Related Research Articles
The legality of cannabis for medical and recreational use varies by country, in terms of its possession, distribution, and cultivation, and how it can be consumed and what medical conditions it can be used for. These policies in most countries are regulated by three United Nations treaties: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Cannabis was reclassified in 2020 to a Schedule I-only drug under the Single Convention treaty, with the schedules from strictest to least being IV, I, II, and III. As a Schedule I drug under the treaty, countries can allow the medical use of cannabis but it is considered to be an addictive drug with a serious risk of abuse.
Marijuana, or marihuana, is a name for the cannabis plant, and more specifically, a drug preparation from it. "Marijuana" as a term varies in usage, definition and legal application around the world. Some jurisdictions define "marijuana" as the whole cannabis plant or any part of it, while others refer to "marijuana" as a portion of the cannabis plant that contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some jurisdictions recognize "marijuana" as a distinctive strain of cannabis, the other being hemp. For legal, research and statistical reference, "marijuana" generally refers to only the dried leaves and flowering tops, with by-products such as hashish or hash oil being uniquely defined and regulated. The form "marihuana" is first attested in Mexican Spanish; it then spread to other varieties of Spanish and to English, French, and other languages.
Cannabis in Portugal is decriminalized, as a result of the decriminalization of all drugs in Portugal in 2001. Medical use of cannabis was legalized in 2018.
Although Cannabis use is illegal in Egypt, it is often used privately by many. Law enforcements are often particularly lax when it comes to cannabis smokers, and its use is a part of the common culture for many people in Egypt. However, Large-scale smuggling of cannabis is punishable by death, while penalties for possessing even small amounts can also be severe. Despite this, these laws are not enforced in many parts of Egypt, where cannabis is often consumed openly in local cafes.
Cannabis in Brazil is illegal but decriminalized, while possession and cultivation of personal amounts and for private use were de-penalized in 2006. In 2024, Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that Brazilians can possess and transport up to 40 grams of cannabis for their own consumption. However, the sale continues to be considered a crime. Use of cannabis medications is allowed for terminally ill patients or those who have exhausted other treatment options. It is also possible to import, manufacture and sell cannabis-based medicines.
Recreational cannabis is illegal for cultivation, trade and personal use in Lebanon. Nevertheless, large amounts of cannabis are grown illegally within the country, especially in the Bekka Valley, and consumed for personal use in private.
Cannabis in Syria is illegal. Under the policies of the Syrian Arab Republic cannabis was illegal and punishable by up to 20 years in prison in large drug trafficking offenses, if someone is considered an addict by the Syrian government then they face no criminal penalties for drug use and possession. Since the start of the Syrian civil war cannabis laws had become widely unenforced by the Syrian government as well as Kurdish and rebel controlled territories, while civilians growing cannabis in Jabhat al-Nusra controlled territory face arrest. On multiple occasions Bashar al-Assad granted general amnesties to multiple crimes which included drug trafficking offenses.
The list includes and details significant events that occurred in the global history of national-level implementations of, or changes made to, laws surrounding the use, sale, or production of the psychoactive drug cannabis.
Cannabis in Algeria is mostly illegal, although widely consumed. Under Law No. 04-18 13 Dhou El Kaada 1425, and enforcement decree No. 07-228 15 Rajab 1428, cultivation, commerce, and possession are forbidden, except for medical purposes, subject to prior authorization by the Minister of Health.
Cannabis in Armenia is illegal for all uses.
Cannabis in French Guiana is illegal, but is illicitly cultivated and transported.
Cannabis in Gibraltar is illegal, but due to its proximity to North Africa and to mainland Europe, the area around Gibraltar in Spain is frequently used for cannabis trafficking. Gibraltar itself is not a usual destination for drug smuggling from Morocco as it only has a small population and customs controls with Spain make it difficult to move the merchandise further on into Europe. Gibraltarian authorities take a hard line on drug smuggling and prohibited the use of fast speed boats in its waters in 1995, a measure introduced by Spain in 2018.
Cannabis is illegal in Iran, but the law is often not strictly enforced. The use of cannabis has become increasingly popular in Iranian cities according to various reports, although the government does not keep official usage statistics.
Cannabis in Cameroon is illegal; the drug is locally referred to as banga.
Cannabis in Mali is illegal.
Cannabis is illegal in Angola. The drug is locally referred to as diamba or liamba.
Cannabis in Saint Kitts and Nevis is illegal but decriminalized. Cannabis is grown on the islands for local consumption, previously in the mountainous interior for the most part, but more recently in abandoned sugar cane fields as well.
Cannabis in Saint Lucia is legal, up to 30 grams. Cannabis is the only drug grown locally on Saint Lucia, and meets 20% of the local demand, with the remainder coming from the other Caribbean islands, predominantly Jamaica and Saint Vincent, and more developed countries such as the United States. Also, a significant portion is shipped from countries in South America such as Columbia and Venezuela.
Cannabis is illegal in Saint Pierre and Miquelon for personal use. Limited types of cannabis-derived products are permitted for medical uses. As an overseas collectivity of France, Saint Pierre and Miquelon is subject to French law and all international conventions signed by France.
Cannabis in Equatorial Guinea is illegal with severe penalties for the production, sale, and possession of marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. Despite the illegality, smoking marijuana remains culturally popular among all strata of society, and it was reported in 2000 that no one has been arrested for smoking or dealing cannabis in living memory.
References
- ↑ Brownfield, William R. (2011). International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. DIANE Publishing. p. 285. ISBN 9781437982725 . Retrieved May 5, 2019.
 | This Cannabis-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This Collectivity of Saint Martin article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |