The legality of cannabis for medical and recreational use varies by country, in terms of its possession, distribution, and cultivation, and (in regard to medical) how it can be consumed and what medical conditions it can be used for. These policies in most countries are regulated by three United Nations treaties: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Cannabis is only scheduled under the Single Convention and was reclassified in 2020 to a Schedule I-only drug (from being both Schedule I and IV drug previously, with the schedules from strictest to least being IV, I, II, and III). As a Schedule I drug under the treaty, countries can allow the medical use of cannabis but it is considered to be an addictive drug with a serious risk of abuse and may be able to regulate non-medical cannabis industry under its Article 2 paragraph 9.
The use of cannabis for recreational purposes is prohibited in most countries; however, many have adopted a policy of decriminalization to make simple possession a non-criminal offense (often similar to a minor traffic violation). Others have much more severe penalties such as some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries where possession of even small amounts is punished by imprisonment for several years. Countries that have legalized various recreational uses of cannabis are Canada, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, South Africa, and Uruguay, plus 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia. Commercial sale of recreational cannabis is legalized nationwide in two countries (Canada and Uruguay) and in all subnational U.S. jurisdictions that have legalized possession except Washington, D.C. A policy of limited enforcement has also been adopted in many countries, in particular the Netherlands where the sale of cannabis is tolerated at licensed coffeeshops.
The legalization of recreational cannabis has been put forward as a solution to restrict access to the drug by minors, a method of harm reduction, a way of reducing organized crime, aid economic growth and revenue, as well as enable job creation. Unregulated cannabis from the illegal black market comes with increased health risks, such as unknown THC rate, unknown potency, possible toxic additives and contaminants and synthetic cannabinoids. Whereas, a legal and regulated cannabis system enables product quality and safety requirements to be mandated for public safety and consumer awareness. Cannabis illegality tends to become a burden on the criminal justice system, with legalization as a way to free up police time and resources to focus on more serious crimes, reduce the prison population of non-violent drug offenders and thus save taxpayers money. As of 2023, the legalization of cannabis has helped to create 151,000 jobs in Canada since its legalization in 2018. Legal market capture of cannabis in Canada after 5 years of legalization was approximately 78%. Between the start of legalization in October 2018 and August 2025, Canada collected over $5.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue, though cannabis education spending did not meet the original projection.
Countries that have legalized medical use of cannabis include Albania, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Others have more restrictive laws that allow only the use of certain cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals, such as Sativex, Marinol, Cesamet, or Epidiolex. In the United States, 41 states, 4 territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis, but at the federal level its use remains prohibited.
Legalization timeline
By country
Country/Territory Recreational Medical Notes Production banned by King Zahir Shah in 1973. Prohibited but plants highly available throughout the country and law often unenforced. On 21 July 2023 the Albanian Parliament voted 69–23 to legalize medical cannabis. Medicinal cannabis was legalized on 22 September 2017. In September 2019, the Australian Capital Territory became the first state or territory of Australia to legalize recreational use of cannabis. Since 31 January 2020 residents aged 18 and over have been allowed to grow two plants and possess , though sales or other transfer is prohibited, including cannabis seeds. Federal law also remains enforceable. Sale banned in 1989. Up to decriminalized for adults since 2003. Decriminalized up to for personal consumption. In November 2016, the Supreme Court of Bermuda ruled in favor of allowing the medical use of cannabis. As of July 2018, two doctors have been licensed to prescribe the drug. Illegal, but plants grow prolifically and have multiple traditional uses, such as feeding pigs and producing textiles. In 2016, the Ministry of Civil Affairs formed a task force to explore the legalization of cannabis and cannabinoids for medicinal purposes. Cannabis is legal for medicinal purposes only. or cultivation of 6 plants for personal use Legislation passed in 2006 to require treatment and community service for possessing small amounts of drugs instead of jail time. Possession of large amounts, as well as sale, transportation, and cultivation, are considered drug trafficking. Cannabis is classified as a class A (High-risk) drug, together with heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and MDMA (ecstasy). Until 2004, a loosely defined "personal dose" existed. Illegal, but this prohibition is lax and enforced opportunistically. "Happy" restaurants in cities publicly offer food cooked with marijuana, or as a side garnish. Legal for medicinal purposes since 2001 and for recreational purposes since 17 October 2018. The age to buy or consume cannabis varies by province: 19 in most provinces, 18 in Alberta, and 21 in Quebec. Current laws allow the sale of cannabis edibles on the island of Sark, which are also exported to dispensaries in Jersey and Guernsey. There is no legal minimum age for cannabis as there is low level of regulation. Most dispensaries only sell to customers over 18.