For frequent stoners, it may be hard to freely smoke when marijuana is strictly prohibited in your own country. This encourages them to travel to places that legalize marijuana. Although there are certain countries that legalize it for the use of medicinal purposes, there are some countries that provide freedom for stoners to smoke a joint and it wouldn’t be considered a crime. Here are some of the countries that allow marijuana:
1. Uruguay
Uruguay is the first country to fully legalize the use of marijuana. Citizens of Uruguay are able to purchase marijuana for up to 40 grams on a monthly basis, provided they receive approval from government-linked pharmacies. All cannabis users should register with the authorities before they make a purchase in order to get them tracked by the government. After going through the necessary registration, they can set up their own marijuana club and start growing the plant along with other members of the community. In Uruguay, there are even annual competitions that regularly occur, such as the Cannabis Cup competition.
2. Spain
In Spain, technically people aren’t allowed to sell marijuana. Despite the activity being illegal, it doesn’t stop them from creating cannabis clubs going up to hundreds all around. These clubs are allowed to operate legally as collectives, which means consumers are able to visit the club and consume marijuana without buying any. Though, they are only allowed to consume a small amount. To gain access to these clubs, you are required to pay a certain fee in order to be a member. That way, weed sellers are able to avoid getting any sort of punishment. In terms of the use of marijuana for medical usage, doctors in Spain are not permitted to prescribe their patients marijuana. Hence, patients with certain medical issues will approach these cannabis clubs to gain access to marijuana.
3. The Netherlands
Most people would assume Amsterdam is home to stoners, especially tourists, by legalizing marijuana. In actual fact, it is not exactly legal to be freely smoking up a joint in the middle of a walkway. Instead, the government is pretty lenient when it comes to pot smokers. If you possess a small consumption of up to 5 grams, you will not be fined or be faced with any charges. It is illegal to be planting your own marijuana plant. The famous coffee shops all around Amsterdam are allowed to sell marijuana to their customers, but they have to get their supply through criminal ways. In simpler terms, the government will turn a blind eye while these coffee shops get their source from illegal sellers with the green light to sell them in public.
4. Portugal
Portugal was the first country ever to legalize all drugs, including marijuana. The main purpose of this country to decriminalize all drugs is to treat it as a health issue rather than a criminal activity. The overall approach was based on the evidence and on the health of the public. While the drugs are free to be sold, sellers are not allowed to let young people purchase them.
5. Canada
The consumption of marijuana is fully legal in Canada. However, there are different sets of rules all across the state. For example, in Ontario, weed consumers are only allowed to purchase them via the official government online store called the Ontario Cannabis Store. In Saskatchewan, weed sellers that are licensed can sell marijuana through private retail stores whereas if you stay around Quebec, then you can pretty much light up a joint anywhere that allows tobacco. Since there are so many places to purchase marijuana all over Canada, you can read this comprehensive marijuana dispensary guide to learn more about where to get the best stuff.
6. The United States
Although a rough estimate of 62% of Americans supports the legalization of marijuana, not all of the states agree to it. As of now, marijuana is only legalized in some states among the 46 states. Not all of them are 100% legalized as well since marijuana is only used for medical purposes. To consume marijuana freely with no particular purpose, the states are Massachusetts, Alaska, Colorado, California, Vermont and Washington DC. In terms of medical purposes, Oklahoma is one of the states that allow marijuana.