Global Landscape of Recreational Cannabis Legalization as of 2024

LOS ANGELES- As of April 2024, the global landscape for recreational cannabis legalization remains limited, with only nine countries having fully legalized its use nationwide, according to Visual Capitalist. Notably, Germany recently joined Malta and Luxembourg as the third European Union member to legalize cannabis for personal use.

Among the countries where recreational cannabis is legal, Uruguay was the first to legalize it in December 2013, with licensed sales commencing in July 2017. Canada followed, legalizing cannabis in October 2018, with licensed sales starting on the same day. Thailand is another country that not only legalized recreational use but also authorized sales, doing so in June 2022.

In contrast, several countries, including Georgia, South Africa, Mexico, Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, have legalized the use but have not authorized licensed sales. This distinction highlights varying approaches to the control and commercialization of cannabis within different legal frameworks.

In the United States, cannabis legality varies by state, with 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia permitting its use, although it remains illegal at the federal level. The U.S. cannabis market has evolved into a significant industry, currently valued at $30 billion and projected to grow substantially by the end of the decade.

Australia mirrors the U.S. in its approach, where national prohibition remains, but regions like the Australian Capital Territory have moved forward with legalization for personal use.

This diverse global approach to cannabis legislation reflects a complex interplay of cultural, legal, and economic factors influencing national policies on recreational cannabis use.