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Looking to grow your own cannabis but not sure where it’s legal? Check out our blog post for a list of countries where cannabis cultivation is allowed.
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Europe
Growing cannabis is legal in some countries, but not all. In Europe, there are a few countries where it is legal to grow your own cannabis. These countries are Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is often considered the first country to decriminalize cannabis. While technically it is still illegal to grow and sell cannabis, the Dutch government has adopted a policy of tolerance toward personal use and possession. This means that you can buy and use small amounts of cannabis without fear of criminal prosecution.
There are also a number of “coffee shops” around the country where you can legally buy and consume cannabis. However, these coffee shops are regulated by the government and there are strict limits on how much cannabis they can sell.
While the Netherlands has a more relaxed attitude toward cannabis, it is still illegal to grow it on a large scale. There have been a number of crackdowns on large-scale growing operations in recent years.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, it is legal to grow cannabis for personal use. However, it is illegal to sell or distribute cannabis. The maximum amount of cannabis that can be possessed for personal use is set at 5 plants.
Spain
Cannabis is legal for personal use in Spain. Public consumption is not allowed and there are fines in place for smoking in public places. Cannabis social clubs are legal in Spain and operate in a similar way to Dutch coffee shops. These clubs are membership-based and allow members to grow and consume cannabis on the premises.
North America
In North America, there are many places where it is legal to grow cannabis. These places include Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In each of these countries, there are different laws regarding cannabis cultivation. For example, in the United States, it is only legal to grow cannabis in certain states. In Canada, it is legal to grow cannabis everywhere. In Mexico, it is legal to grow cannabis in some states but not others.
United States
In the United States, the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for any purpose, by way of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. However, a growing number of states, territories, and the District of Columbia have enacted more liberal policies with respect to cannabis. Currently, 32 states plus the District of Columbia have passed laws broadly legalizing medical cannabis in some form. Eleven states have passed laws legalizing recreational use as well.
Canada
Cannabis was legalized for recreational use in Canada on October 17, 2018.
Each province and territory has their own laws and regulations surrounding cannabis, so make sure to research the specific rules for the area you are in.
In general, adults over the age of 18 (19 in some provinces) are able to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis or its equivalent in public. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis.
Cannabis can be purchased from licensed retailers, online from licensed retailers, or – in some provinces – through a mixture of private retail stores and government-operated stores.
South America
Cannabis is legal in Uruguay and Chile. In both countries, the personal use of cannabis has been decriminalized, and regulations have been created to allow for the cultivation and sale of the plant. Uruguay was the first country to legalize cannabis, and Chile followed suit in 2015.
Uruguay
Uruguay was the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis in 2013. The government supervises and regulates the entire cannabis industry, from seed to sale. Uruguayan citizens over the age of 18 can grow up to six plants at home, and buy cannabis from state-licensed pharmacies. Non-citizens are not allowed to grow or buy cannabis.
Chile
Chile is one of the South American countries where cannabis cultivation is legal. The country has a long tradition of using the plant for medical purposes, and this was formally recognized in 2015 when a law was passed allowing Chileans to grow cannabis for personal use. In 2017, a new law was passed expanding access to medical cannabis, and in 2018 the country’s first legal cannabis dispensary opened its doors. Chile is also home to some of the world’s largest outdoor cannabis farms, and the industry is growing rapidly.
Asia
In Asia, the legality of cannabis differs by country. In general, cannabis is illegal throughout most of Asia. There are some exceptions, however. In India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the possession of cannabis is legal, while in Bhutan it is decriminalized. In China, cannabis is illegal, but the possession and use of hemp is allowed.
Israel
Cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in Israel. The country has been at the forefront of medical marijuana research for decades, and it was one of the first countries to legalize the plant for medicinal purposes. The government regulates the industry through a state-run monopoly, and only a handful of licensed growers are allowed to operate in the country. However, home cultivation is not permitted.
