recreational or general use is variable in different countries. It is illegal to possess cannabis in majority of the countries and it is this way since the widespread prohibition of cannabis began in the late 1930s. However, the possession of small quantities of cannabis or marijuana is decriminalized in many countries especially in North America, Europe and South America. This has been done largely for medicinal purposes. In which states in the US and which countries is marijuana legal?

In Which U.S. States  Marijuana Legal?

It is illegal under federal law to use, sale and possess cannabis in the United States. Cannabis is categorized as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. This implies that it has been decided by the federal government that the substance has both high potential for abuse and no established and safe medical use. However, state laws regarding cannabis differ from the federal laws. A number of states have decriminalized cannabis and some have exempted its use as a medical substance. The recreational use of cannabis is legalized in two states Colorado and Washington. The following picture shows you the details:

image001

image002 State with legal medical cannabis.

image003 State with decriminalized cannabis possession laws.*

image004 State with both medical and decriminalization laws.

image005 State with legalized cannabis

Notes: the above information is from wikipedia

20 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC

State

Year Passed

Fee

Possession Limit

Accepts other states' registry ID cards?

Alaska

1998

$25/$20

Usable 1 oz, Plants 6 (3 mature, 3 immature)

Unknown

Arizona

2010

$150/$75

Usable 2.5 oz, Plants 0-12

Yes

California

1996

$66/$33

Usable: 8 oz, 6 mature or 12 immature plants

No

Colorado

2000

$35

Usable: 2 oz, Plants:6 (3 mature, 3 immature)

No

Connecticut

2012

TBD

One-month supply

No

DC

2010

$100/$25

2 oz dried

No

Delaware

2011

$125

Usable: 6 oz

Yes

Hawaii

2000

$25

Usable: 3 oz, Plants 7 (3 mature, 4 immature)

No

Illinois

2013

TBD

Usable 2.5 oz during a period of 14 days

No

Maine

1999

No Fee

Usable: 2.5 oz, Plants: 6

Yes

Massachusetts

2012

TBD

60 day supply for medical use personally

Unknown

Michigan

2008

$100/$25

Usable: 2.5 oz, Plants: 12

Yes

Montana

2004

$25/$10

Usable; 1 oz, Plants 4 mature, Seedlings 12

No

Nevada

2000

$200

Usable 1oz, plants 7 (3 mature, 4 immature)

Yes

New Hampshire

2013

TBD

Usable 2 oz during a period of 10 days

Yes

New Jersey

2010

$200/$20

Usable: 2 oz

No

New Mexico

2007

$0

Usable: 6 oz, Plants 16 (4 mature, 12 immature)

No

Oregon

1998

$200/$100

Usable 24 oz, Plants 24 (6 mature, 18 immature)

No

Rhode Island

2006

$75/$10

Usable: 24 oz; 24 plants (6 mature, 18 immature)

Yes

Vermont

2004

$50

Usable: 2 oz, Plants 9 (2 mature, 7 immature)

No

Washington

1998

Unknown

Usable 24 oz, Plants 15

No

In Which Countries Are Marijuana Legal?

The following is a list of countries where Marijuana is legal

Country

Possession

Sale

Transportation

Cultivation

Notes

Argentina

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal

Cannabis is legal for personal use and that too in small quantities and to be consumed in private locations. Consuming publically is usually accepted in young adults. Similarly consumption for medical reasons is accepted in private locations but it is not legislated. All other aspects are illegal and punishable by law.

Australia

Illegal but decriminalized in certain states

     

Personal use is decriminalized in small quantities in some states such as South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Belgium

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal but decriminalized for one female plant only

In Belgium, consumption in home and possessing quantities up to 3 g or a certain female plant is tolerated though not legal in adults.

Brazil

Illegal; however mostly tolerated

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal

The possession for personal use entails given a warning, community education. Selling and transportation of larger amounts is considered as drug trafficking.

Canada

Illegal but legal for use in medicine and industries after obtaining a governed issued license.

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal unless the plants are grown for medical purposes with a government issued license

 

Colombia

Illegal but decriminalized

     

Since the year 1994, possession of small quantities of cannabis up to 22 g has been decriminalized for personal use.

Costa Rica

Illegal but decriminalized

     

Though cannabis use is illegal, the tolerance of smoking marijuana is high in the entire country. Possession of small quantities for personal use has been decriminalized though no minimum amount has been specified.

Czech Republic

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal but decriminalized

Since April 1st 2013, medical use on prescription is legal.

Ecuador

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal

Possession of less than 10 g is considered as possessing for personal use and is legal but not punished.

France

Illegal but legal for medical use

     

Cultivating, selling, owning or consuming cannabis is prohibited.

India

Illegal/Legal(under the regulation of government)

Illegal/Legal (It is legal to sold in shops authorized by government)

Illegal

Illegal(Though with government permission it is legal)

It is utilized during the observance of some Hindu rituals. Though it is illegal to possess by law but the law is treated with low priority. Many states such as Tripura, West Bengal and North East has their own separate laws that allow cannabis which is locally known as ganja. Large tracts of marijuana grow unchecked in the wild parts of many states such as Tripura, West Bengal, Kerala etc.

Iran

 

Regulated use is legal while unregulated use is illegal

Regulated use is legal while unregulated use is illegal

Legal

It is legal to grow cannabis as the seeds of the plant are eaten by the locals. Moreover, companies draw oil from the seed, which is then sold legally.

Mexico

Illegal but decriminalized

     

Since August 2009, personal use and possession of up to 5 g of cannabis is decriminalized

North Korea

Legal

Legal

Legal

Legal

The sale, growth and consumption of marijuana is legal and not regulated by the government of North Korea.

Pakistan

Illegal/Legal

     

Though laws exist inhibiting the sale and misuse of marijuana, still they are very rarely used. The use in community gatherings is tolerated considering it to be a centuries old custom. Moreover, in the wild, large tracts of marijuana grow unchecked.

Switzerland

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal

Illegal but decriminalized

Legal in certain Cantons

Since January 2012, growing of cannabis of up to 4 plants is allowed in some cantons.

United States

Illegal at federal level but it is legal at state level in states such as Washington and Colorado.

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal

Laws concerning marijuana vary by state.

Spain

Illegal but decriminalized

Illegal

Illegal

Legal

Growing of plant for personal use is legal.

Uruguay

Legal of personal use

Illegal

Illegal

Illegal

It is legal for personal use so personal possession is not penalized.