Weed (cannabis) is legal for recreational use in several countries and regions worldwide. Here is an overview:
Countries with Legal Recreational Cannabis
- Canada
- Georgia (possession and consumption legal, but no sale system)
- Germany (legal since April 1, 2024, with possession limits and home cultivation allowed)
- Luxembourg
- Malta (first EU country to fully legalize adult-use)
- Mexico
- South Africa (legal for private possession and cultivation, but not sale)
- Thailand (legal for possession, sale, and home cultivation with restrictions)
- Uruguay
United States
- Recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Medical cannabis is legal in 39 states.
- Some U.S. territories like Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands have legalized recreational use with specific possession and cultivation limits
Europe
- Malta has fully legalized adult-use cannabis.
- Spain allows decriminalized possession and private cultivation.
- Germany legalized recreational cannabis in 2024 with specific possession limits (up to 25 grams outside home, 50 grams at home) and home cultivation (up to 3 plants per adult) but no legal sales yet.
- Other countries have varying degrees of decriminalization or medical legalization
Other Notes
- Some countries have decriminalized possession or have medical cannabis programs but do not allow recreational use.
- Laws often include restrictions on possession amounts, age limits (usually 18+ or 20+), and where cannabis can be consumed or grown
Summary Table (Selected Examples)
Country/Region| Recreational Use Legal?| Notes
---|---|---
Canada| Yes| Nationwide
Germany| Yes (since April 2024)| Possession limits; no legal sales yet
Malta| Yes| First EU country fully legal
South Africa| Yes (private use and cultivation)| Sale not allowed
Thailand| Yes| Age 20+; public smoking prohibited
United States| Yes in 24 states + DC + territories| Varies by state
This reflects the current legal landscape as of May 2025
