Marijuana consumption laws around the world

In most countries marijuana is illegal, although in some cases, or in di erent areas of the country, authorities may turn a blind eye to its use. Listed here are the general attitudes in the various countries towards marijuana please check with each country for its specic laws on drug use.

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Czech Republic
Among the most lenient drug laws in Europe; since January 2010, possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana, 1.5 grams of heroin, one gram of cocaine, is a misdemeanour ($830 ne).

Legal for medical use

Germany

Canada
In some states.

Consumption is legal in some areas. Openly sold in local co ee shops.

U.S.

Netherlands

Use and possession of any recreational drugs is punishable by imprisonment if caught. Dealing and smuggling of high amounts of drugs usually result in harsh prison time or even execution.

Saudi Arabia

Belgium
Illegal, but often sold openly with no repercussions.

Finland

Jamaica

Consumption in ones home and possession of up to three grams not legal but tolerated. Consumption in private in small amounts is allowed.

Spain

Possession can result in up to three years imprisonment.

Ukraine

Growing cannabis is legal if planted for food purposes. A person is allowed to carry up to 15 grams legally.

Iran

Pakistan

Mexico
Although personal use possession is legal, growing and selling is illegal. Very strict drug laws; punishment can be severe.

Venezuela

Switzerland
As of Jan., 2012, each member of a household can legally grow four cannabis plants.

Laws exist against sale and use, but are rarely enforced.

Technically illegal but use is widespread; can easily be purchased and is usually smoked in public without the threat of arrest.

Cambodia

Guatemala
Possession for personal use by Guatemalans is not normally prosecuted, but tourists are commonly arrested and jailed for several days.

Philippines Israel Egypt

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Harsh drug laws; A non-violent drug o ender can receive the same sentence, sometimes even sti er, than a murderer.

Ecuador

India

Peru

Illegal, but use is generally widespread, convictions are rare.

Used during observance of certain Hindu rituals. Government-owned shops in holy cities like Varanasi sell cannabis in the form of bhang. Despite the high usage, it is illegal to possess, but this law is rarely enforced. Some states have their own laws allowing cannabis.

Personal consumption in small quantities on private property is legal.

Chile

Personal possession is legal as long as one is not in possession of another drug.

Greece
Very strict drug laws, although the government is preparing a bill that would decriminalize the use of drugs.

Legal for personal consumption in private locations.

Argentina

U.A.E.

A small Spanish town believes it has found an answer to their unemployment and debt. They are going to be leasing out a seven-acre area for marijuana planting. The Barcelona Personal Use Cannabis Association (ABCDA), part of a mushrooming movement of private marijuana clubs in Spain, will reportedly pay the town of Rassquera more than $1 million a year for the right to grow its annual supply there. About 40 jobs will be created.
SUSAN BATSFORD, GRAPHICS EDITOR, TWITTER @SBATS1; INFOGRAPHIC BY TARA CORRAN/QMI AGENCY

Going to pot

Even small amounts of drugs can lead to a mandatory four year prison sentence.

Legal in some parts of the country.

Australia