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#REDIRECT [[Legality of cannabis]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Update|inaccurate=yes|date=March 2011}}
[[File:World-cannabis-laws.png|thumb|Legality of Cannabis]]
The '''[[legality of cannabis]]''' for general or recreational use varies from country to country. Possession of cannabis is illegal in most countries, and has been since the beginning of widespread cannabis prohibition in the late 1930s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drugwarrant.com/articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal/ |title=Why is Marijuana Illegal? |publisher=drugwarrant.com |accessdate=17 January 2011 }}</ref> However, many countries have decriminalized the possession of small quantities of cannabis, particularly in North America, South America, and Europe. Furthermore, possession is legal or effectively legal in the Netherlands, North Korea,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/north-koreas-and-marijuana-2013-1 |title=North Korea Has A Surprising Attitude To Marijuana |author=Adam Taylor |date=15 January 2013 |work=[[Business Insider]] |accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref> and the U.S. states of [[Washington (state)|Washington]] and [[Colorado]] at the state level (on 28 May 2013, Colorado became the world's first fully regulated recreational cannabis market for adults.<ref name="David">{{cite news|title=Colorado becomes world's first legal, fully regulated market for recreational marijuana as it anticipates millions in tax revenues|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/colo-1st-legal-recreational-pot-market-article-1.1356799|accessdate=29 May 2013|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=28 May 2013|author=David Knowles}}</ref>). A larger number of countries have decriminalized or legalized cannabis [[Medical cannabis|for medical purposes]].
{{clear}}<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/drug/law_pen.html |title=Information on the official web site of the Hong Kong Police Force |publisher=Police.gov.hk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/drug/law_pen.html |title=Information on the official web site of the Hong Kong Police Force |publisher=Police.gov.hk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/drug/law_pen.html |title=Information on the official web site of the Hong Kong Police Force |publisher=Police.gov.hk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-14}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left"
|-
! style="width:120px;"| '''Country''' !! '''Possession''' !! '''Sale''' !! '''Transport''' !! '''Cultivation''' !! '''Notes'''
|-
| {{Flagu|Albania}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.everyonedoesit.co.uk/cannabis_information/cannabis_laws/cannabis_laws_cannabis_laws_abroad.cfm |title=Cannabis laws: Learn about the legal status of cannabis in countries around the world |publisher=Everyone does it |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> Albania is one of Europe's greatest producers of cannabis.<ref name="setimes-albania">{{citation|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2012/08/07/feature-03|title=Growing marijuana is an increasing regional problem|publisher=SETimes.com|date=7 August 2012|accessdate=2013-04-18}}</ref><ref name="balkaninsight-albania-1">{{citation|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/report-cannabis-growth-mounts-in-albania|title=Report Says Albania Cannabis Growth Mounting|date=7 March 2013|accessdate=2013-04-18|publisher=balkaninsight.com}}</ref><ref name="balkaninsight-albania-2">{{citation|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-police-bust-major-cannabis-shipments|title=Albanian Police Seize Cannabis Shipment|publisher=balkaninsight.com}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Argentina}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Legal for personal use in small amounts and for consumption in private locations. Public consumption is generally accepted among young adults. Consumption for [[Medical cannabis|medical purposes]] is accepted but not legislated (only in private locations). Cultivating, selling and transporting large amounts is illegal and punishable by present laws.<ref>{{citation |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-08-26/news/29435978_1_drug-trafficking-drug-gangs-possession-of-small-amounts |title=Argentina court ruling decriminalizes marijuana and makes personal use a constitutional right |publisher=nydailynews.com |accessdate=2010-03-04 |location=New York |work=Daily News |date=26 August 2009}}</ref>
|-
|{{Flagu|Australia}} || Illegal (decriminalized in some states) || || || || {{main|Cannabis in Australia}} Decriminalized for personal use in small amounts in the [[Australian Capital Territory]], South Australia, Western Australia and the [[Northern Territory]]. It is a criminal offence in [[New South Wales]], [[Queensland]], Victoria and [[Tasmania]]. Enforcement varies from state to state,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/22/1053585645363.html | location=Melbourne |work=The Age |title=Australia's cannabis laws |date=23 May 2003}}</ref> though a criminal conviction for possession of a small amount is unlikely and diversion programs in these states aim to divert offenders into education, assessment and treatment programs.<ref name="NCPIC-CAL">{{citation |url=http://ncpic.org.au/ncpic/publications/factsheets/article/cannabis-and-the-law/ |title=NCPIC Cannabis and the Law Factsheet |publisher=ncpic.org.au }}</ref> With the rapid expansion in hydroponically grown cannabis cultivation, the Australian Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act (1985) was amended in 2006, reducing the amount of cannabis grown indoors under hydroponic conditions that qualifies as a 'commercial quantity' or as a 'large quantity'<ref name="NCPIC-CAL" />
|-
|{{Flagu|Austria}} || Illegal || || || || Possession (which includes the act of smoking) is punishable by prison time of up to 1 year (option of alternative therapy and subsequent waiving of sentence) If it was possessed for personal use the penalty is only up to half a year<ref>{{citation |url=http://ris.bka.gv.at/Dokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Dokumentnummer=NOR40093183 |title=Suchtmittelgesetz §27 |publisher=Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundeskanzleramts |accessdate=2009-05-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Belgium}} ||Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal (decriminalized only for one female plant) || For adults in Belgium, consumption in one's home and possession of quantities of up to 3&nbsp;grams or one female plant is not legal but tolerated.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#belgium |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Belgium |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Bolivia}} || Illegal || || || || Possession is illegal.<ref name="erowid-SA">{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law2.shtml |title=Cannabis South American laws |publisher=Erowid.org |date= March 1995}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Botswana}} ||Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Cannabis (or Dagga) is illegal, but this is often unenforced.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.issafrica.org/cdct/mainpages/pdf/Organised%20Crime/Legislation/Botswana/Botswana%20Drugs%20and%20Related%20Substances%20Act%2018%20of%201992%20.pdf |title=DRUGS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES ACT NO. 18 OF 1992 |publisher=Government of Botswana |date= |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.sundaystandard.info/print_article.php?NewsID=13507 |title=Is dagga the healing of a nation? |publisher=Sunday Standard |date= |accessdate=2013-10-03}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Brazil}} || Illegal, but mostly tolerated || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || The possession of any drug in Brazil, for personal consumption, entails a warning, [[community service]] and education on the effects of drug use. The same applies for the planting and/or preparation of small amounts of any drug.
Selling and transportation of any drugs, as well as the possession or cultivation of larger amounts is characterized as drug trafficking, a criminal act punished with 5 to 15 years in prison and a significant fine.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_Ato2004-2006/2006/Lei/L11343.htm |title=Law 11.343 |publisher=planalto.gov.br}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} ||Illegal||Illegal||Illegal||Illegal||All cannabis is illegal
|-
| {{Flagu|Belarus}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal ||
|-
| {{Flagu|Bulgaria}} || Illegal || || || || Cannabis is class A (High-risk) drug, together with Heroin, [[Cocaine]], [[Amphetamines]] and [[MDMA]] (ecstasy). Until 2004 a loosely defined "personal dose" existed. Since 2006, after the last amendment of the Penal Code, the penalty for possession is 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine between 1,000 and 5,000 euros. For possession with an aim of distribution (drug-dealing) the sentence can range from 2 to 8 years for small amounts, through 3 to 12 years for large amounts, up to 5 to 15 years when executed by an organized criminal group. In these cases the maximum fine to be determined together with the prison time is 50,000 euros. Growing is punishable by 2 to 5 years and a fine up to 5,000 euros. The organizer of a growers group can receive from 10 to 20 years and has to pay a fine up to 100,000 euros and a participant in such a group – 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine of 2,500 to 5,000 euros. In minor cases of growing cannabis (for example a few plants grown by a single person and not meant for distribution) the sentence is up to 1 year and a fine between 250 and 500 euros, but the prison term could be replaced by probation. Consumption is not prohibited, as only possession, trafficking or dealing is a crime but handling of a joint while smoking can be interpreted as possession.<ref>{{citation |author=Ясен Люцканов |url=http://www.segabg.com/online/article.asp?issueid=2403&sectionid=5&id=0002301 |title=Еднократна доза закони |publisher=Segabg.com |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> [http://lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/1589654529 Bulgarian Penal Code (translation requested)]
|-
| {{Flagu|Cambodia}} || De facto legal || || || || While technically illegal, the use of cannabis is widespread among the Khmer people and foreigners visiting the country. Marijuana can easily be purchased and smoked in public areas without the threat of arrest. Many "Happy" restaurants located in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville publicly offer food cooked with marijuana, or as a side garnish.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/1403.html |title=Cannabis Cambodia: smoker's paradise |publisher=Cannabisculture.com |date=1 November 1998 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.webehigh.com/city/detail.php?CITYID=2719 |title=Siem Reap marijuana prices, and where to buy weed in Cambodia |publisher=Webehigh.com |date=26 May 2009 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.gosihanoukville.com/dining/happy/index.html |title=Happy Restuarants (sic) in Sihanoukville |publisher=GoSihanoukville.com |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Canada}} || Illegal <br />(Legal for medical and industrial use with a government issued licence)|| Illegal || Illegal || Illegal (1 or more plants) unless in possession of a government issued licence to grow for medical purposes || {{Main|Legal history of cannabis in Canada}} <br /> see Legislation: "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act" <ref>{{citation |url=http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-2.html |title=Controlled Drugs and Substances Act |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Chile}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal|| Illegal || Personal consumption, possession and cultivation (of any drug) is decriminalized when in private locations.
|-
| {{Flagu|People's Republic of China}} || Illegal || || || || Cannabis is cultivated for its seeds and for fiber, and has a long medicinal history.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.hempfood.com/iha/iha03207.html |title=Taxonomic studies of Cannabis in China |publisher=Hempfood.com |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20120809052050/http://www.hempfood.com/iha/iha03207.html |archivedate=9 August 2012 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Colombia}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || || || || Since 1994, cannabis has been decriminalized for possession of small amounts up to 22&nbsp;gram for personal consumption, however sale and cultivation remains illegal.<ref>{{citation |url=http://noticiascaracol.com/nacion/articulo-268851-la-dosis-minima-no-podra-ser-penalizada-dice-corte-constitucional |title=La dosis mínima no podrá ser penalizada, dice Corte Constitucional |publisher=noticiascaracol.com |date=28 June 2012}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Comoros}} || Illegal || || || || Cannabis was legal during the Comorian historical period between January 1975 and May 1978, when president [[Ali Soilih]] legalized cannabis consumption among other measures<ref>[http://www.niyel.net/docs/Dossier_1_fr.pdf Dossiers sur les 30 Chefs d'Etat ou de Gouvernements tués]{{fr}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.jstor.org/pss/2935448 |title=Transition, 73 – The Mercenary Position |publisher=jstor.org}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Costa Rica}} || Illegal (decriminalized)<ref name="nacion1">{{citation |url=http://www.nacion.com/2010-08-24/ElPais/NotasSecundarias/ElPais2495186.aspx |title=Chinchilla ve complicado legalizar la marihuana – EL PAÍS – La Nación |publisher=Nacion.com |date=24 August 2010 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> || || || || Cannabis is illegal but there is a high tolerance of smoking marijuana throughout the country,<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.webehigh.com/city/detail.php?CITYID=Puerto%20Viejo,%20Cahuita |title=Puerto Viejo, Cahuita Marijuana prices and where to buy weed in Costa Rica |publisher=Webehigh.com |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> a decriminalization system is implemented de facto since police officers do not detain people carrying enough for only personal consumption, yet no amount has been defined as a minimum for possession, usage of Cannabis in Costa Rica is very high.<ref name="nacion1"/>
|-
| {{Flagu|Croatia}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || From 2013 there is distinction in the Croatian penal code between various illegal substances, they are now separated on heavy drugs and light drugs like Marijuana. According to the law, growing or selling cannabis is considered a felony punishable by a mandatory prison sentence (three years minimum) and from 2013 the possession of small amount of marijuana and other light drugs is a misdemeanor which leads to a fine of 5000–20000[[Croatian kuna|kn]] ($800–3500) depending on the case in question.<ref name="zakon.hr">http://www.zakon.hr/z/293/Zakon-o-suzbijanju-zlouporabe-droga Violation Law</ref> In all cases the cannabis must be confiscated.<ref name="zakon.hr"/>
|-
| {{Flagu|Cuba}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal|| Illegal ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://ruleoflawandcuba.fsu.edu/law-penal-code.cfm |title=Cuban Penal Code|publisher=Florida State University |date= |accessdate=2012-11-05}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Cyprus}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal|| Illegal || Class B substance – life imprisonment is possible for use and maximum 8 years for possession (maximum 2 yrs for first offence for under 25 yr old). In practice, warning may be given to a minor unconscious first offender.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/legal-topic-overviews/cannabis-possession-for-personal-use|title=Legal topic overviews: possession of cannabis for personal use|work=EMCCDA|accessdate=3 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Czech Republic}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal (decriminalized) || Possession of up to fifteen grams for personal use or cultivation of up to five plants is merely a misdemeanor from 2010 onwards. The plant still remains illegal. Popular destination for smokers.<ref>{{citation |author= |url=http://ireadculture.com/2011/07/news/the-next-amsterdam/ |title=The Next Amsterdam – Culture Magazine |publisher=Ireadculture.com |date= |accessdate=2011-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Carney |first=Sean |url=http://blogs.wsj.com/new-europe/2009/12/08/czech-govt-allows-5-cannabis-plants-for-personal-use-from-2010/ |title=Wall Street Journal. Czech Govt Allows 5 Cannabis Plants For Personal Use From 2010. 8th December 2009 |publisher=Blogs.wsj.com |date=8 December 2009 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> Medical use of cannabis on prescription has been legal and regulated since the 1 April 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://the420times.com/2013/04/czech-republic-pharmacies-began-selling-medical-cannabis/ |title=Czech Republic Pharmacies Began Selling Medical Cannabis |publisher=The420times.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/15/czech-republic-medical-marijuana_n_2693657.html |title=Czech Republic Legalizes Medical Marijuana Use |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Denmark}} || Illegal || || || || As with all drugs, cannabis-related offences are punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.1stmarijuanagrowerspage.com/denmark-marijuana-cannabis-laws.html |title=Denmark marijuana laws – cannabis growing and marijuana seeds |publisher=1stmarijuanagrowerspage.com |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Dominica}} || Illegal || || || || Class B drug to cultivate, sell or possess<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.dominica.gov.dm/laws/chapters/chap40-07.pdf |title=Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act, Chapter 40:07 |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Ecuador}} || Legal || Illegal|| Illegal|| || Possession is not illegal, defined by Law 108.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.druglawreform.info/en/country-information/ecuador |title=Ecuador |publisher=Drug Law Reform in Latin America |accessdate=2011-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.druglawreform.info/images/stories/documents/ley108ec.pdf |title=Law 108 – Ecuador |accessdate=2011-01-31 }}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://photos.state.gov/libraries/quito/153436/ACS/imprisioned-pamphlet.pdf |title=US Embassy, Ecuador – Information for American Citizens |accessdate=2011-01-31 }}</ref> Posession of under 10 grams is considered personal use and it is legal and not punished. <ref>http://www.telegrafo.com.ec/english-bulletin/item/marijuana-decriminalized-but-not-yet-legal.html</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Egypt}} || Illegal || || || || Technically illegal. However, use is widespread and part of every day culture. Convictions are very rare for personal use .<ref>{{citation |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2010/05/egypts-pot-problem-a-marijuana-shortage.html |title=Egypt's Pot Problem? A Marijuana Shortage |publisher=[[ABC News]] |author=Lama Hasan |date=5 May 2010 |accessdate=2011-01-31 }}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Estonia}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || || || || Up to 10&nbsp;grams is considered an amount for personal use, and is punished with a fine. Large amounts and distribution are criminal offences, and are punishable with a fine or by up to 5 years in prison.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.eupedia.com/europe/maps_of_europe.shtml#cannabis |title=Europe Guide : Maps of Europe by language, religion, population density, hair & eye color, etc |publisher=Eupedia.com |date=19 April 1994 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Ethiopia}} || Illegal || || || || Despite being the spiritual homeland of the [[Rastafari movement]], possession of cannabis can result in up to 6 months imprisonment.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/us-warns-american-rastas-about-ethiopian-laws-1.232633 |title=US warns American Rastas about Ethiopian laws |publisher=iol.co.za |date=29 January 2005 |accessdate=2011-10-08}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Finland}} || Illegal || || || || Extremely limited group of medicinal users (12 people as of 31 January 2010) are permitted to purchase Sativex mouth spray from one special pharmacy in the city of Turku.<ref>{{citation |url=http://yle.fi/alueet/turku/2010/03/laakekannabiksen_kaytto_puhuttaa_1571689.html |title=Lääkekannabiksen käyttö puhuttaa &#124; Turku |publisher=yle.fi |date=30 March 2010 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|France}} || Illegal <br />(legal for medical use<ref>{{cite news|title=French law on pot-based medicine takes effect|url=http://www.thelocal.fr/20130610/legalized-cannabis-tea-could-be-on-drug-menu-for-french-patients-in-pharmacies|accessdate=12 June 2013|newspaper=The Local|date=10 June 2013|author=Ann Törnkvist}}</ref>) || || || || Cultivating, selling, owning or consuming cannabis is prohibited.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do;jsessionid=084CA313C431F0D0BC93F76E7FAEC41A.tpdjo13v_3?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006072665&idArticle=LEGIARTI000006801195&dateTexte=20081018&categorieLien=cid |title=Code de la santé publique |language=French |publisher=Legifrance.gouv.fr |date=29 July 2004 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Germany}} || Illegal|| || || || It is popularly believed, that the possession of small amounts [[hashish|hash]] or [[marihuana]] was ruled legal by the [[German Federal Constitutional Court]] in 1994, which is not true. It was only ruled, that new scientific evidence relating to the danger of cannabis has to be observed. At the time of the judgment there was, according to the court, no sufficient scientific evidence proving that cannabis is harmless.<ref>"(BVerfGE 90, 145 – Cannabis)" [http://www.cannabislegal.de/recht/bverfg.htm Die Cannabis-Entscheidung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts]</ref> The possession is illegal. The possession of small amounts (5–30 g) is prosecuted, but charges can be dropped. The definition of this small amount varies depending on the federal state.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}
|-
| {{Flagu|Greece}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Possession or use of even small amounts is illegal in Greece. Individuals are arrested, although rarely convicted by court. Possession of large quantities may lead to several years in prison.<ref>{{citation |url=http://mastouria.informe.com/e-u-i-a-i-i-dt59.html |title=Ελληνική νομοθεσία για κάνναβη (Greek Law on cannabis) |language=Greek |publisher=mastouria.informe.com |date=27 May 2007 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref>
The Government was said to be preparing a bill that would decriminalize the use of drugs in August 2011, but finally the legislation was not changed at all.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_03/08/2011_401005 |title=Bill to decriminalize use of drugs |publisher=ekathimerini.com |date=3 August 2011 |accessdate=2011-08-10}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Honduras}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal|| The possession, sale, transportation and cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Honduras.<ref>[http://www.poderjudicial.gob.hn/juris/Leyes/Ley%20sobre%20uso%20Indebido%20y%20Trafico%20Ilicito%20de%20Drogas%20y%20Sustancias%20Psicotropicas.pdf LEY SOBRE USO INDEBIDO Y TRAFICO ILICITO
DE DROGAS Y SUSTANCIAS PSICOTROPICAS]</ref>
|-| {{Flagu|Hong Kong}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal|| The possession, sale, transportation, cultivation of cannabis is illegal under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/drug/law_pen.html |title=Information on the official web site of the Hong Kong Police Force |publisher=Police.gov.hk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-14}}</ref> (Chapter 134 of the [[Law of Hong Kong]]).
|-
| {{Flagu|Hungary}} || Illegal || || || || There is no distinction in Hungarian law between illicit drugs according to dangers. Heroin use has the same legal consequences as cannabis use. Hungarian law prohibits the distribution, and any use (including medical use). However the Penal code distinguishes the punishment between sale and personal use. 283. § (1) paragraph (a) states that "One cannot be punished for drug misuse; if a small, personal amount is produced, acquired, or in possession..." and continues to state that "... provided that before final verdict is determined a verification is provided that continuous 6-month therapy has taken place" The law determines that a "personal quantity" is defined as 1&nbsp;gram of active substance (i.e. THC), therefore this equates to 12–100&nbsp;grams of marijuana if calculated that marijuana contains 1–8% THC per unit mass. Possession of larger amounts can lead to a 5–10-year prison sentence.<ref>{{citation |author=Minstrel |url=http://www.daath.hu/showText.php?id=62#chapter3 |title=Társaság a Szabadságjogokért: Drogjog 1999VOTED VOTE D2ID : 62 |publisher=Daath.hu |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Iceland}} || Illegal || || || || 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.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.althingi.is/dba-bin/unds.pl?txti=/wwwtext/html/lagasofn/136a/1974065.html&leito=kannabis#word1 |title= Lög um ávana- og fíkniefni 1974 nr. 65 21. maí |publisher=www.althingi.is |accessdate=2009-02-09}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Indonesia}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Minimum sentence of four years in prison (additional fines may apply) if caught in possession.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnn.go.id/portal/_uploads/perundangan/2009/10/27/uu-nomor-35-tahun-2009-tentang-narkotika-ok.pdf|title=Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia No. 35 Tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika|work=BNN RI|accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref> 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.
|-
| {{Flagu|India}} || Illegal/Legal (Regulated by Government) ||Illegal/Legal (sale of [[bhang]] is legal in Government authorised shops)||Illegal ||Illegal (Legal with government permission/licence) || Used during observance of certain [[Hindu]] rituals. Government-owned shops in holy cities like [[Varanasi]] sell cannabis in the form of [[bhang]]. Despite the high prevalent usage, the law makes it illegal to possess any form of the psychoactive. However, this law is rarely enforced and treated as a low priority across India. Further, large tracts of cannabis grow unchecked in the wild in many parts of northern and southern India in many states such as West Bengal, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamilnadu.<ref name=India>{{cite news |first= Anil |last= Sharma | title= Starting the day with the cup that kicks |url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=8d0650c1-e9d9-4f7e-a683-6b3cc8bdd778|publisher= Hindustan Times |location= Udaipur |date=4 November 2007 |accessdate=2008-03-24 |quote= At six in the morning, people begin slowly trooping into government-run bhang shops in the district for the drink, made from the leaves of cannabis that grows wild in many parts of northern India.}}</ref> Many states such as West Bengal, Tripura, and the North East have their own laws allowing cannabis, locally known as ganja.
|-
| {{Flagu|Iran}} || See 'Notes' || Regulated: Legal, Unregulated: Illegal || Regulated: Legal, Unregulated: Illegal || Legal || Growing cannabis is legal if planted for food purposes as the seeds are eaten by the Iranian people, and companies often draw oil from the seeds which is sold legally.<ref>{{citation|url=http://webehigh.org/tehran-iran/|title=Tehran, Iran|publisher=Webehigh.com|accessdate=2013-04-18}}</ref>{{verify credibility|date=April 2012}} Use of cannabis remains relatively low, at about 2 percent.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.unodc.org/islamicrepublicofiran/en/iranian-youth-gets-the-facts-about-drugs.html|title=Iranian Youth Gets The Facts About Drugs|publisher=UNODC|date=7 November 2010|accessdate=2013-04-18}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Ireland}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/criminal_law/criminal_offences/drug_offences.html|publisher= Citizens Information Board |location= Dublin |date=2 June 2011 |accessdate=2011-06-02|title = Drug Offences}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Israel}} || Illegal || || || || Very small scale of legal usage of medicinal cannabis. However, personal use is relatively decriminalized with little to no penalties for convicted first time violators.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#israel |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Israel |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Italy}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || || Illegal || {{citation needed|date=December 2011}}
|-
| {{Flagu|Jamaica}} || Legal (if "Grown wildly and harvested"{{Citation needed|date=June 2013}}) || || || || Cultivation, retail and consumption is illegal. However this is often overlooked and cannabis is sold openly.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#jamaica |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Jamaica |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Japan}} || Illegal || || || || Possession is punishable by up to five years in prison. Importing or selling cannabis is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and up to 30 million yen.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.nco.go.jp/lows/low6.html |title=大麻取締法 |publisher=Nco.go.jp |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Jordan}} || Illegal || || || || Possession is illegal and may be punishable by prison sentence.<ref>{{citation |url=http://jordantimes.com/index.php?news=30952 |title=When marijuana is legal |publisher=Jordan Times |date=15 October 2010 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Latvia}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Cannabis is illegal in Latvia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?mode=DOC&id=50539 |title=Par Krimināllikuma spēkā stāšanās un piemērošanas kārtību |publisher=Likumi.lv |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref> Possession of larger quantities can be punished with up to 15 years in prison.
|-
| {{Flagu|Lebanon}} || Illegal || || || || 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.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1016/p06s02-wome.html |title=In Lebanon, a comeback for cannabis / The Christian Science Monitor |publisher=CSMonitor.com |date=16 October 2007 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Lithuania}} || Illegal || || || ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.1stmarijuanagrowerspage.com/lithuania-marijuana-cannabis-laws.html |title=Lithuania's marijuana cannabis law |publisher=1stmarijuanagrowerspage.com |date=23 April 2003 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Luxembourg}} || Illegal || || || || Possession, transportation and consumption are illegal. Prosecution depends on the amount of cannabis one possesses. Since 2001, prison penalty has been substituted by a monetary fine ranging from 250 to 2500 [[Euro]]s.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.legilux.public.lu/leg/a/archives/2001/0611705/0611705.pdf#page=2 |work=Excerpt of the "Mémorial A" of the Luxembourgish legislation |title=Art. 7 and Art. 8 refer to the usage of narcotics}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Macedonia}} || Illegal || || || || If one possesses a larger amount, a jail sentence of anywhere from three months to five years could possibly be given.<ref>{{citation |author= |url=http://www.encod.org/info/MACEDONIA.html |title=European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies |publisher=Encod.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Malaysia}} || Illegal || || || || Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of 15&nbsp;grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or 200&nbsp;grams (seven ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs.<ref>{{citation |url=http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_960.html |title=Malaysia |publisher=Travel.state.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Malta}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Chapter 101 of Maltese law (Dangerous Drugs Ordinance) does not specify amounts considered to indicated differences between possession and trafficking (persons with as little as three grammes of cannabis have been charged with dealing) and treats all illegal drugs the same. Penalties for trafficking any illegal drug range between four years and a life sentence and a fine between 2,329.37 Euro and 116,468.67 Euro. Penalties for possession are between 12 months to ten years imprisonment and 465.87 Euro and 23,293.73 Euro in fines.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=8641&l=1|publisher=Malta Ministry of Justice|title=Laws of Malta, Dangerous Drugs Ordinance}}</ref> Although prosecution is unlikely, the sale and consumption of cannabis is wildly found in Malta.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}
|-
| {{Flagu|Mexico}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || || || || {{Main|Mexican Drug War}} On 21 August 2009 Mexico decriminalized "personal use" possession of up to five&nbsp;grams of Cannabis.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/world/americas/21mexico.html | work=The New York Times | title=Mexico Legalizes Drug Possession | date=21 August 2009 | accessdate=2010-04-04}}</ref> Growing and selling Cannabis is illegal.
|-
| {{Flagu|Montenegro}} || Illegal || || || ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.stopdrogama.org/projekti1.htm |title=Projekti – Zakonodavstvo |publisher=Stop drogama |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Nepal}} || Illegal (But not regulated) || || || || Marijuana and its derivatives, such as Hashish, are widely available throughout Nepal.{{citation needed|date=December 2011}}
|-
| {{Flagu|Netherlands}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal (but for coffee shops not really enforced) || Illegal (exceptions for personal use) || {{Main|Drug policy of the Netherlands}} Cannabis products are only sold openly in certain local [[Cannabis coffee shop|"coffeeshops"]], other types of sales and possession are not permitted, although the general legal approach toward cannabis was before de facto [[decriminalization]].<ref>{{citation |url=http://eldd.emcdda.europa.eu/html.cfm/index5174EN.html# |title=Use drop-down menu on site to view Netherlands entry.) |publisher=Eldd.emcdda.europa.eu |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.ukcia.org/research/dutch.php |title=Drugs Policy in the Netherlands |publisher=Ukcia.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/05/amsterdam-ban-pot-sales-tourists/38248/
|title=Amsterdam Will Ban Tourists from Pot Coffee Shops
|work=Atlantic Wire
|accessdate=2011-06-23
|last=
|first=
|date=27 May 2011}}
</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|New Zealand}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || {{See also|Cannabis in New Zealand}}
Cultivation, possession or sale of cannabis is illegal.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#newzealand |title=Cannabis legal status vault – New Zealand |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> The fruit, seeds, and any other part of the plant are scheduled as Class C substances.<ref name="MoDANZ311">{{citation |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/37.0/DLM436723.html|title=Schedule 3: Class C controlled drugs|date=8 September 2011|work=Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 No 116 (as at 08 September 2011), Public Act|publisher=[[Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand)|New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office/Te Tari Tohutohu Pāremata]]|location=[[Wellington]], New Zealand|at=Part 1 clause 1|accessdate=26 February 2012|ref=MoDANZ311}}</ref> [[Hashish]], [[hash oil]], [[THC]], and any other preparations containing THC made by processing the plant are scheduled as Class B substances.<ref name="MoDANZ211">{{citation |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/37.0/DLM436586.html|title=Schedule 2: Class B controlled drugs|date=8 September 2011|work=Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 No 116 (as at 08 September 2011), Public Act|publisher=[[Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand)|New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office/Te Tari Tohutohu Pāremata]]|location=[[Wellington]], New Zealand|at=Part 1 clause 1|accessdate=26 February 2012|ref=MoDANZ211}}</ref> In July 2009, a bill promoted by [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green Party]] co-leader [[Metiria Turei]] amending the law to permit the use of [[medicinal cannabis]] was defeated 84–34 at its first reading, with all members of the ruling [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] voting against it.<ref>{{cite news|title=Medicinal use of cannabis bill defeated|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/medicinal-use-cannabis-bill-defeated-2821959|agency=[[New Zealand Press Association|NZPA]]|publisher=[[Television New Zealand|TVNZ]]|location=New Zealand|date=1 July 2009|accessdate=26 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=1 July 2009|title=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill – First Reading|journal=Hansard|volume=655|page=4850|location=[[Wellington]], New Zealand|publisher=[[New Zealand House of Representatives]]|accessdate=26 February 2012|url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/9/6/a/49HansD_20090701_00001165-Misuse-of-Drugs-Medicinal-Cannabis-Amendment.htm}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|North Korea}} || Legal || Legal || Legal || Legal || The growth, sale and consumption of cannabis is not regulated by the North Korean government or classified as a drug.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.nkradio.org/news/286|title=Drug Users Face Firing Squad|author=Kim Hyeon-kyeong|publisher=''Open Radio for North Korea''|date=27 October 2010|accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nknews.org/2013/01/struggle-is-the-enemy-weed-is-the-remedy-the-truth-about-marijuana-in-north-korea/|title=STRUGGLE IS THE ENEMY, WEED IS THE REMEDY: THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA IN NORTH KOREA|author=Benjamin R. Young |publisher=''NKNews.org''|date=15 January 2013|accessdate=18 January 2013}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Norway}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Up to 15&nbsp;grams is considered an amount for personal use, and is punished with a fine of 1500-15000 [[Norwegian krone|kroner]] in the case of first-time offenders; possessing more is considered dealing and punished more harshly. Repeat offenders or dealers face prison charges.<ref name=Norway>{{cite news | title = Mildere straff for hasjbesittelse | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=123519 | publisher = VG Nett | location = Norway | date = 2006-07.20 | language = Norwegian }}</ref> It's the same punishment with between 6 months and 2 years for personal use, and between 6 months and 21 years for selling in prison for all [[narcotic]]s.
|-
| {{Flagu|Pakistan}} || Legal/Illegal || || || || Laws prohibiting the sale and misuse of cannabis exist, but are very rarely enforced. As with hash, the occasional use of cannabis in community gatherings is broadly tolerated as a centuries old custom, despite its association with lower-income groups. The open use of cannabis by [[Sufis]] and Hindus as a means to induce euphoria has never been challenged by the state. Further, large tracts of cannabis grow unchecked in the wild.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#pakistan |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Pakistan/Peshawar |publisher=Erowid.org}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Paraguay}} || Illegal || || || ||<ref name="erowid-SA"/>
|-
| {{Flagu|Philippines}} || Illegal || || || || Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, makes provision for restricted medical use.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2002/ra_9165_2002.html |title=R.A. 9165 |publisher=Lawphil.net |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Poland}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || On 26 May 2011, Poland introduced legislation to terminate the prosecution for possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use. The law introduces the possibility when a person has negligible amounts of drugs for personal use and is not a dealer. But this is only theory, in practice it's still illegal. The legislation raised the maximum possible penalty for placing a large number of drugs from 10 to 12 years in prison. However, for possession of large quantities of drugs would result up to 10 years in prison (previously up to 8 years).<ref>{{citation |url=http://fakty.interia.pl/fakty_dnia/news/narkotyki-w-malych-ilosciach-i-na-wlasny-uzytek-odstapienie,1644751 |title=Drugs in small quantity and for personal use with no punishment – Poland |publisher=Interia.pl |date=26 May 2011 |accessdate=2011-05-29}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Portugal}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Although an administrative offense, there are no criminal charges if the amount possessed for any drug is no more than an estimated ten days' supply of the substance (25g for weed, 5g for hash and 2.5g for THC oil). In 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize the use of all drugs, and started treating drug users as sick people, instead of criminals, although you can be arrested or assigned mandatory rehab if caught several times in possession. See [[Drug policy of Portugal]]<ref name="Emdrug">{{citation |url=http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-policy-profiles/portugal |title=EMCDDA:Drug policy profiles, Portugal |publisher=Emcdda.europa.eu |date=17 August 2011 |accessdate=2011-12-14}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Puerto Rico}} || Illegal || || || || See [[Legal history of cannabis in the United States|United States]]
|-
| {{Flagu|Romania}} || Illegal || || || || Romania was (before 1990) a leader in hemp fiber, second only to China. However, possession of small quantities of drug preparations is punishable by a small fine of about $150–200 USD. Possession of large amounts may result in 3–6 years of jail time, and sale may result in more than 6 years jail time.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#romania |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Romania |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref> Decriminalization proposed.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.antena3.ro/stiri/politica/raport-prezidential-pentru-eba-comisia-lui-basescu-propune-dezincriminarea-consumului-de-droguri_80829.html |title=Raport pentru EBA: Comisia prezidenţială susţine dezincriminarea consumului de droguri şi sexul comercial |publisher=Antena3.ro |date=22 September 2009 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Russia}} || Illegal || || || || Possession of up to 6&nbsp;grams (dry weight) of cannabis or 2&nbsp;grams of hashish is punishable by fine. Possession of more than this amount is punishable by prison term.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2010/06/25/Chronicles-Moscow-Drug-Situation-Russia |title=Chronicles From Moscow: The Drug Situation in Russia |publisher=Cannabisculture.com |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>Постановление Правительства РФ от 01.10.2012 N 1002 "Об утверждении значительного, крупного и особо крупного размеров наркотических средств и психотропных веществ, а также значительного, крупного и особо крупного размеров для растений, содержащих наркотические средства или психотропные вещества, либо их частей, содержащих наркотические средства или психотропные вещества, для целей статей 228, 228.1, 229 и 229.1 Уголовного кодекса Российской Федерации"
</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Saudi Arabia}} || Illegal || || || || Use and possession for personal use of any kind of recreational drugs is punishable by imprisonment if caught. Imprisonment for personal use could go up to six months jail time or more. Dealing and smuggling of high amounts of drugs usually result in harsher prison time or even execution, although recently executions are rare. Foreigners who use drugs might be deported.<ref>{{citation |url=http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1012.html |title=US Department of State – International Travel – Saudi Arabia |publisher=Travel.state.gov |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Serbia}} || Illegal || || || ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://vutra.org/marihuana-zakon.php |title=Marihuana Zakon – Srbija i Crna Gora |publisher=Vutra.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Singapore}} || Illegal || || || || Cannabis is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, making it illegal to cultivate, sell or possess.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#singapore |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Singapore |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Slovakia}} || Illegal || || || || Possession or use of small amounts of Cannabis is punishable by up to three years in prison.<ref>{{cite news |title=High contrast |url=http://www.economist.com/node/16891809 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |publisher=Economist Newspaper |location=London |issn=0013-0613 |oclc=60625410 |date=26 August 2010 |accessdate=25 June 2012}}</ref><ref name="WSJSlovakia">{{cite news |title=Slovakia's Incoming Leftist Premier Wants to Relax Tough Cannabis Laws |first=Leos |last=Rousek |url=http://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2012/04/03/slovakias-incoming-leftist-premier-wants-to-relax-tough-cannabis-laws/ |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |publisher=[[Dow Jones & Company|Dow Jones]] |location=New York, NY |issn=0099-9660 |oclc=43638285 |date=3 April 2012 |accessdate=25 June 2012}}</ref> In April 2012, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' reported that [[Robert Fico]], the incoming Slovak prime minister, might push for partial legalisation of Cannabis possession, and has argued for the legalisation of possession of up to three doses of Cannabis for personal use.<ref name="WSJSlovakia" />
|-
| {{Flagu|South Africa}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal ||<ref>{{cite journal |date=15 July 1992 |title=Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 |journal=Government Gazette |volume=329 |issue=14143 |pages=3–71 |location=[[Pretoria]] |publisher=South Africa State Library |format=PDF |issn=0250-4391 |oclc=5351746 |accessdate=25 June 2012 |url=http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=122135}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|South Korea}} || Illegal || || || || Cannabis "is illegal in South Korea."<ref>[http://kotaku.com/south-korean-pro-gamer-arrested-in-a-drug-bust-462484032 South Korean Pro Gamer Arrested in a Drug Bust]</ref> Korean-Americans, including those who were born in South Korea but living and maintaining a household in the United States, can be put on trial and imprisoned in South Korea for use of cannabis during their stay in the U.S., as happened to a hip hop artist who will "spend eight long months in a [South] Korean prison" for his cannabis use while in the U.S.<ref>[http://cannabisfantastic.com/2011/06/korean-rapper-gets-prison-sentence-for-smoking-marijuana-in-the-us/ Korean Rapper Gets Prison Sentence for Smoking Marijuana in the US]</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Spain}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || || || illegal || Selling cannabis is a criminal offence punishable by law at any quantity. Buying anywhere, possession and consumption at a public place constitutes a misdemeanour and is penalized with a fine and confiscation. Growing the plant on private property for personal use, and consumption by adults in a private space is not illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gospain.about.com/od/drugsinspain/f/is_cannabis_legal_in_spain.htm |title=Is Cannabis Legal in Spain? |publisher=Gospain.about.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Sri Lanka}} || Illegal || || || || Cannabis is illegal in Sri Lanka though it is commonly used in [[Ayurveda|Ayurvedic]] traditional medicines.<ref>{{citation |url=http://news.nidahasa.com/news.php?go=fullnews&newsid=833 |title=Marijuana Should be Allowed; Sri Lanka Indigenous Medicine Minister Says :: NIDAHASA News |publisher=News.nidahasa.com |date=2 July 2009 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Sweden}} || Illegal, but mostly tolerated || Illegal || Illegal || Depends on Circumstances || {{Further|Legality of cannabis#Sweden|Drug policy of Sweden}} Though regionally and in certain circles "street legal" it is still illegal to sell, transfer, purchase, use or possess any quantity of cannabis in Sweden. Social stigmatisation through social rejection and exclusion from the labourmarket and social services are the most common sanctions most common sanction in matters regarding personal use. The national police runs a "disturb and annoy" program aimed at users supported by the national "zero tolerance" policy. Fines and imprisonment for personal use is practically unheard of. <ref>{{citation |url=http://www.unodc.org/pdf/research/Swedish_drug_control.pdf |title=Swedish drug control FINAL_14feb_merged |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.aklagare.se/upload/3/R%C3%A4ttsPMnarkotikafarlig.pdf |title=RättsPM 2009:1 |publisher= Åklagarmyndighetens Utvecklngscentrum |year=2009 |language=Swedish}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Switzerland}} || Illegal (decriminalized) || Illegal || Depends on Circumstances || Legal in some Cantons || {{Main|Cannabis in Switzerland}}
Cannabis is illegal to possess, consume or distribute. However, usually only the minimum penalty is imposed for possession and personal use, even for larger amounts. The federal council has committed to implement changes as to decriminalization of personal use and possession already in 2001, and the parliament is currently tasked to tender concrete approaches. As nothing is coming forth on a parliamentary basis, a referendum was launched in 2008, however abolished by the voters.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/c812_121.html |title=Bundesgesetz vom 3. Oktober 1951 über die Betäubungsmittel und die psychotropen Stoffe (Betäubungsmittelgesetz, BetmG) |publisher=Admin.ch |date=12 June 1981 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref><ref>[[:de:Eidgenössische Volksinitiative «für eine vernünftige Hanf-Politik mit wirksamem Jugendschutz»|Eidgenössische Volksinitiative «für eine vernünftige Hanf-Politik mit wirksamem Jugendschutz»]]</ref>


{{R from merge}}
As of 1 January 2012, the cantons Vaud, Neuchatel, Geneva and Fribourg have allowed the growing and cultivation of up to 4 cannabis plants per person, in an attempt to curb illegal street trafficking.<ref>{{citation |author=Ian Sparks |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2062526/Swiss-cannabis-smokers-allowed-grow-marijuana-plants-stop-buying-drugs-illegally.html |title=Swiss cannabis smokers to be allowed to grow four marijuana plants each (to stop them buying drugs illegally) |publisher=Dailymail.co.uk |date=17 November 2011 |accessdate=2012-02-26}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Syria}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Under the policies of the government of [[Bashar al-Assad]], many cannabis offences, from simple use to trafficking, reportedly often carried a sentence of life imprisonment. As the country has become destabilised as a result of [[Syrian civil war|civil war]], people living in areas controlled by Kurdish separatists have begun growing cannabis as a way of making money to fight poverty.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5123.html |title=http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5123.html |last=Ahmad |first=Rozh |date=24 August 2012 |publisher=Rudaw |accessdate=17 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Republic of China}} (Taiwan) || Illegal || || || || Cannabis is a schedule 2 narcotic in the ROC, and possession can result in up to three years imprisonment.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_law.shtml#taiwan |title=Cannabis legal status vault – Taiwan |publisher=Erowid.org |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Turkey}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Consumption of drugs is not illegal ''per se'',{{citation needed|date=December 2012}} but possessing, purchasing or receiving any illegal drug, including Cannabis, is punishable by 1–2 years in prison; there is also the option of treatment and/or probation for up to three years. If users refuse treatment or do not comply with probation requirements, the courts can decide on sentencing.<ref name="EMCDDATurkey">{{citation |url=http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/country-overviews/tr |title=Country overview: Turkey |author=European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction |authorlink=European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction |date=31 January 2012 |publisher=European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction |location=[[Lisbon]] |oclc=527925326}}</ref> Sale and supply is punishable by a prison term of 5–10 years, and production or trafficking by a minimum term of 10 years.<ref name="EMCDDATurkey" />
|-
| {{Flagu|Tunisia}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=k2By-NdV93AC&pg=PP60&lpg=PP60&dq=tunisia+cannabis&source=bl&ots=ikv8iqKBlo&sig=zRFVvXtq6pluOcyDIIpnhijh4FE&hl=lv&sa=X&ei=CsUeUcj-EMSmtAaiwIC4Dw&ved=0CDgQ6AEwATgK |title=The Rough Guide to Tunisia - Daniel Jacobs, Peter Morris - Google grâmatas |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100725/local/tunisia-accuses-missing-maltese-of-smuggling-cannabis.319346 |title=Tunisia accuses 'missing' Maltese of smuggling cannabis |publisher=timesofmalta.com |date= |accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|United Arab Emirates}} || Illegal || || || || Even the smallest amounts of the drug can lead to a mandatory four-year prison sentence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7234786.stm |title=UAE Drug Laws |publisher=BBC News |date=8 February 2008 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|United Kingdom}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || {{Main|Cannabis reclassification in the United Kingdom}}
Cannabis is a Class B drug (moderate risk) in the UK. Police enforcement actions vary from county to county but possession of less than 3&nbsp;grams is unlikely to result in any more than a mere confiscation and a written warning for the first two cannabis possession offences. Medical cannabis is limited to synthetic cannabinoids like Nabilone or the mouth spray Sativex which is a whole-plant cannabis tincture. Cannabis Buds/Flowers or Bedrocan remains illegal for doctors to prescribe in the UK even though patients on Bedrocan from other EU countries can bring their Bedrocan to the UK and legally smoke it. Cultivation of more than 9 plants is usually classed as cultivation with intent to supply.
|-
| {{Flagu|United States}} || Illegal at the federal level (but legal at the state level in [[Colorado]] and [[Washington (state)|Washington]])<br />Decriminalized in 14 states (at the state level) and in Detroit<ref>{{citation |title=Detroit Marijuana Proposal Results: Prop M Passes, Will Partially Decriminalize Pot |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/detroit-marijuana-proposal-results-prop-m-pot_n_2085885.html |date=7 November 2012 |accessdate=2013-01-07}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://norml.org/marijuana/personal/item/states-that-have-decriminalized |title=States That Have Decriminalized |accessdate=8 May 2012}}</ref> || Illegal ||Illegal ||Illegal ||{{Main|Legal history of marijuana in the United States|Legality of cannabis by US state}}
Laws vary by state. Federal law classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, the same classification as heroin. The [[United States Supreme Court]] has ruled in ''[[Gonzales v. Raich]]'' that the federal government has the power to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes.
|-
| {{Flagu|Ukraine}} || Illegal || || || || "Cannabis is a schedule 2 narcotic in Ukraine, and possession can result in up to 3 years imprisonment."<ref>{{citation |url=http://legalize.in.ua/ |title=Легалізуй себе! &#124; тут змінюється наркополітика |publisher=Legalize.in.ua |date=20 April 2008 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Uruguay}} || Legal|| Legal || Legal || Legal ||{{Main|Legality of cannabis in Uruguay}}
As of 31 July 2013, the [[Chamber of Deputies of Uruguay|House of Representatives]] passed a law legalising and regulating the production and sale of the drug.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21582579-another-blow-against-prohibition-experiment |title=The experiment: Another blow against prohibition |date=1 August 2013 |publisher=[[The Economist]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Uzbekistan}} || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Illegal || Opiates, cannabis and other plants containing psychotropic substances are illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lex.uz/Pages/GetAct.aspx?lact_id=111453|title=Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan|accessdate=August 2, 2013|language=Uzbek|publisher=The national database of legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Venezuela}} || Illegal|| || || || As of 15 September 2010 possession of up to 20&nbsp;grams of Marijuana or 5&nbsp;grams of genetically modified Marijuana, if proven not to be for medical or personal consumption, is punishable by 1 to 2 years in prison at judge's discretion. If deemed to be for personal consumption, the user is subject to security measures involving rehabilitation and detoxification procedures. Articulos 131 y 153 de la Ley Organica de Drogas.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.eee.com.ve/upload/LeyOrganicadeDrogas.sept10.pdf |title=Ley Orgánica de Drogas – Sept.10 |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|-
| {{Flagu|Vietnam}} || Illegal || || || ||<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/vietnam/2008/05/16/156699/Vietnam-police.htm |title=Vietnam police seize eight tons of marijuana |publisher=The China Post |date=16 May 2008 |accessdate=2011-02-17}}</ref>
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Cannabis}}
* [[Cannabis (drug)|Marijuana]]
* [[Hemp]]
* [[Illegal drug trade]]
* [[Legal and medical status of cannabis]]
* [[Legality of cannabis]]
* [[Annual cannabis use by country]]
* [[International Narcotics Control Board]]
* [[1946 Lake Success Protocol]]
* [[Victimless crime]]
* [[Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Cannabis}}
{{Drug use}}
{{Law country lists}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Legality Of Cannabis By Country}}
[[Category:Cannabis laws| ]]
[[Category:Law lists]]
[[Category:Cannabis by country]]
[[Category:Lists by country]]

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