Toking Around the World!

You all probably know about the cannabis cafes in Amsterdam and that the possession and sale of small amounts of weed is legal in the Netherlands (Holland). We often hear that several US states including California have decriminalized marijuana possession for small quantities of the herb (although it’s still illegal federally in the US). But, you may be surprised to learn of marijuana’s status in other countries around the world.

In Spain, personal consumption in private places and home cultivation for personal consumption have been decriminalized, while buying and selling remain illegal. Wait? You may be thinking…am I high, or did he just say that it’s legal to grow ganja in Spain? Well, you may be high, but that’s right…the Spanish government effectively encourages people to grow their own weed! What could be better than grabbing some tapas after getting stoned?


While South American countries may have harsh penalties for cannabis trafficking, many have a much more relaxed attitude when it comes to personal use. Possession of up to 8 grams (a little more than a quarter ounce) is absolutely legal in Peru! Both Argentina and Uruguay decriminalized possession for personal use. In Colombia and Venezuela possession of up to 20 grams (about 0.7 ounces) is decriminalized.
Several western European countries, including Germany, Italy and Portugal have decriminalized possession for personal use. Most recently, on August 21, 2009 Mexico decriminalized possession of up to 5 grams (0.17 ounces) of marijuana.

Well, if you weren’t sure where to go on your semester break, now you have some ideas. If you’re planning on blazing you may want to stay away from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia or Malaysia where simple possession can result in a lengthy jail sentence or even death.


Happy toking everyone.

Professor Blaze

 

That's crazy...prohibition is beneficial for dealers and harmful to everyone else.