GOVERNMENT INFO

LEGALITY OF CANNABIS BY COUNTRY

The legal status of cannabis is evolving rapidly.  Many Countries are now seeing the benefits of Cannabis and have slowly but surely begun the process of legalizing its uses for certain Industrial and Medicinal purposes. The list below will be updated regularly as and when new developments with regards to Cannabis have taken place in a specific country.

CountryPossessionSaleTransportCultivationNotes
 AfghanistanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
Production banned by King Zahir Shah in 1973.
 AlbaniaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
The law of prohibition exists but however with high availability of cannabis plants throughout the country, this law is often unenforced.
 AlgeriaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalPossession is illegal.
 AngolaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 ArgentinaIllegal (decriminalized for personal use in small amounts)IllegalIllegalIllegal
Decriminalized for personal use in small amounts and for consumption in private locations, the Supreme Court ruled in 2009.
Medical cannabis is legal in Chubut since 23 September 2016,and in Santa Fe since 30 November 2016.
 ArmeniaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 AustraliaLegal for medicinal and scientific purposes.IllegalIllegalLegal for medicinal and scientific purposes.
Decriminalised for personal use in the Northern Territory, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
One or two plants may be privately grown for personal use in the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia. Personal grows of up to two plants are decriminalised in the Northern Territory.
 AustriaPossession of up to five grams decriminalized as of January 2016.IllegalIllegalIllegal
Possession and purchase of up to five grams for personal use is decriminalized and offenders will not be punished, given that they cooperate with the health authority and undergo a therapy.
 AzerbaijanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
In Azerbaijan cannabis is illegal, but possession of small quantities of the drug for personal use is not a criminal offense. However, the law enforcement is required to inform the family of the person about their addiction.
 BahrainIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 BangladeshIllegal, but mostly toleratedIllegal, but mostly toleratedIllegalIllegal
Sale banned in 1989. Possession of cannabis is illegal in Bangladesh, with penalties ranging from six months to fifteen years. However, cannabis is openly sold in many parts of the country and the laws are rarely enforced.
 BelarusIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 BelgiumIllegal (decriminalized up to three grams)IllegalIllegalIllegal (decriminalized) one plant)
Since 2003, adults over the age of eighteen had been allowed to possess up to three grams.
 BelizeIllegal, but mostly toleratedIllegalIllegalIllegal
Cannabis use in Belize is common and largely tolerated; however, possession can result in fines or imprisonment. In 2016, national media reported that legislation to decriminalize possession of up to ten grams was “in the works”.
 BeninIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 BhutanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalCannabis is illegal, but grows prolifically in Bhutan and has multiple traditional uses, such as feeding pigs and producing textiles.
 Bosnia and HerzegovinaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
In 2016 it was announced that the Ministry of Civil Affairs had formed a task force to explore the legalizing of cannabis and cannabinoids for medical purposes
 BoliviaIllegal (decriminalized)IllegalIllegalIllegal
Bolivia has recently passed laws regarding set personal limit use, but has not completely legalized it.
 BotswanaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
Cannabis (or dagga) is illegal.
 BrazilIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
Since 2006, the possession of illegal drugs like cannabis (for personal consumption) entails a warning, community serviceand education on the effects of drug use. The same measures apply to the planting or preparation of small amounts of any illegal drug.
Selling and transportation of any illegal drugs, as well as the possession or cultivation of larger amounts is characterized as drug trafficking, a criminal act punished with five to fifteen years in prison and a significant fine.
 BulgariaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
Cannabis is classified as a class A (High-risk) drug, together with Heroin, Cocaine, Amphetamines and MDMA (ecstasy). Until 2004, a loosely defined “personal dose” existed.
 Burkina FasoIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 BurundiIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 Cape VerdeIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 CambodiaIllegal but often unenforcedIllegal but often unenforcedIllegal but often unenforcedIllegal but often unenforced
Cannabis is illegal in Cambodia. This prohibition is enforced opportunistically. Many “Happy” restaurants located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville publicly offer food cooked with marijuana, or as a side garnish.[34]
 CameroonIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 CanadaIllegal (legal for medicinal use)IllegalIllegalIllegal (small amounts of plants tolerated)
(regulated by some cities)Legal with government issued licence for medical or industrial purposes. On 20 April 2016, Health Minister Jane Philpott announced that new legislation would be introduced in spring 2017 to legalize and regulate cannabis in Canada. See Legislation: “Controlled Drugs and Substances Act”
 Central African RepublicIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 ChadIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 ChileIllegal (decriminalized)Illegal (medical use only)Illegal (medical use only)Legal
In 2005, Law 20.000 formally decriminalised private and personal cannabis use. Since 2014, Chile allows the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes with the authorization of The Chilean Agriculture Service (SAG).[Cultivation of marijuana, personal or collective, is legal in Chile. The Supreme Court ruled in 2015. Sale of marijuana-derived medication is allowed on prescription in pharmacies, from December 2015.
Currently in 2016, a regulation bill which will allow Chileans to grow small amounts of marijuana for medical, recreational or spiritual use has been approved by the country’s lower house of Congress.
 People’s Republic of ChinaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 ColombiaLegal for up to 22 grams for personal use. No limit for medical or scientific purpose, and if licensed by the “National Anti-narcotics Council”Legal for medical and scientific use onlyLegal for medical and scientific use onlyLegal up to twenty plants for personal consumption. No limit for medical or scientific use, and if licensed by the “National Anti-narcotics Council”
Since 1994, cannabis has been legalized for possession of small amounts up to 22 grams for personal consumption. In 2016, The Supreme Court of Justice stated that someone who is caught with a greater amount than the statutory limit cannot be criminally prosecuted if it is found that the person carries the substance to satisfy their own consumption needs. It is legal to possess up to twenty plants for personal consumption.
Cannabis was legal during the Comorian historical period between January 1975 and May 1978, when president Ali Soilih legalized cannabis consumption among other measures.
Some interpret the law to say cannabis is illegal, but there is a high tolerance of smoking marijuana throughout the country.A decriminalization system is de factoimplemented, since police officers do not detain people carrying enough for only personal consumption, yet no amount has been defined as a minimum for possession. The usage of cannabis in Costa Rica is very high.
 CroatiaIllegal (decriminalized)(medical use only)Illegal (medical use only)IllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Croatia
Notes
From 2013, the possession of small amount of marijuana and other light drugs is a misdemeanor which leads to a fine of 5000–20000kn ($800–3500) depending on the case in question.
In 2015, the Ministry of Health officially legalized the use of cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes for patients with illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or AIDS.[57]
 CyprusIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal (decriminalized for some farms to grow Hemp)Main article: Cannabis in Cyprus
Notes
Class B substance – life imprisonment is possible for use and maximum eight years for possession (at the maximum two years for the first offence for under 25-year-olds).[58]
 CubaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 Czech RepublicIllegal (possession of up to 15g decriminalized)Sale of medical cannabis legal, otherwise sale illegal)Illegal (up to 15g decriminalized/Medical subject to license legal)Illegal (cultivation of up to five bushes decriminalized/cultivation for medical purposes subject to license legal)Main article: Cannabis in Czech Republic
Notes
Since 2010 possession of up to fifteen grams for personal use or cultivation of up to five plants is a misdemeanor subject to minor fine – mostly not enforced. Popular destination for smokers.[59][60]
Medical use of cannabis on prescription has been legal and regulated since 2013.[61][62]
 DenmarkIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Denmark
Notes
As with all drugs, cannabis-related offences are punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to two years[63] Freetown Christiania, a self-declared autonomous region, is known for its cannabis trade.
 DjiboutiIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 DominicaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Dominica
Class B drug to cultivate, sell or possess.[64]
Country/TerritoryPossessionSaleTransportCultivationNotes
 East TimorIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in East Timor
 EcuadorIllegal (decriminalized) up to ten gramsIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Ecuador
Notes
As defined by Law 108, possession of small amounts of cannabis is decriminalized.[65][66][67] Possession of under ten grams is considered personal use and it is not punished.[68]
 EgyptIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Egypt
Notes
Although technically illegal, use is widespread and part of every day culture. Convictions for personal use are very rare.[69] Formerly a plant of high status with several documented medicinal uses in ancient times, cannabis was made illegal in 1925 with the League of Nations’ Geneva International Convention on Narcotic Control, and has been aggressively targeted at various points since then.[70]
 El SalvadorIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 EritreaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 EstoniaIllegal (decriminalized)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Estonia
Notes
Up to 7.5 grams is considered an amount for personal use, and is punished with a fine. Large amounts and distribution are criminal offences and punishable with a custodial sentence of up to five years.[71]
 EthiopiaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Ethiopia
Notes
Despite being the spiritual homeland of the Rastafari movement, possession of cannabis can result in up to six months imprisonment.[72]
 FijiIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 FinlandIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Finland
Notes
Since 2001 personal use cases are generally not prosecuted in court but subject to summary fine.
Since 2006, use of medical cannabis has been possible under a special license. In 2014, 223 licenses were issued.[73]
 FranceIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in France
Notes
Cultivating, selling, owning or consuming cannabis is prohibited.[74] However, legislation permitting the sale of medications containing cannabis derivatives was enacted in June 2013.[75][76]
 GabonIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 GeorgiaIllegal, but possession for personal use decriminalizedIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Georgia (country)
 GermanyLegal for medicinal purposes.Legal to those with a prescriptionLegal with prescriptionIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Germany
Recreational consumption is legal on the basis of it being considered self-harm.(or if permission is given by “Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices”)(or if permission is given by “Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices”)(Legal if permission is given by “Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices”)Notes
The possession of recreational cannabis is illegal, while consumption itself is legal on the basis of it being considered self-harm, which is not considered a crime. The possession of small amounts is prosecuted, but charges are virtually always dropped.
By January 2015, 241 patients have obtained permission for medical cannabis products from a pharmacy since 2008.[77] In mid 2016 around 5000 patients received cannabis products.[78]
On 4 May 2016 the Cabinet of Germany decided to approve the measure for legal cannabis for seriously ill patients who have consulted with a doctor and “have no therapeutic alternative”. German Health Minister, Hermann Gröhe, presented the legal draft on the legalization of medical cannabis to the cabinet, which took effect in early 2017.[79][80][78][81][82][83]
 GhanaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 GuineaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 Guinea-BissauIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 GreeceIllegal (but the amount of 0.5 grams or 1 pure/2 impure cannabis cigarettes decriminalised in court if made sure to be for personal use)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Greece
Notes
Possession or use of even small amounts is illegal in Greece, but if found to be for personal use it’s decriminalized in court. Individuals are arrested, although rarely convicted by court. Possession of large quantities may lead to several years in prison.[86]
 Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat)IllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Greenland
 GrenadaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Grenada
 GuatemalaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Guatemala
Notes
In 2016 a constitutional commission rejected proposals to legalize medical or recreational use of cannabis.[87][88]
 GuyanaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Guyana
Notes
Possession of 15 grams or over can result in charges of drug trafficking.[89]
 HaitiIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 HondurasIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Honduras
Notes
The possession, sale, transportation and cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Honduras.[90]
 Hong KongIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Hong Kong
Notes
The possession, sale, transportation, cultivation of cannabis is illegal under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance.[91] (Chapter 134 of the Law of Hong Kong)
 HungaryIllegalIllegalillegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Hungary
Notes
There is no distinction in Hungarian law between illicit drugs according to dangers. Heroin use has the same legal consequences as cannabis use.[92]
 IcelandIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Iceland
Notes
Banned in 1969.[93] Consumption is illegal even in small amounts. Possession, sale, transportation and cultivation could result in jail time. Possession is not strictly enforced. Heavy fines are given.[94]
 IndiaIllegal at the federal level.Illegal at the federal level.Illegal at the federal level.Illegal at the federal level.Main article: Cannabis in India
Legal or tolerated in several states such as Bihar, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and the North-Eastern states.Industrial hemp legal at the state level in Uttarakhand.Legal or tolerated in several states such as Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and the North-Eastern states.Industrial hemp legal at the state level in Uttarakhand.Notes
Decriminalized in Gujarat.Legal or tolerated in several states such as Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal and the North-Eastern states.Legal or tolerated in several states such as Bihar, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal and the North-Eastern states.Government-owned shops in holy cities like Varanasi and few other north Indian states sell cannabis in the form of bhang. Despite the high prevalent usage, cannabis remains illegal, but is rarely enforced and treated as low priority across India. Large tracts of cannabis grow unchecked in the wild in many parts of northern and southern India.[95] In November 2015, Uttarakhand became the first state of India to legalise the production of industrial hemp.[96] Bhang was removed from the Prohibition Act in Gujarat in February 2017, hence its consumption and sale has been decriminalized in the state.[97] Many states such as Bihar, Odisha, West Bengaland the North-Eastern states have their own laws allowing cannabis, locally known as Ganja. In 2016, a Private Member’s Bill was scheduled to be tabled in the Lok Sabha, which calls for the legalisation and regulation of “non-synthetic” intoxicants, including cannabis and opium.[98]
Decriminalized in Gujarat.
 IndonesiaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Indonesia
Notes
Banned in 1927.[99] Minimum sentence of four years in prison (additional fines may apply) if caught in possession.[100]However, if the user voluntarily reports himself/herself to the police, or is reported by his/her family, the charges will be dropped in accordance to 2009 Narcotics Act, article 24 paragraph 2, 3, 4.
 IranIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 IraqIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 IrelandIllegal[101]Illegal[101]Illegal[101]Illegal[101]Main article: Cannabis in Ireland
Notes
The National Drugs Strategy of 2009–2016 did not favour decriminalising cannabis.[102] A new strategy is planned from 2017.[103] Cannabis-derived medicines may be licensed since 2014.[104][105] A review of policy on medicinal cannabis was announced in November 2016,[106] and a private member’s billto legalise it passed second stage in the Dáil in December 2016.[107][108][109]
 Israel
 IsraelLegal for medicinal use.Illegal (legal for medicinal use only)Illegal (legal for medicinal use only)Illegal (legal for licensed medicinal providers)Main article: Cannabis in Israel
 Israel
Notes
Illegal for recreational use, but limited medical uses have been permitted since the 1990s.[110]
In early 2017, Gilad Erdan, the nation’s Public Security Minister, announced that Israel planned to decriminalise the possession of cannabis for personal use.[111]
 ItalyIllegal (decriminalized, legal for medical and religious usage)IllegalIlIegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Italy
Notes
Possession of small amounts for personal use is a misdemeanor subject to fines and the suspension of documents (passports or drivers licenses). The sale of cannabis products is illegal and punishable by imprisonment; cultivation is likewise punishable by imprisonment, even if in small amounts and for exclusive personal use. Licensed cultivation for medical and industrial use is strictly regulated.[112]
Country/TerritoryPossessionSaleTransportCultivationNotes
 JamaicaIllegal (decriminalized)IllegalIllegalLegalMain article: Cannabis in Jamaica
On 25 February 2015, the Jamaican House of Representatives passed a law decriminalizing possession of up to two ounces of cannabis. The new law includes provisions legalizing the cultivation for personal use of up to five plants, as well as setting up regulations for the cultivation and distribution of cannabis for medical, religious purposes and natural growth.[113]
 JapanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Japan
Notes
Restricted in 1948.[114] Use and possession are punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine. Cultivation, sale, and transport are punishable by up to seven or ten years imprisonment and a fine.[115]
 JordanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 KazakhstanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 KenyaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalNotes
New York Economist Mwangi Mungai proposed a bill to be reviewed in parliament. Medical Marijuana and minimal possession of Marijuana was petitioned to be decriminalized. Bill proposes marijuana to be considered a taxable cash crop regulated by Ministry of Agriculture/ Ministry of Health.
 KiribatiIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 KuwaitIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 KyrgyzstanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
Country/TerritoryPossessionSaleTransportCultivationNotes
 LaosIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalAs of 2009, a mandatory death penalty is applied for certain cases.[116][117]
 LatviaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Latvia
Notes
Cannabis is illegal in Latvia.[118] Possession of larger quantities can be punished with up to fifteen years in prison. Possession of quantities up to one gram are fined up to 280 euros, for second offences within a year period criminal charges are applied.
 LebanonIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Lebanon
Notes
Hashish banned in 1926;[119] cannabis cultivation banned in 1992.[120] Possession is illegal. However, large amounts are grown within the country and personal use, as long as not in public is not a major issue.[121]
 LesothoIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Lesotho
 LiberiaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 LibyaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 LithuaniaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Lithuania
 LuxembourgIllegal (decriminalized)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Luxembourg
Notes
Transportation and consumption are illegal. Since 2001, decriminalized and prison penalty has been substituted by a monetary fine ranging from 250 to 2500 Euros.[122][123]
 MacauIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Macau
 MacedoniaIllegal (legal for medicinal use only)Illegal (legal for medicinal use only)IllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Macedonia
Notes
If one possesses a larger amount, a jail sentence of anywhere from three months to five years may be given.[124]
Medical cannabis legalized in 2016.[125]
 MadagascarIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Madagascar
 MalaysiaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Malaysia
Notes
Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of 15 grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or 200 grams (seven ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs.[126]
 MalawiIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Malawi
Notes
Cannabis is illegal in Malawi, but remains a popular drug and widely cultivated; Malawian cannabis is famed internationally for its quality.[127] Chamba is grown mainly in central and northern regions like Mzuzu.[128]
 MaliIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 MaltaIllegal (decriminalized up to 3.5g)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Malta
NotesNotes
Cultivation of a cannabis plant for personal use will no longer be punishable by a mandatory prison sentence or suspended sentence specialized doctors will be allowed to prescribe medical cannabisAs of 2015, simple possession is decriminalized, but remains an arrestable offense for the police purpose of collecting intelligence about drug trafficking.[129][130]
 Marshall IslandsIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 MauritaniaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 MauritiusIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 Mexico
 MexicoLegal for medicinal and scientific purposes.IllegalIllegalLegal for medicinal and scientific purposes.Main article: Cannabis in Mexico
 Mexico
Decriminalized for personal use.Decriminalized for personal use.Notes
On 21 August 2009 Mexico decriminalized “personal use” possession of up to five grams of Cannabis.[131]
In November 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that four individuals from the Mexican Society for Responsible and Tolerant Personal Use would be permitted to grow and smoke their own marijuana. The court voted 4-1 that prohibiting people from growing the drug for consumption was unconstitutional as it violated the human right to the free development of one’s personality.[132]
In December 2016, Mexico’s Senate voted to legalise marijuana for medicinal and scientific purposes – this was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in April 2017.[133]
 Micronesia
 MicronesiaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 Micronesia
 MoldovaIllegal (decriminalized)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Moldova
Notes
Possession of small quantity and personal use is not a crime in Moldova, but it is an administrative offence according to Article 85 of the Administrative Offences Code, passed in 2008. Selling, cultivation and transport, however, remain illegal and penalized. The illegal purchase or possession of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in small amounts without the purpose of further distribution, as well as their consumption without a medical prescription, are sanctioned with a fine of up to three conventional units or with community service of up to 40 hours.
 MongoliaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 MontenegroIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal[134]
 MoroccoIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Morocco
Notes
Cannabis in Morocco has been illegal since the nation’s independence in 1957, reaffirmed by a total ban on drugs in 1974, but is partially tolerated in the country, where it has been cultivated for centuries and is still among the world’s top producers of hashish.
 MozambiqueIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 MyanmarIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Myanmar
 NamibiaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Namibia
Notes
Cannabis is illegal; in 2007 the government proposed but declined a 20-year jail sentence for any drug possession.
   NepalIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Nepal
Notes
All cannabis licenses canceled in 1973.[8] Despite being illegal, cannabis is cheap and widely available in Nepal, and the police have little-to-no interest in cannabis-related issues.[135]
 NetherlandsDecriminalised for possession of up to five grams (in case of a police control it is still confiscated), for public use and for use in ‘coffeeshops’Decriminalized for ‘coffeeshops’Illegal (unenforced for ‘coffeeshops’, but enforced for growers who distribute to shops)Illegal (decriminalized up to five plants, plants are generally still destroyed.)Main article: Cannabis in the Netherlands
Notes
Personal possession has been decriminalized since 1976, and cannabis products are only sold openly in certain local “coffeeshops”.[136][137][138]
 New ZealandIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalSee also: Cannabis in New Zealand
Notes
Banned in 1927.[139] Cultivation, possession and sale of cannabis is illegal.[140]
 NicaraguaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 NigerIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 NigeriaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Nigeria
 North KoreaUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownMain article: Cannabis in North Korea
Notes
There are conflicting reports on the legal status of cannabis in North Korea. Multiple reports from defectors and tourists claim there is no law regarding the possession of cannabis (as a result, it is not classified as a drug) in North Korea or if there is, it is mostly unenforced. However, other reports claim that cannabis is illegal.[141]
 Northern Mariana IslandsIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in the Northern Mariana Islands
Notes
A legalization bill failed in 2010.[142]
 NorwayIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Norway
Notes
Up to fifteen grams is considered an amount for personal use, and is punished with a fine in the case of first-time offenders; possessing more is punished more harshly.
 OmanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegal
 PakistanIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Pakistan
Notes
The use of cannabis is prohibited in Pakistan, however the smoking of hashish in Peshawar and the northern parts of Pakistan tends to be tolerated. One may be sent to jail for up to six months if found with charas in other parts of the country.[143]
 PalauIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Palau
 PanamaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Panama
Notes
Law 14 of 19 May 2016 regulates the use of controlled substances for medical ends.[144]
 Papua New GuineaIllegalIllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Papua New Guinea
 ParaguayIllegal (decriminalized up to ten grams)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Paraguay
Notes
In Paraguay, Law N° 1.340 (Art. 30), exempted from punishment those in possession of a maximum of ten grams of marijuana for personal consumption.[145][146]
 PeruIllegal (decriminalized up to eight grams)IllegalIllegalIllegalMain article: Cannabis in Peru
Notes
Possession is decriminalized Art. 299 of the Criminal Code. Possession of under eight grams is considered personal use and it is not punished.[147][148][149][150]
Illegal: Cultivation, production or sell is punished with eight to fifteen years in prison.[151][152]
 PhilippinesIllegal (Provision for medicinal use as per Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Pending Government approval)IllegalIllegalIllegal (For medicinal and scientific purposes only) 
Notes
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, makes provision for restricted medical use.[153] Congress introduced House Bill No. 4477, known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, which would legalize the use of medical marijuana.[154]
 PolandIllegal (legal for medicinal use only)Illegal (legal for medicinal use only)IllegalIllegal 
Notes
On 26 May 2011, Poland introduced legislation that would give prosecutors the option to not prosecute for possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use, if it is a first offence, or if the person is drug dependent.[155] The legislation raised the maximum possible penalty for placing a large number of drugs from ten to twelve years in prison. However, for possession of large quantities of drugs would result up to ten years in prison (previously up to eight years).[156]
 PortugalIllegal (decriminalized)IllegalIllegal (decriminalized)Illegal (decriminalized)Main article: Cannabis in Portugal
Notes
In 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize the use of all drugs.[157]
 Puerto RicoIllegal (medical use only)Illegal (medical use only)Illegal (medical use only)

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