Cannabis legalization worldwide: overview

Cannabis laws vary widely around the world – from full legalization (Canada, Uruguay) to medical approval (over 50 countries) to the death penalty (Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia). For travelers, misunderstanding the local law is a serious risk. This overview summarizes the status of the most important countries.

Important: Cannabis laws change quickly. The information is as of 2025/2026, but national and regional laws can change at any time. Always obtain up-to-date information before traveling.

USA: State decides

In the USA, cannabis remains illegal at federal level (Controlled Substances Act, Schedule I). At the same time, over 24 states have legalized cannabis for adults:

Attention travelers: No transporting cannabis across state lines – even between two legalized states is a federal violation. Airports fall under federal law → no cannabis at airports, even in CA or CO.

Canada: Fully legal nationwide

Canada fully legalized cannabis in October 2018 (Cannabis Act). For adults (19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Alberta and Quebec):
– Possession: up to 30 g of dried cannabis in public
– Purchase: only in licensed stores or online via provincial monopoly stores
– Cultivation: up to 4 plants per household
– Import/export: prohibited – also within the North American continent

Netherlands: Tolerated gray area

The Netherlands has not legalized cannabis, but tolerates (Gedoogbeleid) its sale in coffee shops under strict conditions:
– Coffeeshops in Amsterdam and other cities: purchase up to 5 g/day legally tolerated
– Possession up to 5 g: not punishable (administrative offense)
– Cultivation: illegal (procurement gap in the system)
– Since 2025: Pilot experiment with regulated cultivation in 10 cities underway – first steps towards real regulation

Spain: Cannabis clubs legal

Spain has no national legalization, but has a tolerated cannabis club system:
– Private cannabis clubs in Barcelona, Madrid: members consume together in closed rooms
– Possession for private use: no criminal law, but administrative offenses possible
– Consumption in public: fines of up to EUR 1,000
– No sale possible, no tourism in clubs (membership required)

Germany: legalization since 2024

From April 1, 2024, cannabis will be legal for adults (18+) in Germany:
– Possession: up to 25 g in public, up to 50 g at home
– Home-grown: up to 3 plants
– Cultivation associations (cannabis social clubs): up to 500 members, 25 g/month output
– Retail sale: not yet regulated (phase 2 of legalization under discussion)
– No export/import of cannabis – even from EU countries

Countries with the death penalty or long prison sentences

Zero-tolerance countries – avoid absolutely:
– Singapore: possession >500 g = death penalty (mandatory); smaller quantities = life imprisonment also possible
– Malaysia: possession >200 g = death penalty possible; also consumption = up to 5 years imprisonment
– Philippines: Drug war – possession associated with considerable risk to life
– Saudi Arabia, UAE: possession = years of imprisonment; no tolerance, no discretion
– Japan, South Korea: Strict criminal laws; cannabis-positive blood tests on entry (rare, but possible)

FAQ: Cannabis international

Summary

Cannabis laws vary widely around the world. Canada and Uruguay are fully legalized; over 24 US states have legalized for adults. The Netherlands and Spain tolerate clubs and coffee shops. Germany has legalized possession and home cultivation since April 2024. In parts of Asia, the death penalty and decades in prison are threatened. For travelers: Never transport cannabis, check local laws before traveling. Cannabis Social Clubs in Germany and Traveling with Cannabis in Europe provide a further overview of the German and European legal situation.