It’s easy to get caught up with all the legalization in the US but what about everywhere else in the world?
Despite the lack of talks, many of countries have introduced marijuana on a federal level while some still have hefty consequences for its possession. We all know Amsterdam is the cannabis capital of the world but, what about everyone else?
The “Ganja” cultivators in Jamaica have the most tourist-friendly market as they’ve decriminalized cannabis. You won’t be able to buy recreational cannabis but, the medical market makes it easy for any looking to buy in the Ganja-country. They take medical cards from the US and their laws remain pretty vague. So, if you’ve got a doctor’s recommendation for cannabis, Jamaica might be the place for your next vacation.
In terms of size and legality alone, Colombia is the second-largest federally regulated medical marijuana market in the world. Germany leads the race by population. Many Colombian cannabis owners have recently attempted partnerships with Canada as many house their offices in Toronto but deal most of their business in Columbia.
Speaking of Canada, they are still full-speed ahead with legalization. This would make them the second country to federally legalize cannabis, following behind Uruguay in 2014. The South American country requires locals to register to be able to purchase from approved shops. That number is reaching 35,000 consumers and growing.
For Canadians, there’s been some push back from conservatives, citing the lack of time needed to get the country prepared, but the process should be ready by the end of the summer, at the latest. As they head into a federally recreational market, they seem to be a step ahead of the US as far as legalization goes. Considering Snoop’s recent deal with Canopy Growth, it should prove to be a market to keep an eye on.
With plentiful and celebrity endorsed bud a flow, the going price for a gram of flower is below the average, at just below $7.
In terms of price, their legal relationship typically plays a major role in the market.
For starters, $10 can get a variety of weights in different countries. Typically, it would refer to a “dime-bag” but, in Japan and Chile for example, that’s less than .5 grams. As for Japan, it’s not the most popular considering being caught with marijuana can get you five years behind bars.
Parts of England are on par with the US as far as price (.9 grams) goes but the laws are a little behind. You won’t find many dispensaries despite the price, however.
There are still many countries that don’t have a legal market at all. New Zimbabwe leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is trying something never seen in the nation with medical cannabis. The government has only previously approved cannabis farming for medical and scientific reasons only. It’s a new change from former leader, Mugabe, who had an open disdain for cannabis. The proposal has come with mixed emotions from locals as well. Only time will tell how the market will shape out or if it does at all.
Surprisingly, cannabis is illegal in India. The plant still grows naturally in different parts of the country, sometimes going unchecked. For this reason and the long standing cultural ties with Hindu spirituality and medicine. Several provinces tolerate the plant for those reasons.
It’s hard to believe but, the world is growing more accepting of Cannabis. Every country has their own issues to overcome as far as their original prohibition but, most seem hopeful. As always, the best way to help your country in legalization is to get involved. Look into active policy reform groups and contact your local legislatures. At ourself with cannabis information and find out how your country can benefit from cannabis.
Cannabis has come so far with strong advocacy; help continue the fight to rid the industry of the negative stigma.
