Edition #14
Lisboa, 2011
One thing is certain: illegality only serves to generate corruption. Governments waste millions of dollars each year in a futile war against users who, by smoking, aren't committing any crime, but due to the illegality, they have to resort to the margins of society, potentially facing jail time in some places or at the very least getting a record at the police station, which is absurd. Even if they don't end up dealing with the police, users often risk their lives by having to interact with dangerous dealers to obtain cannabis.
What we observe in the study below is that the vast majority of developed countries have tolerant legislation regarding marijuana. By removing users from the margins of society and no longer treating them as criminals, it allows the police to focus on more important and serious matters rather than chasing after pot smokers just to extort them, because in practice, that's all the prohibition is good for: encouraging police corruption. I even think that the prohibition contributes to the dishonesty of the population in general, as police officers often succumb to the temptation of accepting bribes, which creates a culture of "taking advantage" and "getting ahead" in society. If marijuana is legalized, it's already a step forward, because there is less corruption, and that alone helps create a more civilized atmosphere.
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NOTE: The information below is mostly taken from webehigh.org, but it may be incorrect or out of date. Please check with official sources before traveling to any of these countries. Tranzine is not responsible for your dire straits.
ARGENTINA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
* scale from 1 to 5, being:
1 - totally illegal
5 - totally legal
Private marijuana consumption is legal in Argentina, but buying, selling, growing, and smoking in public places is illegal. In 2017, Argentina passed a law legalizing the cultivation, production, and commercialization of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The law allows for the personal cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use, as long as it is registered in a national registry. The law also permits the creation of associative cultivation clubs, where patients can come together to collectively grow cannabis. Additionally, it is legal to possess a small amount "for personal use" of up to 5 grams. It’s common to see people smoking in the streets and parks. However, since consumption is only allowed in private spaces, the police tend to crack down on those smoking in public, so you need to be careful. In winter, Buenos Aires is less crowded, and the police are less of an issue. In summer, it’s worse: there are many more police officers on the streets, and sometimes they’re undercover. The beaches in the South are a good place to not worry about the police.
AUSTRALIA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3
Australia does not have a single federal law regarding cannabis. Each state and territory in Australia has its own laws, making the legislation complex and variable. Being caught with small amounts, typically 2 to 3 grams, can result in confiscation and possibly a summons to appear in court, where you might have to pay a small fine (around AU$200 = US$130). The same applies to growing up to two plants. Anything beyond that is considered a crime and can lead to severe penalties, such as heavy fines and imprisonment (rarely more than 3-4 months for a relatively serious case, like trafficking 1 kg for an adult, for example). Several Australian states have legalized medicinal cannabis, increasing access to cannabis-based products for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, some Australian territories, like the Capital Territory, have decriminalized the adult use of small amounts of cannabis.
AUSTRIA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3.5
The consequences for possession can vary. There is some tolerance for personal use of small amounts of cannabis, especially in private settings. However, public use remains illegal. The amount of cannabis plays a significant role in determining the severity of the penalty. First-time offenses are usually not recorded on a criminal record. Penalties range from fines to up to six months in prison, depending on the amount involved. Vienna police do not specifically target cannabis users, but they often conduct luggage searches on trains and at metro stations, sometimes using dogs.
BANGLADESH
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.9
The consumption of opium and cannabis is traditional in Bangladesh. There are no real local laws concerning cannabis—just some international treaties that don't hold much weight. It's very relaxed and not a concern for the police. The medicinal use of cannabis is common in Bangladesh, where it is used to treat various ailments.
BELGIUM
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
Belgium maintains a policy of tolerance regarding the personal use of small amounts of cannabis. This policy, known as "zero tolerance, but no prosecution," means that while the police may confiscate the drug, they generally do not arrest or prosecute the user. Possession of up to 3 grams of cannabis by adults for personal use is tolerated. It is also allowed to have one female plant at home. If someone is caught with more than 3 grams for recreational use, the police will record their name, but the Belgian state will not prosecute them. A new law allowing the medicinal use of cannabis has led to the police becoming more lenient about the possession of small amounts of non-medicinal cannabis. A distinctive aspect of Belgium is the existence of cannabis clubs, where members can grow and consume cannabis in a controlled environment. These clubs are tolerated by authorities, although they are not legally recognized. Belgium legalized the medicinal use of cannabis in 2017, contributing to greater social acceptance of the plant and a more flexible drug policy.
BRAZIL
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.0
For many years, Brazil enforced a policy of total prohibition on cannabis, with prison sentences for cultivation, possession, and trafficking. However, in 2024, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) decriminalized the possession of marijuana for personal use, establishing a limit of 40 grams or six plants to classify someone as a user. Users are no longer treated as criminals but are now seen as contraveners (similar to those who run a red light, for example). This decision represents a historic milestone in the fight for the decriminalization of the drug in the country.
CANADA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 5
Canada legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, in October 2018. Adults aged 18 and over can possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public and consume it in places where smoking is permitted (such as designated smoking areas in airports). It is also allowed to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household. The sale of cannabis is regulated by the federal government and the provinces. Each province is responsible for establishing its own cannabis stores and setting the rules for distribution. Legalization allows the government to regulate the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis, ensuring product quality and consumer protection, as well as more effectively combating trafficking.
CHILE
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
According to Chilean law, it is legal to consume marijuana at home and to have a small amount for personal use (5-10 grams), and medical use is also permitted, but it is illegal to sell and buy. It is also legal to plant at home, as long as it is for personal use. But it is forbidden to smoke on the street. If you are caught by the police, they will only reprimand you, but if you are caught buying or selling, you will be in trouble... Under no circumstances should you try to bribe a Chilean police officer, they are considered the most honest in Latin America and your attempt at bribery will only make things worse.
CHINA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3.5
Smoking marijuana is illegal in China, but since Cannabis is a big industry in China (textile industry, ropes, etc.), the cultivation of Cannabis is legal. Therefore, technically it is not illegal to possess marijuana. However, the police do not necessarily follow the law, so they may cause you problems if you are caught, so be careful. One point in favor is that Chinese police generally do not bother tourists.
COLOMBIA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.5
Colombia has approved the decriminalization of adult cannabis consumption, meaning that personal consumption is no longer considered a crime. However, production, cultivation, and sale remain regulated and, in some cases, criminalized. Marijuana is easily accessible. The medicinal use of cannabis is legal in Colombia.
COSTA RICA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.5
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Costa Rica, as are any related activities. However, the law is very lax; people can smoke in front of a police station in Costa Rica without being bothered. They won't react. However, if you do have any problems, don't try to bribe the police. Medical use of cannabis was legalized in Costa Rica in 2017, allowing the production, importation, and exportation of cannabis-based products for therapeutic purposes.
CUBA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 2
Marijuana is illegal in Cuba, and law enforcement is strict. The police are very reactionary - for them, marijuana users are marginals who deserve to rot in prison.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3.5
"Although the movement for marijuana legalization in the Czech Republic is highly active, marijuana is still not legal there. However, in practice, its use is tolerated. It's common to see people smoking in the streets, bars, and nightclubs. Its prohibition is an outdated law in this country; it's just a matter of time before it's legalized.
DENMARK
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
Recreational marijuana is not legal in Denmark, and therefore any related activities (smoking, buying, growing, selling, etc.) are illegal. However, law enforcement efforts are scarce. The police are not very concerned about marijuana users. Medical use of cannabis has been legal in Denmark since 2018, allowing the prescription of cannabis-based products for patients with certain medical conditions.
ECUADOR
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
The law in Ecuador allows you to carry up to two marijuana joints for personal use. Cultivation and sale are prohibited. The police do not “hunt” potheads on the street, nor will they prosecute anyone smoking in private or open spaces, such as music festivals. People smoke normally on the street, in their cars, and sometimes at work. Marijuana is not considered a problem and outside of wealthy areas it is common to smell it everywhere. If the police catch you smoking, they will take your joint and let you go. If you are caught with more than 2 joints, for a few bucks they will usually not cause any problems. In practice, only drug dealers are arrested. The medicinal use of cannabis has been legalized in Ecuador, allowing the production, import and export of cannabis-based products for therapeutic purposes.
FRANCE
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3
Recreational marijuana is not legal in France, although it is well tolerated. No problem, as long as you avoid being too obvious about it. Any action related to marijuana and hashish (buying, selling, growing, smoking) is a criminal offense that carries a penalty of two months to one year in prison, as well as a fine of €56 to €1,680. Personal consumption in private settings is tolerated, as long as it is not carried out in an ostentatious manner. The medicinal use of cannabis has been legal in France since 2021.
GERMANY
Level of tolerance (1-5)*: 5
"Germany legalized the recreational use of cannabis in 2024. The new law allows adults to legally carry up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use. It is also permitted to cultivate up to three cannabis plants at home for personal consumption. The law also provides for the creation of cannabis clubs, where members can purchase small quantities of the substance.
INDIA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
In theory, it's illegal, and the law states you can face 6 months to 2 years in prison, but in practice, nobody cares, and it's very rare for someone to be arrested. However, if you're caught with marijuana at the airport, you'll definitely have problems.
INDONESIA (BALI)
Level of tolerance (1-5): 1
Despite being a surfer's paradise, the possession, sale, and consumption of marijuana are illegal, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and trafficking can result in the death penalty. The laws are strictly enforced, especially in recent times due to heightened paranoia about terrorist attacks, so the police frequently stop and search people.
IRAN
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.5The cultivation of marijuana is legal if it's for food purposes, as many Iranians consume the seeds, much like sunflower seeds, and there are companies in Tehran that legally extract and sell oil from the seeds. The penalty for possessing marijuana for recreational use is a fine of 10,000 Rials (about US$ 1.25) per gram in your possession, and as long as you have less than 10-15 grams, you won't face significant trouble. The police typically won't bother you if you don't act suspiciously.
IRAQ
Level of tolerance (1-5): 5
There are no specific laws regarding marijuana use in Iraq. Marijuana simply isn't an issue there, and if you ask a police officer where you can find some, they'll likely point you to where you can get the best price. Many American soldiers receive marijuana through the mail and use it without any problems.
ICELAND
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3
Smoking in a private area is not a problem. If caught, a small fine is charged. However, the user is "recorded" permanently. You cannot be searched by the police against your will unless you are being arrested for a crime. Foreigners may face more severe consequences for drug use, including deportation.
ISRAEL
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
Smoking marijuana is a crime in Israel, but if you are caught with small amounts, a good criminal lawyer can get you out of trouble quickly. The law is very lax. It is normal for people to smoke in bars, on the street, at universities, etc. It is very rare to be harassed by the police. They are much more concerned about terrorists than potheads. But if you are caught with more than you use for personal use, you could get into trouble.
ITALY
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3
Marijuana is illegal, but a new law may be passed allowing the possession of up to 5 grams for personal use. Avoid smoking in public places. Italy has legalized the production and sale of CBD-based products, as long as the THC content (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) is less than 0.2%. There are several small shops in practically every Italian city selling this type of marijuana, but they write on the label that the sale is for decorative purposes only. Really?...
JAMAICA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.9
It's illegal, but the Jah tribe doesn't care and smokes it freely. There's a lot of tolerance. The police simply don't care about potheads. Marijuana is breakfast in Jamaica.
JAPAN
Level of tolerance (1-5): 1
It is illegal to smoke marijuana in Japan, and is punishable by up to 7 years in prison! The Japanese are generally very conservative. If a Japanese person catches you smoking, they will probably go to the police to report you. Do not smoke on the street, not even in public parks, because there is always someone watching, and it is almost certain that within a few minutes a police officer will arrest you. Even at home or in a hotel, if the smell comes out and someone smells it, don't be surprised if a police officer knocks on your door. The important thing is that the police cannot search you without your consent. In other words, the real problem is being seen smoking or buying. Japanese culture is different from Western culture, there they think of the collective, to the detriment of the individual, so anything that "goes out of line" they strongly reprimand, because they see it as a threat to the Japanese status quo.
KUWAIT
Level of tolerance (1-5): 1
The police will be a big problem if you are caught smoking weed or hashish, but it is easy to avoid them, just don't smoke in public. If you are caught, it doesn't matter if you have just one cannabis seed in your pocket or 2kg of heroin, they will send you to prison either way. Drug dealers are often sentenced to hang. It is by far the most reactionary country of all.
MARROCO
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3
By law, users can be arrested, but this rarely happens. Usage is widespread. It is common for even taxi drivers to offer to sell it. Morocco is the largest exporter of hashish to Europe. Most police officers accept cheap bribes, but some don't, and that means prison. Think Midnight Express...
MEXICO
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.5
In 2018, Mexico’s Supreme Court declared laws that prohibited adult use of marijuana unconstitutional. The use of small amounts of drugs, especially marijuana, is tolerated in many areas of the country. Adults can grow, acquire, possess, and consume marijuana for personal use. It is permitted to grow a limited number of plants at home for personal consumption. The formation of cannabis clubs is permitted, where members can grow collectively and share the production. The sale of marijuana is not yet fully regulated, but the Mexican government is working to establish a legal market for the plant.
NEPAL
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.5
Marijuana and hashish were legal in Nepal until the late 1970s, so it was a hippie paradise in the 1960s and 1970s. Nowadays, cultivation, sale, purchase and possession are illegal, but generally no one cares. They only care about smuggling, and don't care about users. The police have no interest in marijuana-related issues, and if you're a tourist, no one cares what you smoke. If you're caught, you can be released on the spot, usually for a very low price. Many people smoke marijuana and hashish in Nepal: it's common for holy men or sadhus (as they're called locally) who live in temples to smoke marijuana. People in Nepal even worship Lord Shiva who smokes marijuana, and there's a festival celebrating his birthday where most people smoke on that day. Many elderly people in the villages smoke. Virtually over 60% of Nepal's youth smoke marijuana; it's one of the most weed-friendly countries in the world...
NETHERLANDS
Level of tolerance (1-5): 5
For anyone over the age of 18, hashish and marijuana are legal and freely available. Users can buy a maximum of five grams of hashish or marijuana in coffee shops per day. The police will not arrest users of soft drugs. Smoking is only allowed in coffee shops or at home, but the parks in the summer are always full of people smoking on the lawns, sunbathing, reading a book, chatting, listening to music or having a picnic, with children playing around and elderly women strolling along. Marijuana is simply not taboo in the Netherlands. That doesn’t mean that everyone smokes, but the Dutch have a very “Do what you want, just don’t bother me” attitude, so there is no ideological patrol or preaching against anything you do. Dutch citizens have complete freedom to be and do whatever they want, as long as it doesn’t invade the space of others. A law was recently passed restricting access to sales only to Dutch people registered with the coffee shop, but it didn’t take off. It is important to note that, despite the widespread availability of cannabis in coffee shops, the substance is not actually legal in the strict sense. What exists is a policy of tolerance, where the government "turns a blind eye" to the trade in small quantities, but does not regulate it completely.
NEW ZELAND
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
Marijuana is illegal in New Zealand, as is any related activity (growing, buying, using, etc.). Use of up to one gram is tolerated. In practice, no one cares if you smoke it.
NORWAY
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
The Norwegian government prohibits the possession and use of hashish or marijuana. You can be arrested for possession of marijuana in Norway, however, of all the cities in Norway, Oslo is one of the most user-friendly cities. The police are not interested in users and will not search you unless you are smoking in front of them. It is highly illegal, so if you are caught, you will be punished. However, you will most likely not be caught, because Norway is a country where many drug users. The police know that there is no point in chasing after so many users, so if you are not a minor using it openly on the street, no one will bother you.
PAKISTAN
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
It's illegal, but almost everyone smokes, and it's very rare for anyone to get arrested. You'll see people sitting in the park and smoking outside. It's also common to see drivers smoking while driving. Police are virtually non-existent.
PORTUGAL
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.5
Possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use was decriminalized in Portugal in 2001. This means that the act of possessing drugs is no longer considered a crime, but rather a misdemeanor. Rather than criminalizing users, the Portuguese system focuses on public health and reducing the harm caused by drug use. It is common for the police to turn a blind eye. But if you are caught, two things can happen: you can be fined and possibly forced to stay in jail overnight; or the police can simply confiscate your ganja and let you go. Portugal stands out as a model of drug decriminalization. While cannabis use is tolerated, it is important to remember that the law prohibits trafficking and that the situation can vary depending on the circumstances.
ROMANIA (BUCHAREST)
Level of tolerance (1-5): 1
The law in Romania is very strict and conservative. If you are caught with 1g in your pocket, you will definitely be sent to jail. The sentence ranges from 3-5 years for the user and 15-17 for the dealer. There are plainclothes police officers in most clubs, pubs and bars. The police will arrest you if they catch you smoking or if they smell it, but if you are just in possession, they cannot search you against your will, unless you have done something wrong. There are a growing number of voices in Romania who are saying that drug use should not be considered a criminal offence and it is very likely that the law will change in the coming years.
RUSSIA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3
Possession of up to 6 grams of marijuana is decriminalized, with lenient fines, which get stiffer if you're caught with up to 30 grams, but there's still no jail time. You'll get in big trouble if you're caught with more than 30 grams. Since the stakes are going to be a prison sentence for years, the police charge a hefty bribe (at least $500).
SAUDI ARABIA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 2
Saudi Arabia is not the ideal place to get caught smoking weed, because you are probably asking for trouble. However, as a tourist, you can probably afford bail, but you will definitely spend a night in the police station, which is not pleasant at all… It is important to note that the bail process can be long and bureaucratic. In some cases, the penalty may include flogging, a form of corporal punishment. Foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes may be deported. In cases involving large quantities of drugs or trafficking, the death penalty may be imposed.
SPAIN
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
The Spanish Constitution provides considerable protection for what people do in the privacy of their own homes. Spanish law states that personal conduct in a private place (and this includes private property and outbuildings) is protected by the Constitution. The controversy is that the police can search your home if they think you are a drug dealer. If a foreigner is caught smoking, the police will contact the relevant embassy. However, problems are rare. A unique phenomenon in Spain are cannabis social clubs, where members can grow and consume cannabis collectively. The legality of these clubs is a controversial issue and has been the subject of several court rulings. Medicinal use of cannabis has been legal in Spain since 2017.
SWEDEN
Level of tolerance (1-5): 1
Possession, purchase and sale of any type of drug is considered a criminal offence in Sweden. The Swedish judicial system divides drug offences into minor, simple and serious categories, based on the amount of drugs involved. Those convicted of minor offences can face up to six months in prison. Minor offences carry a sentence of three years, while serious convictions carry a sentence of 3-10 years in prison. Sweden has one of the toughest drug policies in the world. Offenders over the age of 18 are always convicted. This may be why Sweden has such a problem with alcoholism, as it is a legal drug, which ends up being the most popular “recreational” alternative. Isolated or broad-spectrum CBD, without the presence of THC, is legal in Sweden, but with some restrictions. It is considered a medicine and requires special authorization to be sold.
SWITZERLAND
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4
Switzerland is a federal state and the drug laws are the same for all provinces. According to Swiss law, it is illegal to possess or transport marijuana or hashish, with the exception of the private consumption of small amounts. Smoking outside is generally not dangerous. If you are caught, the police will issue a fine. Minors under 18 caught smoking marijuana are taken to the police station and only released by a parent. Smoking near the lake is probably the least safe place to smoke outdoors.
THAILAND
Level of tolerance (1-5): 5
Recreational marijuana, like medicinal marijuana, was legalized in 2023. Before its legalization, Thailand was one of the most repressive countries in the world. There were so many foreigners imprisoned that there was even a World Cup held in the prisons... Fortunately, the government and the population realized that the prohibition was harmful, and today everyone profits from the cultivation and legal sale of the herb, and the prisons now only have real criminals.
UNITED KINGDOM
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3.5
Drug use is not a criminal offence in the UK, but possession and purchase are illegal. Many people smoke cannabis in the UK, but almost no one is out on the streets. People usually only smoke at home or at music events. Drugs are divided into three classes: A (for very hard drugs such as heroin), B (for moderately hard drugs such as ecstasy) and C (for soft drugs such as poppers). Cannabis used to be in class C, but against all scientific evidence and advice, the government decided to classify it as a class B drug. Supply, trafficking and cultivation can carry a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison. The real situation is that possession of cannabis for personal use is a criminal offense. However, the penalties are relatively lenient compared to other drug offenses. The maximum penalty for possession is two years, but in practice, most cases result in warnings, fines, or community service.
URUGUAY
Level of tolerance (1-5): 5
Uruguay is like Amsterdam without the coffee shops, with cheaper prices and better weather. Because it is a small country, it was easier to become the first country in Latin America to fully legalize the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. The main goal of legalizing marijuana in Uruguay is to protect public health by regulating the market and ensuring the quality of the product, as well as reducing violence related to drug trafficking.
USA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 3.5
Each state has its own laws. While some, such as California, Colorado, and New York, have legalized recreational cannabis use, others still maintain very restrictive laws. Medicinal cannabis use is legal in many states, but the requirements and conditions vary. California was a pioneer in this regard, and other states have followed suit, creating programs to provide access to medical cannabis for patients with a variety of medical conditions.
VENEZUELA
Level of tolerance (1-5): 4.8
Under the current Constitution, you can possess up to 20g of marijuana and 2g of cocaine. You are not allowed to grow marijuana at home. If you are caught with more than 20 grams, you will be considered a drug trafficker and will face up to 20 years in prison. It is definitely not a good idea to traffic drugs in Venezuela.
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