From Canada To Uruguay, Here Are Some Of The Countries Where Marijuana Is Legal

The use of recreational drugs including marijuana has remained a topic of political and social contention for decades now. While its supporters term it as magic, others call it a menace.

There are some countries that are strictly against the usage and sale of marijuana. In India too, the usage of cannabis or marijuana is prohibited, however, small proportions of it are permitted in the form of bhang in certain states, which are used to prepare thandais, lassis and sweets.

The recent arrest of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, in an alleged narcotic drugs case, has again led to a debate on the use of recreational drugs in India. The high-profile case has firmly put the spotlight on drug laws in the country.

Aryan Khan's counsel Amit Desai, while arguing for his client's bail plea on Wednesday, cited many verdicts related to the seizure of a small quantity of drugs and highlighted a few points regarding the motive of laws and some of the international practices. Desai said many countries has removed cannabis from the schedule of dangerous drugs.

Having said that, did you know that there are certain countries where marijuana is actually legal? In these countries, one can light up a joint without any worries. Here are some of the countries where the sale, usage and possession of cannabis might not be a crime:

1. Uruguay

The South American nation became one the first countries in the world to legalise the use of cannabis for recreational purposes, in 2013.

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People, above 18, here just have to make sure they officially register with the government before they engage in any buying, selling, or growing. As of 2017, you can buy commercial grass in Uruguay from regular pharmacies. This is the future liberals want.

2. Canada

In Canada, the consumption of marijuana is legalised by law for recreational and medicinal purposes. People who are 18 years old or above are legally allowed to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana in its dried or non-dried form in public.

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People are also allowed to grow up to four marijuana plants at home from legal seedlings. However, you can only buy cannabis from provincially-licensed retailers and federally-licensed producers.

3. Netherlands

In the Netherlands, carrying weed home isn¡¯t legal, but you can enjoy it simply by walking into a coffee shop. You¡¯ll find weed leaves depicted on the hoardings and walls of many coffee shops here.

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Selling cannabis is ¡°illegal but not punishable¡± so officials tolerate it as long as shops follow certain rules, like not advertising or causing a nuisance. Only citizens are allowed to buy marijuana, though Amsterdam¡¯s infamous coffeeshops are exempt from that rule.

4. South Africa

In South Africa, consumption, possession and growth of marijuana was decriminalised by law in 2018. However, use of space outside personal residence for sale and consumption of marijuana still comes under prohibition by law.

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In August, South Africa¡¯s government unveiled a master plan aimed at harnessing a 28-billion-rand ($1.9 billion) cannabis industry that could potentially create as many of 25,000 jobs and help attract foreign investment.

5. Spain

Lighting up a joint in Spain's famous smoking clubs was legalised in 2017. You are allowed to smoke your own stuff, without fines or legal repercussions of any kind. As long as you consume it in the privacy of your own home or on private properties, you're fine.

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While the public consumption of weed in Spain is technically illegal, purchasing from a Spanish cannabis club is an exception. These clubs are also where consumers purchase marijuana. Membership is only open to Spanish citizens.