Legal & Politics

The legal and political status of cannabis worldwide changes constantly. Check the situation in many countries with our ‘Cannabis In…’ series (we regularly add more countries), and stay up to date on the latest legislation and policies affecting cannabis and hemp.

Recent posts in Legal & Politics

Legal & Politics

A World Post Legalisation — The Pros & Cons of Legal Cannabis
Sensi Seeds / 11 Nov 2021

In the USA, we saw the simultaneous conflict between state and federal law, and the benefit of legalisation for different state economies. In the Netherlands and Spain, there was a half-hearted attitude towards legalisation. As for Uruguay? Full legalisation without proper preparation. Everybody did it a little differently — so is there a best way to do it?
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Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Russia – Laws, Use, and History
Sensi Seeds / 20 Jan 2020

It’s illegal to possess, sell or grow cannabis in Russia. The country has the highest number of people incarcerated for drug offences in Europe (per capita), and most were imprisoned under the notorious Article 228. However, there are hints that the law may change – with the country exploring the option of importing cannabis for medical research.
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Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Namibia – Laws, Use, and History
Sensi Seeds / 20 Jan 2020

In 2006, Namibia’s government made changes to their cannabis laws. Now, prison sentences of up to 40 years are in place for offences, though in practice, these are seldom used for cannabis-related crimes. Despite the risk of imprisonment, the drug is still commonly used across the country, and trafficking along the borders is a serious issue.
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Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Japan – Laws, Use, and History
Sensi Seeds / 19 Jan 2020

Prior to 1948, cannabis was widely cultivated in Japan. It was valued for its practical uses in making textiles and rope, for example, and as an integral part of religious and spiritual practices. With the introduction of the Cannabis Control Law by US officials its use, sale and growth became banned in the country. Now cannabis use is deeply frowned upon.
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Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Tajikistan – Laws, Use, and History
Sensi Seeds / 19 Jan 2020

Tajikistan lies across one of the largest drug smuggling routes in the world, as it shares a border with Afghanistan. It also has a hashish industry of its own. However, cannabis is illegal in the country, and with the death penalty in place for serious drugs-related crimes (such as large-scale smuggling), it’s a risky business to be in.
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Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Florida – Laws, Use, and History
Sensi Seeds / 14 Jan 2020

Medicinal cannabis is legal in Florida, but recreational cannabis, at present, is not. Various representatives have attempted to pass bills to make cannabis use legal, but so far, they have been met with opposition. As such, the penalties for possessing or selling the drug remain severe, with prison sentences in place for even minor offences.
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The Uzbekistan flag and cannabis plant growing outdoors

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Uzbekistan – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 13 Jan 2020

Uzbekistan’s cannabis laws are among the strictest in Central Asia. Even using cannabis can be punished with a three-year prison sentence. The country also has issues with drug trafficking, as smugglers pass through the porous border from Afghanistan. The underfunded counter-narcotics department struggles to keep the problem under control.

The Illinois flag and a woman smoking a cannabis pipe

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Illinois – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 12 Jan 2020

In 2019, Illinois became the eleventh US state to legalise recreational cannabis use. As of 2020, individuals can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flowers, which can be purchased from licenced vendors and dispensaries. Cannabis cultivation is still illegal though, unless it’s for medicinal purposes, and the grower has a Medical Marijuana card.

The Colorado flag and a Cannabis Station building

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Colorado – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 11 Jan 2020

In 2014, Colorado legalised recreational cannabis use. Now, individuals can purchase cannabis from a licenced retailer, as long as the amount doesn’t exceed one ounce (28 grams). This law has resulted in a reduction in medicinal cannabis users (as it’s easier to obtain from a retailer than a doctor), and interestingly, fewer younger people are using it too.

The Nevada flag and a medical marijuana dispensary entrance

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Nevada – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 10 Jan 2020

Nevada legalised recreational use of cannabis in 2017. Now, adults over the age of 21 can legally purchase up to one ounce of cannabis from a state-licenced retailer; or if there isn’t a retailer near their property, they can grow up to six plants at home. However, there are rules in place. For example, public use is forbidden and will incur a fine.

The Indian flag and cannabis plants growing in a village

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in India – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 09 Jan 2020

Cannabis has been illegal in India since 1985. Despite this fact, it’s still widely used across the country, and is valued not only as a social pastime, but also as an integral part of some religious practices. Indeed, cannabis use is mentioned in The Vedas (the Hindu sacred text) and Shiva is sometimes referred to as the ‘Lord of Bhang’.

The Djibouti flag and a cannabis plant against a sunset

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Djibouti – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 19 Dec 2019

Djibouti’s cannabis laws are harsh, with prison sentences in place for use, sale and cultivation of the plant. The country has particularly arid conditions, which makes cannabis farming tricky, but Djibouti’s people have a greater preoccupation – khat. This stimulant is still legal in the country, and locals spend as much as 40% of their income on it.

The Jamaican flag and a man with dreadlocks smoking a joint

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Jamaica – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 19 Dec 2019

Jamaica is often associated with cannabis use. However, until 2015, the law stated that prison sentences could be given to those caught with even a small amount of the drug. Now, cannabis use has been decriminalised, and Rastafarians are free to use it as part of their religious practices. Jamaica’s medicinal cannabis market is also starting to grow.

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Michigan – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 19 Dec 2019

In 2018, Michigan became the 10th state to legalise recreational cannabis use in the US. Medicinal cannabis was legalised back in 2008. Michigan also permits the cultivation of up to 12 cannabis plants in private residences, which is the highest amount in any ‘legal’ state. However, if grown outside, plants must be locked up and out of sight.

The Zambia flag and a leopard resting on a tree

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Zambia – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 19 Dec 2019

Zambia has the third highest number (per capita) of cannabis users in the world while having some of the harshest laws. Even being caught with 0.5 grams is punishable with a prison sentence, and being arrested for trafficking can result in up to 25 years behind bars. However, some prominent figures are calling for its legalisation.

The Turkmenistan flag and a cannabis plant

Legal & Politics

Cannabis in Turkmenistan – Laws, Use, and History

Sensi Seeds / 19 Dec 2019

Even after gaining its independence from Russia, Turkmenistan upheld its tough stance on cannabis. To this day, the penalties for using, selling or growing cannabis are stiff, with lengthy prison sentences in place even for limited personal use. The terrible prison conditions also act as a powerful deterrent for Turkmenistan’s people.

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