The Global Debate on Cannabis Legalization.
The global debate on cannabis legalization raises numerous questions, ranging from individual freedom to public safety. In this article, we will examine the current situation of cannabis around the world, focusing on the benefits of its legalization in some countries and the severe consequences of its prohibition in others.
Global Debate on Cannabis Legalization
Countries where recreational cannabis is legal:
- Uruguay: Medical and recreational use totally legal.
- Canada: Medical and recreational use legal.
- USA: 19 States plus Washington DC have legalized cannabis in various ways.
- Malta: First European country to legalize recreational cannabis with regulatory guidelines limiting access to tourists.
- Luxembourg: Announcement of legalization plans.
- Switzerland: Liberalized policy with a pilot project allowing the purchase of recreational cannabis in pharmacies.
Countries where medical cannabis with THC is legal:
- USA: 41 States have legalized medical use, of which 19 have also legalized recreational use.
- Mexico: Medical use legalized.
- Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Costa Rica, Panama: Regulated medical use.
- Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador: Regulated medical use.
- Australia, New Zealand: Legal medical use.
- Israel, Thailand, South Korea: Legalized medical use.
- South Africa, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda: Regulated medical use.
- 27 countries in Europe: Legalized medical use.
Countries where cannabis is tolerated but sale and consumption are illegal:
- Germany: Consumption tolerated, cultivation for medical purposes allowed on a case-by-case basis.
- Australia: Decriminalized for personal use in small quantities in some States.
- Brazil: Consumption tolerated for medical and religious use.
- Costa Rica: Decriminalized, consumption widely tolerated.
- Spain: Decriminalized, medical prescription or Cannabis Social Clubs tolerated.
- Georgia: Personal consumption decriminalized.
Countries where possession of cannabis is extremely punished by law:
- China: Capital punishment for possession of a significant amount of cannabis.
- Egypt: Capital punishment for trafficking.
- Singapore: Possession can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
- Malaysia: Death penalty for possession of 200 grams or more.
- Burma: Capital punishment for trafficking.
- Philippines: Summary executions for suspicion of use or possession.
- Saudi Arabia: Death penalty for possession, even in small quantities.
Cannabis Legalization: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Recreational and Medical Cannabis Legalization
Economy and Environment: Legalization allows taxing and regulating cannabis, removing it from the illegal market. [source]
Social Justice: Reduces arrests and judicial burdens for possession, thus relieving the criminal justice system. [source]
Public Health: Use of cannabis for health issues like seizures, nausea, appetite in cancer patients, pain, insomnia, anxiety, and PTSD. [source]
Disadvantages and Risks
Mental Health: Increased risk of cannabis use disorders, especially among adolescents and people with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia. [source]
Consequences of Strict Prohibition
Failure to Achieve Objectives: Increased cannabis-related arrests without a significant reduction in its use or availability. [source]
