Written by The past few years has seen more and more countries legalising cannabis use in some shape or form, be it for medicinal use, recreational use or both. With the 1st April 2024 being the day that marked Germany legalising the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis and the growing of up to three plants at home for personal use, lets take a look a five other countries approaches to also legalising cannabis and how things may progress over the coming months.
Canada:
Canada has already legalised cannabis for recreational use back in 2018, becoming the second country in the world to do so. With a well-established legal market for both medical and recreational cannabis, Canada has proven that legalisation can be successful in terms of regulation and revenue generation. The country has seen a decrease in illegal cannabis activity and a boost in tax revenue as a result of legalisation, making it a strong candidate for other countries looking to follow suit.
Mexico:
Mexico has been making significant strides towards cannabis legalisation in recent years. The country’s Supreme Court has ruled that the prohibition of personal use and cultivation of cannabis is unconstitutional, pushing for a change in legislation. Furthermore, Mexico has a long history of drug-related violence and criminal activity surrounding cannabis, leading many to believe that legalisation could help mitigate these issues and generate revenue for the country’s economy.
Australia:
Australia has already legalised medical cannabis and has been exploring the potential benefits of recreational legalisation. The country has a growing cannabis market and a progressive attitude towards drug policy reform. With increased public support for legalisation and the potential for economic growth, Australia could be the next country to legalise cannabis for recreational use.
Spain:
Spain has a unique approach to cannabis legislation, with certain regions allowing the cultivation and consumption of cannabis in private spaces. Spain has a long-standing cannabis culture, with cannabis clubs and social clubs operating openly in cities like Barcelona. The country has been considering wider legalisation to regulate the cannabis market and reduce the strain on law enforcement resources.
Germany:
Germany has already taken a step towards cannabis legalisation by decriminalising possession and allowing limited cultivation for personal use. With a growing acceptance of cannabis as a recreational and medicinal substance, Germany could be the next European country to fully legalise cannabis for adult use.
In conclusion, Canada is the most likely candidate to be the first country to legalise cannabis among the five listed. With a successful track record of cannabis legalisation and regulation, Canada sets a strong example for other countries to follow. Mexico, Australia, Spain, and Germany are also strong contenders, each with their own unique reasons for considering cannabis legalisation. The global trend towards cannabis legalisation is undeniable, and it is only a matter of time before more countries join the movement.