A comprehensive guide to the history, applications, and legal status of cannabis in the modern world

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Global Legalization

Global Legalization

Canada, Uruguay, and 21 US states have fully legalized cannabis. The Netherlands maintains a tolerance policy

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18 min read

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Елена СмирноваЕлена Смирнова
12 марта 2024
18 min read

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The global trend toward cannabis legalization is gaining momentum, with an increasing number of countries reviewing their policies regarding this plant. This process reflects changing public opinion and growing recognition of cannabis's medical and economic value.

North America

Canada became the second country in the world to fully legalize cannabis in 2018. The Canadian regulatory model includes strict quality control, licensing of producers and retailers, and advertising restrictions. In the US, the situation is more complex due to the federal system: 21 states have legalized recreational use, and 37 states have permitted medical use. Each state has its own regulatory system, which creates complications for business. At the federal level, cannabis remains illegal, causing legal and financial problems for the industry.

Europe

Europe is seeing a gradual movement toward legislation liberalization. The Netherlands has been known for its tolerance policy since 1976, although cannabis is not technically legalized there. Luxembourg and Malta have legalized personal use. Germany is planning full legalization, which could set a precedent for other EU countries. Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, focusing on healthcare instead of criminal prosecution. Spain operates a system of 'cannabis social clubs'.

Latin America

Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize cannabis in 2013. The Uruguayan model includes state regulation of production and distribution, as well as user registration. Mexico has decriminalized personal use and is considering full legalization. Argentina, Chile, and Colombia have legalized medical use. Brazil allows the import of cannabis-based medical products.

Asia and Oceania

Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize medical cannabis in 2018, and then decriminalize its use. South Korea and Malaysia have allowed limited medical use. In Australia, medical cannabis has been legal since 2016, and the Australian Capital Territory has decriminalized personal use. New Zealand held a legalization referendum in 2020, which did not pass, but medical use is allowed.

Economic Aspects

Legalization creates new economic opportunities. In Canada, the cannabis industry has created over 150,000 jobs and generates billions in tax revenue. In the US, the legal cannabis market exceeded $17.5 billion in 2020. Legalization also allows for product quality regulation and consumer protection. Supporting infrastructure is developing: testing laboratories, tracking systems, specialized equipment.

Social Impact

The experience of countries that have legalized cannabis shows a complex picture of social consequences. Fears of a sharp increase in youth consumption have not been confirmed. There is a reduction in law enforcement burden and shrinking of the black market. An important aspect is social justice: many jurisdictions include measures in legislation to address historical injustices related to the war on drugs.

Правовой статус по странам

Канада

Легально

Полностью легально с 2018 года

США

Медицинское

Легально в некоторых штатах, медицинское использование разрешено в большинстве штатов

Нидерланды

Декриминализовано

Декриминализовано, продажа разрешена в кофешопах

Германия

Медицинское

Медицинское использование разрешено с 2017 года

Рыночные тренды

Текущий объем рынка

$55 млрд

Годовой рост

22.3%

Прогноз на 2025

$67 млрд

Comments

Михаил Зеленский
Михаил Зеленский2/15/2025

Отличная статья! Особенно интересен раздел про медицинское применение. Хотелось бы увидеть больше исследований на эту тему.

Анна Волкова
Анна Волкова2/14/2025

Очень подробный анализ текущей ситуации в мире. Интересно было узнать про опыт разных стран в регулировании этой отрасли.

Дмитрий Соколов
Дмитрий Соколов2/13/2025

Как исследователь в области биотехнологий, могу подтвердить точность представленной информации. Хорошая работа!