Cannabis Legalisation Around The World

Over the last few years, we have seen a massive upsurge in popularity for the cannabis legalization movement. It’s a global movement that spans continents and as it continues to grow, more people will come to realize that the potential industrial, scientific, and economic benefits, far outweigh the negatives.

Uruguay

Despite their tiny population of just 3.3 million, Uruguay, the tiny South American nation sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, has led the way for Cannabis legalization after they fully legalized the production and sale in December 2013.

The Uruguayan system grants licenses to cannabis producers for large scale farming. The government then regulates the distribution and has a controlled price of $1 per gram (that’s not even a typo!).

Private individuals are able to grow up to 6 plants at home.

Larger amounts can be grown by joining one of the many ‘cannabis collectives’ where growers can join forces to grow in larger quantities (so long as it is not sold for commercial purposes).

Colorado

The state of Colorado (with her relatively small population of around 5 million) generated a total of $996 million in cannabis sales in 2015.

This figure was a 42% increase from the total of $699 million in legal cannabis sales, generated in 2014.

Of that $996 million, around $587 million came from the sale of recreational cannabis.

So after just one year, Colorado ended up getting around $135 million in tax and licensing revenue just from the sale of cannabis!

Indeed it has been deemed been such a success in some parts of Colorado that they have even managed to give some of their citizens a tax rebate! If you are also looking to buy medical marijuana then you can click here for some of the best products.

Jamaica

While the recent amendments to the ‘Dangerous Drugs Act’ did not fully legalize the use of cannabis in Jamaica, it has created a framework for decriminalization.

It is hoped that in treating it as a minor offense will help reduce the burden on overloaded courts and prisons.

The same amendments have also created a framework for the development of legalized medical cannabis and hemp industries.

Laws On Possession

Possession of up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of cannabis, or “ganja” as it is often referred to locally, a minor offense that could result in a $5 ticket but NOT in arrest or a criminal record.

How About Growing it?

The act means that the cultivation of five or fewer plants by any household is now allowed.

The Law for Visitors?

Visitors who are prescribed medical cannabis at home will be able to pay the Health Ministry for a permit that allows them to legally buy up to 2 ounces of cannabis during their stay.