The demand for the legalization of cannabis across the globe is growing more and more with each passing generation. More countries than ever are seeing the benefits associated with the plant and ignoring the often false prejudices surrounding the so-called ‘devil’s lettuce’.
Top 10 Places to Visit that allow Cannabis Consumption
Ahead are 10 of the safest places you can visit and light up across the globe. These countries are not only weed-friendly but also beautiful in their own ways with vibrant night life to keep you busy while you enjoy some of the best cannabis strains you can get your hands on.
Canada
Leading the push for the legalization of weed across the world, Canada is one of few countries to remove all restrictions regarding smoking cannabis both recreationally and medicinally.
The required age to purchase is 19 across most of the country with Alberta and Quebec being the only two exceptions where the age to purchase is 18 and 21 respectively.
Weed is available to purchase through walk-in dispensaries and can be ordered for delivery to your address or curbside pickup. The largest city in Canada and the nation’s financial and commercial center – Toronto – has plenty of things to do, no matter the time of day. Great food places, 24/7 weed delivery and lively bars make Canada a must-visit for any pothead.
Certain states in America
The following states have all legalized cannabis use recreationally:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
Smoking weed recreationally is decriminalized in the following US states:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
A good portion of the US is pushing for the legalization of cannabis, with numerous states considering its status each election period.
Dispensaries are available in just eight states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Michigan, and Washington). You must be 21+ in order to purchase cannabis. Where it is decriminalized you may have to find sellers elsewhere but feel free to smoke without threat.
There aren’t too many cannabis-specific bars but increasing numbers are opening, with California currently having the most you can stop by.
You may also want to read: What You Should Know About Illinois Weed Prices
The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the weed capitals of the world. Tourists flock to the Netherlands’ capital to visit the world-renowned coffee shops and try cannabis in either edible or smokable forms.
Possession of up to 5 grams is decriminalized and growing of up to five plants is unenforced for non-commercial use.
Coffee shops, bars and of course the red light district are the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam ensuring you’ll never be short on entertainment, no matter the sort you’re looking for.
Spain
With around 500 private ‘cannabis clubs’ Spain is often touted as the “new Amsterdam. 200 of these ‘cannabis clubs’ are based in Barcelona alone making it the weed capital of the country.
The usage and possession of cannabis in private areas (for your own consumption) is all good, however public consumption and possession can land you a potentially large fine. The growth of cannabis plants away from the public eye is accepted so long as it is for personal use and non-profit purposes.
Cannabis clubs are where you’ll buy your weed in Spain, they’re found just the same as any shop, look on Google Maps and you’ll find them – Barcelona is a great place to start.
Portugal
In 2001 Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize the usage of all drugs, which of course includes the recreational usage of marijuana and possession up to 25 grams.
Be smart with where you get your weed – avoid those on the street who offer bud as they will often sell you poor quality weed or something which is not weed at all.
Jamaica
When thinking of Jamaica there are three things which often come to mind; Rastafarians, reggae music and of course ganja.
The country proudly embraces these stereotypes as part of the country’s brand.
Sellers will often approach tourists and offer their product, with possession of up to 57 grams being classed as a petty offence you’ll have plenty of weed to smoke whilst you’re there. It’s prohibited to smoke in public and you’ll receive a minuscule fine of around J$500 (CA$4.45) if you do so. However, smoking in a private residence is allowed.
Argentina
For personal use, cannabis has been decriminalized in private places since 2009. In public places, it’s more often than not accepted so you should be able to smoke without fear or threat.
However, growing, selling and transporting large amounts is illegal. Finding the right dealer can also be difficult, just try to get ‘flores’ and not ‘paraguayo’. The latter being a mix of stems, seeds and sticks which will not get you as high as you’d like.
Belgium
Technically, cannabis is illegal in Belgium. However, personal possession has been decriminalized with those over the age of 18 allowed to possess up to 3 grams.
Similarly to Spain, there are more and more cannabis social clubs coming to fruition. These clubs have been around since as early as 2006 in Belgium and you should feel safe smoking in them as they’ve never been convicted of any crimes.
Georgia
Possession and consumption of cannabis is legal in Georgia, however, the sale of it is not. Further, it is illegal to smoke in public or in the presence of children. So stay in a private place and you’ll be all good.
Getting the weed is the difficult part in Georgia as it can take up to four hours as it is passed from dealer to dealer before it gets to you.
South Africa
Recreational usage has been decriminalized so long as it is done in a private place and by adults. There are still laws in place which say that it is illegal outside of one’s private setting along with the buying and selling of the drug still being illegal.
It is no longer illegal to grow cannabis in a private place, however, it cannot be sold and must be for personal use only.
Australia
The recreational use of cannabis is decriminalized in Northern Territory and South Australia, it’s also legal in Australian Capital Territory for personal use but not for sale.
Those in the Australian Capital Territory are allowed to grow two plants and possess up to 50 grams of marijuana. Sales are not permitted, however.
Takeaway
In all corners of the globe, there are countries which take a more lenient approach to weed and possession of it. Some of them allow you to smoke wherever you want and some allow you to smoke so long as it’s in private, just be sure to steer clear of the authorities in these countries.
You May Also Want To Read: How Illinois Is Legalizing Weed Differently
