Cannabis Freedom Index

History

Score changes

Every law or ruling that moved a country's score, newest first: 497 in all. For the full story of each, with context and treaties, see the History. Every change to the site itself, data and text included, is in the changelog.

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DateCountryChangeScore
🇬🇩 GrenadaGrenada legalises possession and home growing11 → 39 +28
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechia legalises possession and home growing29 → 44 +15
🇧🇼 BotswanaBotswana legalises cannabis under licence11 → 12 +1
🇸🇮 SloveniaSlovenia's medical cannabis law takes effect22 → 23 +1
🇦🇼 ArubaAruba raises the cannabis dismissal band from 5 to 30 grams21 → 24 +3
🇹🇻 TuvaluTuvalu introduces minimum prison terms for cannabis offences9 → 6 −3
🇬🇪 GeorgiaGeorgia brings back prison for possessing more than 5 g22 → 16 −6
🇻🇳 VietnamVietnam makes repeat drug use a crime again6 → 5 −1
🇩🇿 AlgeriaAlgeria restores drug death penalties and expands maximum sentences8 → 6 −2
🇹🇭 ThailandThailand goes prescription-only64 → 27 −37
🇺🇬 UgandaUganda's narcotics law comes into force9 → 6 −3
🇧🇾 BelarusBelarus adds shorter custody and supervision options for drug offences3 → 5 +2
🇳🇷 NauruNauru makes prison mandatory for cannabis possession and raises other penalties6 → 0 −6
🇯🇵 JapanJapan makes cannabis use a crime3 → 2 −1
🇯🇪 JerseyJersey lets Centeniers fine people for possessing cannabis16 → 19 +3
🇺🇦 UkraineUkraine legalises medical cannabis22 → 23 +1
🇸🇰 SlovakiaSlovakia cuts sentences for small amounts9 → 11 +2
🇮🇲 Isle of ManAny Isle of Man pharmacy may now apply to dispense medical cannabis12 → 13 +1
🇩🇪 GermanyGerman cultivation associations become legal42 → 44 +2
🇧🇷 BrazilBrazil's Supreme Court decriminalises personal possession15 → 23 +8
🇩🇪 GermanyGermany legalises possession and home growing21 → 42 +21
🇲🇹 MaltaMalta's first cannabis associations open38 → 41 +3
🇪🇨 EcuadorEcuador repeals its personal-use thresholds23 → 18 −5
🇱🇺 LuxembourgLuxembourg legalises home growing20 → 37 +17
🇩🇿 AlgeriaAlgeria lowers personal growing penalties while raising drug fines5 → 8 +3
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Kitts and Nevis activates its medicinal cannabis law32 → 33 +1
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwitzerland starts regulated pilot sales29 → 30 +1
🇻🇮 US Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands sign adult-use cannabis and patient growing into law16 → 33 +17
🇮🇲 Isle of ManIsle of Man opens a local pharmacy pilot for medical cannabis prescriptions11 → 12 +1
🇲🇺 MauritiusMauritius allows medical cannabis and diverts users to treatment6 → 9 +3
🇬🇾 GuyanaGuyana ends jail for small amounts9 → 17 +8
🇳🇷 NauruNauru bars bail for people charged with drug offences8 → 6 −2
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwitzerland lifts its ban on medical cannabis28 → 29 +1
🇨🇮 Côte d'IvoireIvory Coast treats drug use as a health matter9 → 11 +2
🇹🇭 ThailandThailand removes cannabis from its narcotics list7 → 64 +57
🇳🇴 NorwayNorway's Supreme Court ends punishment for addicts12 → 17 +5
🇵🇬 Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea's new controlled-substances regime takes effect11 → 7 −4
🇰🇪 KenyaKenya lowers the penalty for cannabis for personal use1 → 6 +5
🇨🇷 Costa RicaCosta Rica legalises medical cannabis and hemp25 → 26 +1
🇲🇹 MaltaMalta becomes the first EU country to legalise22 → 38 +16
🇰🇬 KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan moves small possession and cultivation to administrative fines13 → 21 +8
🇦🇪 United Arab EmiratesThe UAE reduces penalties for drug offences0 → 2 +2
🇵🇦 PanamaPanama legalises medical cannabis11 → 12 +1
🇱🇨 Saint LuciaSaint Lucia legalises 30 g and home growing11 → 39 +28
🇲🇵 Northern Mariana IslandsNorthern Mariana Islands’ first lounge gives adults a place to use cannabis54 → 55 +1
🇲🇦 MoroccoMorocco legalises cannabis for medical and industrial use12 → 13 +1
🇲🇵 Northern Mariana IslandsNorthern Mariana Islands’ first cannabis shop opens in Saipan48 → 54 +6
🇲🇽 MexicoMexico's Supreme Court strikes down the ban on personal use18 → 26 +8
🇫🇷 FranceFrance begins a medical cannabis experiment13 → 14 +1
🇧🇧 BarbadosBarbados decriminalises 14 g12 → 22 +10
🇰🇲 ComorosThe Comoros adopt a new Penal Code with 10 to 15 years for holding or using narcotics9 → 0 −9
🇲🇽 MexicoMexico issues its medical cannabis regulation17 → 18 +1
🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent's first cannabis pharmacy opens22 → 24 +2
🇮🇪 IrelandIreland lets police caution for cannabis possession12 → 14 +2
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina lets registered patients grow their own20 → 26 +6
🇩🇲 DominicaDominica legalises possession and home growing11 → 39 +28
🇬🇬 GuernseyGuernsey lets islanders import prescribed medical cannabis and GPs prescribe it11 → 13 +2
🇫🇷 FranceFrance introduces a €200 on-the-spot fine11 → 13 +2
🇸🇨 SeychellesSeychelles allows cannabidiol medicines11 → 12 +1
🇬🇭 GhanaGhana treats drug use as a health issue2 → 16 +14
🇳🇿 New ZealandNew Zealand opens its medicinal cannabis scheme18 → 20 +2
🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent's two-ounce reform enters force11 → 22 +11
🏳️ AbkhaziaAbkhazia allows life or death for the most serious drug dealing5 → 1 −4
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Kitts and Nevis raises the limit to 56 g29 → 32 +3
🇹🇹 Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago decriminalises cannabis6 → 39 +33
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly's top court allows minimal home growing23 → 26 +3
🇧🇷 BrazilBrazil allows cannabis products in pharmacies14 → 15 +1
🇷🇸 SerbiaSerbia raises cannabis-growing sentences and punishes large drug stocks11 → 9 −2
🇧🇧 BarbadosBarbados legalises medical and sacramental cannabis11 → 12 +1
🇬🇮 GibraltarGibraltar lets public health doctors supply cannabis-based medicines11 → 12 +1
🇪🇪 EstoniaEpidyolex gains authorisation in Estonia19 → 20 +1
🇪🇨 EcuadorEcuador legalises medical cannabis and hemp22 → 23 +1
🇳🇿 New ZealandNew Zealand tells police to consider health first13 → 18 +5
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and NevisSaint Kitts and Nevis decriminalises after a court ruling11 → 29 +18
🇱🇮 LiechtensteinLiechtenstein authorises cannabis medicines13 → 14 +1
🇮🇪 IrelandIreland starts its Medical Cannabis Access Programme11 → 12 +1
🇱🇹 LithuaniaLithuania allows cannabis-based medicines11 → 12 +1
🇬🇺 GuamGuam legalises adult use of cannabis20 → 43 +23
🇮🇱 IsraelIsrael replaces prosecution with fines20 → 25 +5
🇹🇭 ThailandThailand legalises medical cannabis6 → 7 +1
🇦🇬 Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda passes its Cannabis Act36 → 37 +1
🇰🇬 KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan puts small drug possession under fines and probation rules18 → 13 −5
🇵🇱 PolandThe first medical cannabis reaches Polish pharmacies12 → 14 +2
🇰🇷 South KoreaSouth Korea legalises medical cannabis2 → 3 +1
🇬🇧 United KingdomThe United Kingdom allows medical cannabis14 → 15 +1
🇨🇦 CanadaCanada legalises cannabis nationwide15 → 53 +38
🇲🇵 Northern Mariana IslandsNorthern Mariana Islands legalise adult use, home growing and gifts11 → 48 +37
🇿🇦 South AfricaSouth Africa's top court protects private use and growing11 → 49 +38
🇬🇪 GeorgiaGeorgia's Constitutional Court ends punishment for use19 → 22 +3
🇵🇹 PortugalPortugal legalises medical cannabis24 → 25 +1
🇧🇩 BangladeshBangladesh's new narcotics act sets up to ten years for cannabis and death for harder drugs5 → 3 −2
🇨🇷 Costa RicaCosta Rica's Supreme Court leaves a home-grow acquittal standing22 → 25 +3
🇱🇺 LuxembourgLuxembourg legalises medical cannabis19 → 20 +1
🇲🇹 MaltaMalta legalises medical cannabis21 → 22 +1
🇮🇸 IcelandIceland confirms prescription access to Sativex16 → 17 +1
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica's first licensed herb house opens31 → 35 +4
🇬🇷 GreeceGreece legalises medical cannabis13 → 14 +1
🇦🇬 Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda legalises 15 g and four plants11 → 36 +25
🇩🇰 DenmarkDenmark starts a medical cannabis pilot18 → 20 +2
🇧🇲 BermudaBermuda decriminalises possession of up to 7 g12 → 19 +7
🇵🇾 ParaguayParaguay legalises medical cannabis17 → 18 +1
🇬🇪 GeorgiaGeorgia's Constitutional Court ends criminal penalties for use14 → 19 +5
🇵🇪 PeruPeru legalises medical cannabis20 → 21 +1
🇧🇿 BelizeBelize decriminalises 10 g11 → 25 +14
🇵🇱 PolandPoland legalises medical cannabis from pharmacies11 → 12 +1
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwiss Federal Court: possessing up to 10 g is not punishable23 → 28 +5
🇺🇾 UruguayUruguay's pharmacies start selling cannabis49 → 52 +3
🇮🇶 IraqIraq lowers personal-use sentences and protects people seeking treatment0 → 2 +2
🇹🇳 TunisiaTunisia gives judges discretion in drug cases1 → 3 +2
🇩🇪 GermanyGermany legalises medical cannabis20 → 21 +1
🇲🇴 MacauMacau raises personal-use penalties and exposes larger stocks to prison11 → 9 −2
🇨🇾 CyprusCyprus offers cannabis oil to patients with advanced cancer5 → 6 +1
🇱🇹 LithuaniaLithuania makes any possession a crime17 → 11 −6
🇵🇷 Puerto RicoPuerto Rico’s first medical dispensaries begin serving patients11 → 14 +3
🇰🇾 Cayman IslandsCayman lets doctors prescribe cannabis extracts and tinctures10 → 11 +1
🇺🇸 United StatesFour more US states legalise, including California24 → 34 +10
🇬🇳 GuineaGuinea sets a separate penalty for small personal possession and growing7 → 9 +2
🇯🇴 JordanJordan restores prosecution for first-time drug use8 → 6 −2
🇨🇴 ColombiaColombia legalises medical cannabis38 → 39 +1
🇸🇲 San MarinoSan Marino allows cannabis-based medicines11 → 12 +1
🇲🇰 North MacedoniaNorth Macedonia legalises medical cannabis11 → 12 +1
🏳️ Northern CyprusNorthern Cyprus offers drug users supervised treatment instead of a sentence3 → 8 +5
🇦🇺 AustraliaAustralia legalises medical cannabis19 → 22 +3
🇦🇹 AustriaAustria sends users to the health authority, not court20 → 22 +2
🇨🇱 ChileChile allows cannabis medicines25 → 26 +1
🇬🇪 GeorgiaGeorgia's Constitutional Court rules out prison for 70 g9 → 14 +5
🇭🇷 CroatiaCroatia legalises medical cannabis19 → 20 +1
🇹🇿 TanzaniaTanzania sets at least thirty years for growing cannabis13 → 8 −5
🇨🇴 ColombiaColombia's Supreme Court protects growing up to 20 plants30 → 38 +8
🇪🇸 SpainSpain raises fines for public possession33 → 31 −2
🇴🇲 OmanOman widens the death penalty for drug dealing4 → 2 −2
🇧🇪 BelgiumBelgium permits prescription Sativex24 → 25 +1
🇨🇱 ChileChile's Supreme Court accepts growing for personal use22 → 25 +3
🇲🇹 MaltaMalta stops prosecuting small possession9 → 21 +12
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica decriminalises ganja11 → 31 +20
🇧🇾 BelarusBelarus toughens drug-supply penalties and lowers the prosecution age8 → 3 −5
🇧🇲 BermudaBermuda allows three cannabinoid medicines on prescription11 → 12 +1
🇻🇮 US Virgin IslandsUS Virgin Islands replace jail with a fine for an ounce of cannabis11 → 16 +5
🇬🇲 GambiaGambia gives first-time cannabis offenders a lower penalty scale7 → 9 +2
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly's Constitutional Court strikes down the 2006 drug law18 → 23 +5
🇷🇴 RomaniaRomania lowers the cannabis prison minimum and opens a treatment route9 → 11 +2
🇺🇾 UruguayUruguay becomes the first country to legalise32 → 49 +17
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwitzerland introduces a CHF 100 fine16 → 23 +7
🇸🇮 SloveniaSlovenia reclassifies cannabinoids for medical use21 → 22 +1
🇭🇺 HungaryHungary's new criminal code makes consumption a crime again12 → 10 −2
🇬🇷 GreeceGreece makes personal use a minor offence11 → 13 +2
🇪🇨 EcuadorEcuador sets personal-use thresholds17 → 22 +5
🇯🇴 JordanJordan sends first-time drug users to treatment without prosecution4 → 8 +4
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechia legalises medical cannabis28 → 29 +1
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly legalises medical cannabis17 → 18 +1
🇭🇷 CroatiaCroatia makes personal possession a misdemeanour11 → 19 +8
🇺🇸 United StatesColorado and Washington become the first US states to legalise16 → 24 +8
🇸🇹 São Tomé and PríncipeSão Tomé and Príncipe cuts user penalties and raises trafficking terms7 → 9 +2
🏳️ TransnistriaTransnistria limits the growing crime and adds alternatives to prison8 → 13 +5
🏳️ AbkhaziaAbkhazia sets one to three years for personal drug possession8 → 5 −3
🇦🇹 AustriaAustria opens a narrow prescription-cannabinoid route19 → 20 +1
🇸🇪 SwedenSweden approves a cannabis-based medicine10 → 11 +1
🇵🇱 PolandPoland lets prosecutors drop small cases9 → 11 +2
🇰🇿 KazakhstanKazakhstan makes small-scale possession an administrative offence9 → 14 +5
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechia sets decriminalised amounts20 → 28 +8
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina's Supreme Court protects private use11 → 20 +9
🇲🇽 MexicoMexico stops prosecuting up to 5 g11 → 17 +6
🏳️ AbkhaziaAbkhazia sets six to eight years in prison for cannabis growing10 → 8 −2
🇻🇳 VietnamVietnam stops treating drug use as a crime5 → 6 +1
🇲🇩 MoldovaMoldova's new Contravention Code takes effect with small-possession and use penalties11 → 19 +8
🇬🇧 United KingdomThe United Kingdom moves cannabis back to Class B20 → 14 −6
🇦🇲 ArmeniaArmenia decriminalises drug use11 → 18 +7
🇮🇱 IsraelIsrael sets up its medical cannabis programme17 → 20 +3
🇹🇷 TürkiyeTürkiye allows dismissal of personal-possession cases after treatment and probation9 → 11 +2
🇧🇬 BulgariaBulgaria sets one to six years for possession1 → 8 +7
🇧🇷 BrazilBrazil ends prison for users9 → 14 +5
🇫🇮 FinlandFinland begins granting patient-specific medical cannabis permits13 → 14 +1
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly puts cannabis in the same class as hard drugs21 → 17 −4
🇷🇺 RussiaRussia cuts the decriminalised amount to 6 g15 → 11 −4
🇩🇰 DenmarkDenmark replaces warnings with fines22 → 18 −4
🇧🇬 BulgariaBulgaria abolishes the personal dose12 → 1 −11
🇷🇺 RussiaRussia decriminalises small amounts8 → 15 +7
🇬🇧 United KingdomThe United Kingdom downgrades cannabis to Class C14 → 20 +6
🇨🇾 CyprusCyprus presumes 30 grams or three cannabis plants are for supply7 → 5 −2
🇧🇪 BelgiumBelgium limits police reporting for adult personal cannabis possession17 → 24 +7
🇭🇺 HungaryHungary reopens diversion for all users8 → 12 +4
🇪🇪 EstoniaEstonia makes small amounts a misdemeanour11 → 19 +8
🇨🇷 Costa RicaCosta Rica replaces public drug-use fines with voluntary treatment17 → 22 +5
🇸🇱 Sierra LeoneSierra Leone sets at least 15 years in prison for cannabis offences3 → 2 −1
🇦🇿 AzerbaijanAzerbaijan makes small-scale drug-plant cultivation an administrative offence9 → 14 +5
🇮🇳 IndiaIndia grades drug sentences by quantity11 → 13 +2
🇫🇮 FinlandFinland creates a separate lower-penalty drug-use offence11 → 13 +2
🇨🇦 CanadaCanada opens legal medical access13 → 15 +2
🇲🇱 MaliMali replaces long drug sentences with a lighter personal-use tier5 → 9 +4
🇪🇸 SpainCannabis social clubs take root in Spain30 → 33 +3
🇵🇹 PortugalPortugal decriminalises all drugs11 → 24 +13
🇱🇺 LuxembourgLuxembourg drops prison for simple cannabis use11 → 19 +8
🇵🇱 PolandPoland makes all possession a crime21 → 9 −12
🇧🇫 Burkina FasoBurkina Faso gives small personal supplies and growing a separate penalty3 → 6 +3
🇭🇺 HungaryHungary restricts diversion to addicts12 → 8 −4
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechia makes possession a crime again25 → 20 −5
🇧🇪 BelgiumBelgium gives cannabis possession the lowest priority11 → 17 +6
🇦🇹 AustriaAustria replaces its drug law and retains diversion with a cannabis-specific assessment rule11 → 19 +8
🇲🇬 MadagascarMadagascar distinguishes personal cannabis supplies from trafficking3 → 9 +6
🇵🇱 PolandPoland criminalises possession, with an exception27 → 21 −6
🇮🇩 IndonesiaIndonesia introduces Class I and the death penalty3 → 0 −3
🇻🇳 VietnamVietnam makes drug use a crime6 → 5 −1
🇰🇭 CambodiaCambodia's parliament votes to ban cannabis cultivation100 → 13 −87
🇺🇸 United StatesCalifornia legalises medical cannabis14 → 16 +2
🇳🇱 NetherlandsThe Netherlands cuts the tolerated amount to 5 g39 → 37 −2
🇭🇷 CroatiaCroatia makes possession of drugs a crime19 → 11 −8
🇰🇼 KuwaitKuwait expands death penalties for drug trafficking and repeat offences2 → 0 −2
🇨🇱 ChileChile stops punishing private use11 → 22 +11
🇸🇰 SlovakiaIndependent Slovakia makes possession a crime25 → 9 −16
🇸🇩 SudanSudan replaces its hashish law with a narcotics and psychotropic substances act3 → 5 +2
🇨🇴 ColombiaColombia's Constitutional Court protects the personal dose11 → 30 +19
🇩🇪 GermanyGermany's Constitutional Court limits prosecution of small amounts15 → 20 +5
🇻🇪 VenezuelaVenezuela replaces prison with treatment for a personal dose9 → 14 +5
🇾🇪 YemenYemen's narcotics law provides for the death penalty5 → 2 −3
🇭🇺 HungaryHungary introduces treatment instead of punishment8 → 12 +4
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly votes to decriminalise personal use11 → 21 +10
🇸🇾 SyriaSyria allows the death penalty for drugs8 → 3 −5
🇵🇹 PortugalPortugal softens the penalty for use9 → 11 +2
🇵🇭 PhilippinesThe Philippines creates a compassionate-access permit0 → 1 +1
🇧🇳 BruneiBrunei extends the death penalty to possession of more than 200 grams of cannabis or opium2 → 0 −2
🇿🇦 South AfricaSouth Africa replaces its apartheid-era drug law7 → 11 +4
🇹🇳 TunisiaTunisia's Law 52 makes a year in prison mandatory3 → 1 −2
🇨🇾 CyprusCyprus caps prison at one year for young first-time drug users5 → 7 +2
🇪🇸 SpainSpain starts fining possession and use in public34 → 30 −4
🇲🇴 MacauMacau gives personal possession a fine-only alternative to prison9 → 11 +2
🇵🇪 PeruPeru exempts possession for personal use11 → 20 +9
🇨🇳 ChinaChina names cannabis as a drug and punishes using it16 → 10 −6
🇸🇰 SlovakiaCzechoslovakia's decriminalisation covers Slovakia12 → 25 +13
🇱🇾 LibyaLibya passes its narcotics law4 → 2 −2
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly makes personal use punishable21 → 11 −10
🇬🇭 GhanaGhana's military government passes a drug law with ten-year minimums9 → 2 −7
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechoslovakia stops punishing possession for personal use12 → 25 +13
🇻🇳 VietnamVietnam introduces the death penalty for drug crimes8 → 6 −2
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina criminalises personal possession again22 → 11 −11
🇸🇩 SudanSudan allows death sentences for hashish trafficking after the coup5 → 3 −2
🇧🇩 BangladeshBangladesh bans cannabis outright32 → 5 −27
🇵🇾 ParaguayParaguay exempts 10 g for personal use11 → 17 +6
🇮🇷 IranIran sets the death penalty for hashish8 → 6 −2
🇸🇪 SwedenSweden makes drug use itself a crime11 → 10 −1
🇨🇷 Costa RicaCosta Rica stops treating drug use as a crime11 → 17 +6
🇶🇦 QatarQatar passes its narcotics law100 → 2 −98
🇦🇺 AustraliaSouth Australia starts fining instead of prosecuting11 → 19 +8
🇲🇭 Marshall IslandsMarshall Islands prohibits cannabis under its national narcotics law100 → 11 −89
🇸🇦 Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia authorises death sentences for drug smuggling2 → 0 −2
🇺🇸 United StatesThe United States brings back mandatory minimums16 → 14 −2
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina's Supreme Court first protects personal use11 → 22 +11
🇮🇳 IndiaIndia bans ganja and charas nationwide40 → 11 −29
🇮🇱 IsraelIsrael's attorney general tells police not to arrest first-time users11 → 17 +6
🇨🇳 ChinaChina classes cannabis as a narcotic100 → 16 −84
🇵🇱 PolandPoland passes a drug act that does not punish possession31 → 27 −4
🇩🇿 AlgeriaAlgeria offers treatment without prosecution and narrows drug death penalties1 → 5 +4
🇧🇭 BahrainBahrain introduces death or life imprisonment for drug supply2 → 0 −2
🇲🇱 MaliMali sets long forced-labour sentences for drug use and production14 → 5 −9
🇪🇸 SpainSpain confirms the personal-use exception in its Penal Code11 → 34 +23
🇱🇮 LiechtensteinLiechtenstein passes its narcotics law100 → 13 −87
🇲🇾 MalaysiaMalaysia makes death mandatory for trafficking9 → 2 −7
🇬🇧 United KingdomThe United Kingdom licenses nabilone13 → 14 +1
🇵🇭 PhilippinesThe Philippines makes six years the minimum for marijuana possession2 → 0 −2
🇹🇭 ThailandThailand's Narcotics Act takes effect19 → 6 −13
🇵🇰 PakistanPakistan prohibits cannabis35 → 10 −25
🇰🇲 ComorosThe Comoros ban cannabis again72 → 9 −63
🇧🇳 BruneiBrunei's Misuse of Drugs Act takes effect100 → 2 −98
🇲🇻 MaldivesThe Maldives passes its Law on Drugs100 → 0 −100
🇮🇪 IrelandIreland passes the Misuse of Drugs Act9 → 11 +2
🇧🇷 BrazilBrazil separates users from traffickers again7 → 9 +2
🇳🇵 NepalNepal passes the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act43 → 12 −31
🇮🇩 IndonesiaIndependent Indonesia passes its first narcotics law12 → 3 −9
🇰🇷 South KoreaSouth Korea passes the Cannabis Control Act100 → 2 −98
🇳🇱 NetherlandsThe Netherlands separates cannabis from hard drugs12 → 39 +27
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly stops punishing users for a "modest quantity" of drugs11 → 21 +10
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwitzerland makes consumption an offence18 → 16 −2
🇳🇿 New ZealandNew Zealand passes the Misuse of Drugs Act11 → 13 +2
🇰🇲 ComorosThe Comoros legalise cannabis11 → 72 +61
🇩🇿 AlgeriaAlgeria allows capital punishment under a sweeping drug ordinance5 → 1 −4
🇺🇾 UruguayUruguay stops punishing possession for personal use11 → 32 +21
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina makes personal possession a crime again22 → 11 −11
🇷🇺 RussiaThe Soviet Union makes possession for personal use a crime19 → 8 −11
🇱🇻 LatviaThe USSR tightens its drug law20 → 14 −6
🇧🇾 BelarusSoviet law makes possession for personal use a crime in Belarus19 → 8 −11
🇦🇲 ArmeniaSoviet law makes possession for personal use a crime in Armenia20 → 11 −9
🇲🇲 MyanmarBurma bans cannabis again49 → 4 −45
🇺🇸 United StatesOregon becomes the first US state to decriminalise11 → 16 +5
🇳🇵 NepalNepal closes its legal cannabis shops49 → 43 −6
🇸🇬 SingaporeSingapore's Misuse of Drugs Act takes effect11 → 0 −11
🇬🇧 United KingdomBritain's Misuse of Drugs Act takes effect11 → 13 +2
🇦🇫 AfghanistanAfghanistan renews cannabis prohibition under American pressure7 → 1 −6
🇱🇺 LuxembourgLuxembourg passes its drug law18 → 11 −7
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica drops mandatory prison for ganja2 → 11 +9
🇫🇮 FinlandFinland makes personal use a crime17 → 11 −6
🇵🇭 PhilippinesThe Philippines pass the Dangerous Drugs Act4 → 2 −2
🇩🇪 GermanyWest Germany replaces the Opium Law with the Narcotics Law24 → 15 −9
🇿🇦 South AfricaSouth Africa imposes mandatory prison for dagga11 → 7 −4
🇫🇷 FranceFrance makes private use a crime17 → 11 −6
🇺🇸 United StatesThe United States passes the Controlled Substances Act7 → 11 +4
🇸🇹 São Tomé and PríncipeSão Tomé and Príncipe comes under Portugal’s wider drug ban100 → 7 −93
🇵🇹 PortugalPortugal makes drug use a crime17 → 9 −8
🇵🇬 Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea closes the locally grown marijuana loophole100 → 11 −89
🇮🇸 IcelandIceland bans cannabis100 → 16 −84
🇨🇦 CanadaCanada lets possession be dealt with by a fine11 → 13 +2
🇩🇰 DenmarkDenmark tells police to warn, not prosecute11 → 22 +11
🇧🇷 BrazilBrazil's military government punishes users like traffickers11 → 7 −4
🇻🇳 VietnamSouth Vietnam orders provincial chiefs to stop cannabis cultivation100 → 8 −92
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina exempts possession for personal use11 → 22 +11
🇬🇧 United KingdomBritain gives police the power to stop and search for drugs15 → 11 −4
🇼🇸 SamoaSamoa passes the Narcotics Act100 → 9 −91
🇳🇬 NigeriaNigeria's military government issues the Indian Hemp Decree11 → 3 −8
🇫🇮 FinlandFinland prohibits cannabis100 → 17 −83
🇳🇮 NicaraguaNicaragua makes marihuana a crime against public security100 → 16 −84
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica sets an 18-month minimum for ganja possession9 → 2 −7
🇬🇧 United KingdomBritain makes growing cannabis an offence20 → 15 −5
🇸🇰 SlovakiaCzechoslovakia's criminal code punishes possession in Slovakia20 → 12 −8
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechoslovakia's new criminal code punishes possession20 → 12 −8
🇱🇰 Sri LankaSri Lanka lets Ayurvedic physicians use cannabis8 → 9 +1
🇳🇵 NepalNepal starts taxing and licensing cannabis shops100 → 49 −51
🇨🇦 CanadaCanada passes the Narcotic Control Act9 → 11 +2
🇲🇬 MadagascarMadagascar raises rongony penalties to as much as five years10 → 3 −7
🇰🇼 KuwaitKuwait places Indian hemp under licensed drug controls100 → 2 −98
🇪🇬 EgyptEgypt passes its narcotics law11 → 3 −8
🇮🇷 IranIran declares cannabis illegal100 → 8 −92
🇵🇭 PhilippinesThe Philippines explicitly criminalises marijuana possession and use7 → 4 −3
🇲🇬 MadagascarMadagascar adds penalties for growing and possessing rongony55 → 10 −45
🇺🇸 United StatesThe United States raises penalties again9 → 7 −2
🇲🇦 MoroccoIndependent Morocco bans kif57 → 12 −45
🇩🇰 DenmarkDenmark passes the Euphoriant Substances Act100 → 11 −89
🇹🇼 TaiwanTaiwan makes possession of narcotics a crime100 → 2 −98
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly punishes holding drugs as harshly as selling them13 → 11 −2
🇯🇪 JerseyJersey brings Indian hemp under its dangerous drugs law100 → 16 −84
🇱🇺 LuxembourgLuxembourg makes holding cannabis without a licence an offence100 → 18 −82
🇳🇱 NetherlandsThe Netherlands bans possession of cannabis98 → 12 −86
🇫🇷 FranceFrance bans cannabis as a medicine18 → 17 −1
🇵🇭 PhilippinesThe Philippines adopts its first national marijuana controls100 → 7 −93
🇹🇳 TunisiaTunisia ends legal cannabis sales55 → 3 −52
🇲🇾 MalaysiaMalaya's Dangerous Drugs Ordinance comes into force11 → 9 −2
🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwitzerland puts cannabis under federal narcotics controls100 → 18 −82
🇺🇸 United StatesThe United States introduces mandatory minimum sentences11 → 9 −2
🇱🇸 LesothoBasutoland's drug proclamation is amended13 → 11 −2
🇵🇱 PolandPoland lists cannabis herb as a narcotic43 → 31 −12
🇲🇺 MauritiusMauritius prohibits cannabis again76 → 6 −70
🇽🇰 KosovoYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp14 → 11 −3
🇸🇮 SloveniaYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp24 → 21 −3
🇷🇸 SerbiaYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp14 → 11 −3
🇲🇰 North MacedoniaYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp14 → 11 −3
🇲🇪 MontenegroYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp21 → 18 −3
🇭🇷 CroatiaYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp22 → 19 −3
🇧🇦 Bosnia and HerzegovinaYugoslavia's Narcotic Drugs Act bans growing Indian hemp14 → 11 −3
🇵🇪 PeruPeru makes growing cannabis a trafficking crime100 → 11 −89
🇰🇮 KiribatiThe Gilbert Islands ban cannabis growing, possession and gifts100 → 9 −91
🇹🇻 TuvaluThe Ellice Islands' Dangerous Drugs Ordinance takes effect100 → 9 −91
🇯🇵 JapanJapan passes the Cannabis Control Act100 → 3 −97
🇱🇧 LebanonLebanon passes a law against growing cannabis14 → 11 −3
🇱🇸 LesothoBasutoland's chiefs are ordered to destroy cannabis16 → 13 −3
🇸🇾 SyriaSyria bans growing cannabis100 → 8 −92
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica makes prison mandatory for ganja13 → 9 −4
🇱🇹 LithuaniaSoviet drug law is imposed on Lithuania100 → 17 −83
🇱🇻 LatviaSoviet drug law is imposed on Latvia100 → 20 −80
🇪🇪 EstoniaSoviet drug law is imposed on Estonia100 → 11 −89
🇻🇺 VanuatuThe New Hebrides' Dangerous Drugs regulation takes effect100 → 11 −89
🇲🇹 MaltaMalta passes the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance100 → 9 −91
🇲🇲 MyanmarBurma permits licensed ganja sales to Indians only11 → 49 +38
🇨🇴 ColombiaColombia restricts cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇱🇨 Saint LuciaSaint Lucia passes its Dangerous Drugs Act100 → 11 −89
🇨🇦 CanadaCanada prohibits unlicensed cannabis cultivation32 → 9 −23
🇸🇰 SlovakiaCzechoslovakia's Opium Act covers Slovakia100 → 20 −80
🇨🇿 CzechiaCzechoslovakia passes its Opium Act100 → 20 −80
🇻🇮 US Virgin IslandsThe US Virgin Islands come under the Marihuana Tax Act100 → 11 −89
🇺🇸 United StatesThe United States passes the Marihuana Tax Act22 → 11 −11
🇺🇾 UruguayUruguay puts hashish under a state monopoly100 → 11 −89
🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and NevisSt Kitts and Nevis criminalises cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent passes its Dangerous Drugs Ordinance100 → 11 −89
🇩🇲 DominicaThe Leeward Islands' Dangerous Drugs Act covers Dominica100 → 11 −89
🇻🇬 British Virgin IslandsThe Leeward Islands' Dangerous Drugs Act covers the British Virgin Islands100 → 11 −89
🇦🇬 Antigua and BarbudaThe Leeward Islands' Dangerous Drugs Act covers Antigua100 → 11 −89
🇮🇪 IrelandIreland bans cannabis100 → 9 −91
🇵🇸 PalestineBritish Palestine tightens its drug ordinance against hashish smoking9 → 8 −1
🇲🇼 MalawiNyasaland outlaws growing cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇮🇱 IsraelBritish Palestine tightens its drug ordinance against hashish smoking12 → 11 −1
🇨🇱 ChileChile's Narcotics Regulation requires a prescription100 → 11 −89
🇧🇧 BarbadosBarbados passes its Dangerous Drugs Act100 → 11 −89
🇹🇯 TajikistanTajikistan comes under Soviet restrictions on growing Indian hemp100 → 3 −97
🇰🇬 KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan comes under the Soviet ban on growing Indian hemp100 → 18 −82
🇬🇭 GhanaThe Gold Coast replaces its Dangerous Drugs Ordinance100 → 9 −91
🇹🇭 ThailandSiam publishes its Cannabis Act100 → 19 −81
🇺🇿 UzbekistanThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Uzbekistan100 → 6 −94
🇺🇦 UkraineThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Ukraine100 → 22 −78
🇹🇲 TurkmenistanThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Turkmenistan100 → 2 −98
🏳️ TransnistriaThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Transnistria100 → 8 −92
🇸🇦 Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia enacts its first anti-drug law100 → 2 −98
🇷🇺 RussiaThe Soviet Union bans growing cannabis100 → 19 −81
🇲🇩 MoldovaThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Moldova100 → 11 −89
🇰🇿 KazakhstanThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Kazakhstan100 → 9 −91
🇬🇪 GeorgiaThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Georgia100 → 9 −91
🇧🇾 BelarusThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Belarus100 → 19 −81
🇦🇿 AzerbaijanThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Azerbaijan100 → 9 −91
🇦🇲 ArmeniaThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Armenia100 → 20 −80
🏳️ AbkhaziaThe Soviet ban on growing cannabis covers Abkhazia100 → 10 −90
🇹🇷 TürkiyeTurkey passes its narcotics control law100 → 9 −91
🇮🇶 IraqIraq bans cannabis growing and orders crops uprooted100 → 0 −100
🇬🇹 GuatemalaGuatemala restricts Indian hemp and marihuana100 → 9 −91
🇵🇷 Puerto RicoPuerto Rico approves a law banning cannabis growing and trade100 → 11 −89
🇧🇷 BrazilBrazil bans cannabis nationwide100 → 11 −89
🇸🇪 SwedenSweden punishes unauthorised cannabis possession and bans hashish100 → 11 −89
🇭🇺 HungaryHungary passes its first drug law100 → 8 −92
🇸🇮 SloveniaYugoslavia's criminal code covers Slovenia100 → 24 −76
🇷🇸 SerbiaYugoslavia's criminal code covers Serbia100 → 14 −86
🇲🇰 North MacedoniaYugoslavia's criminal code covers North Macedonia100 → 14 −86
🇲🇪 MontenegroYugoslavia's criminal code covers Montenegro100 → 21 −79
🇽🇰 KosovoYugoslavia's criminal code covers Kosovo100 → 14 −86
🇭🇷 CroatiaYugoslavia's criminal code covers Croatia100 → 22 −78
🇧🇦 Bosnia and HerzegovinaYugoslavia's criminal code covers Bosnia and Herzegovina100 → 14 −86
🇩🇪 GermanyGermany adds cannabis to its Opium Law100 → 24 −76
🇧🇸 BahamasThe Bahamas pass the Dangerous Drugs Act100 → 11 −89
🇨🇷 Costa RicaCosta Rica prohibits marijuana100 → 11 −89
🇬🇧 United KingdomBritain bans cannabis100 → 20 −80
🇷🇴 RomaniaRomania passes a narcotics law100 → 9 −91
🇳🇴 NorwayNorway's Opium Act reaches beyond opium100 → 12 −88
🇧🇿 BelizeBritish Honduras passes its Dangerous Drugs Ordinance100 → 11 −89
🇦🇹 AustriaAustria brings the Geneva Opium Convention into its law100 → 11 −89
🇳🇱 NetherlandsThe Netherlands restricts the cannabis trade100 → 98 −2
🇪🇸 SpainSpain reserves Indian hemp to the state and fines illicit holding100 → 11 −89
🇭🇰 Hong KongHong Kong votes to ban possession of the cannabis plant100 → 7 −93
🇳🇿 New ZealandNew Zealand's Dangerous Drugs Act begins to operate100 → 11 −89
🇳🇬 NigeriaNigeria's first Dangerous Drugs Ordinance restricts cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇮🇩 IndonesiaThe Dutch East Indies ban cannabis100 → 12 −88
🇦🇷 ArgentinaArgentina makes drug possession a crime100 → 11 −89
🇵🇹 PortugalPortugal passes its first drug law100 → 17 −83
🇿🇲 ZambiaNorthern Rhodesia passes its Dangerous Drugs Ordinance100 → 3 −97
🇲🇽 MexicoMexico's Sanitary Code prohibits possession and consumption13 → 11 −2
🇱🇧 LebanonLebanon prohibits hashish100 → 14 −86
🇬🇦 GabonFrance bans cannabis in French Equatorial Africa100 → 9 −91
🇨🇬 CongoFrance bans cannabis in French Equatorial Africa100 → 9 −91
🇹🇩 ChadFrance bans cannabis in French Equatorial Africa100 → 9 −91
🇨🇫 Central African RepublicFrance bans cannabis in French Equatorial Africa100 → 9 −91
🇦🇺 AustraliaAustralia limits cannabis imports to medicine and research100 → 11 −89
🇸🇱 Sierra LeoneSierra Leone bans cannabis growing and possession under colonial drug law100 → 3 −97
🇹🇹 Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago bans ganja49 → 6 −43
🏳️ Northern CyprusBritish Cyprus's Dangerous Drugs Law covers the north of the island100 → 3 −97
🇨🇾 CyprusCyprus passes its Dangerous Drugs Law100 → 5 −95
🇧🇬 BulgariaBulgaria prohibits growing cannabis for resin100 → 12 −88
🇸🇩 SudanSudan replaces its hashish law and keeps medical exceptions100 → 5 −95
🇸🇸 South SudanSudan’s replacement hashish law covers the south and keeps medical use100 → 2 −98
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica makes possessing and smoking ganja a crime37 → 13 −24
🇦🇫 AfghanistanAfghanistan's Penal Code forbids domestic cannabis production and use100 → 7 −93
🇵🇦 PanamaPanama bans cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇵🇱 PolandPoland bans hashish in its first drug law100 → 43 −57
🇨🇦 CanadaCanada places cannabis under its narcotics law100 → 32 −68
🇮🇹 ItalyItaly passes its first drug law100 → 13 −87
🇸🇿 EswatiniSwaziland's Opium and Habit-forming Drugs Act takes effect100 → 11 −89
🇿🇦 South AfricaSouth Africa bans dagga nationwide100 → 11 −89
🇧🇼 BotswanaBechuanaland restricts habit-forming drugs100 → 11 −89
🇱🇸 LesothoBasutoland brings cannabis under its habit-forming drugs law100 → 16 −84
🇧🇪 BelgiumBelgium passes its drug law100 → 11 −89
🇲🇽 MexicoMexico bans marijuana91 → 13 −78
🇵🇸 PalestineBritish military rule in Palestine bans hashish100 → 9 −91
🇮🇱 IsraelBritish military rule in Palestine bans hashish100 → 12 −88
🇩🇿 AlgeriaFrance extends its narcotics controls to colonial Algeria100 → 5 −95
🇸🇳 SenegalFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 9 −91
🇳🇪 NigerFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 9 −91
🇲🇷 MauritaniaFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 3 −97
🇲🇱 MaliFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 14 −86
🇬🇳 GuineaFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 7 −93
🇨🇮 Côte d'IvoireFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 9 −91
🇧🇯 BeninFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 9 −91
🇧🇫 Burkina FasoFrance extends its poisonous substances law to French West Africa100 → 3 −97
🇫🇷 FranceFrance passes its first drug law100 → 18 −82
🇲🇬 MadagascarMadagascar's colonial government bans rongony smoking and sales100 → 55 −45
🇹🇹 Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad puts ganja under licence98 → 49 −49
🇲🇿 MozambiquePortuguese Mozambique brings cannabis under control100 → 11 −89
🇵🇰 PakistanPunjab puts bhang, charas and ganja under excise licence100 → 35 −65
🇰🇪 KenyaThe East Africa Protectorate bans cannabis100 → 1 −99
🇺🇸 United StatesAmerican states begin banning cannabis100 → 22 −78
🇯🇲 JamaicaJamaica passes the Ganja Law100 → 37 −63
🇬🇾 GuyanaBritish Guiana passes the Indian Hemp Ordinance49 → 9 −40
🇦🇴 AngolaPortugal bans cannabis in Angola100 → 11 −89
🇸🇷 SurinameSuriname bans ganja together with opium100 → 9 −91
🇫🇯 FijiFiji bans the import of Indian hemp100 → 13 −87
🇱🇰 Sri LankaCeylon bans growing and possessing cannabis plants49 → 8 −41
🇨🇩 DR CongoThe Congo Free State bans growing and holding cannabis for smoking100 → 9 −91
🇺🇬 UgandaThe Uganda Protectorate bans cannabis100 → 9 −91
🇹🇹 Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad revises its prohibitory ganja regime81 → 98 +17
🇲🇦 MoroccoMorocco's new sultan restores the kif and tobacco monopolies42 → 57 +15
🇲🇽 MexicoMexico places medical cannabis in the pharmacy system100 → 91 −9
🇹🇳 TunisiaTakrouri joins Tunisia's state tobacco monopoly72 → 55 −17
🇬🇷 GreeceGreece’s Interior Ministry seeks local orders against hashish use100 → 11 −89
🇲🇦 MoroccoSultan Hassan I bans tobacco and kif57 → 42 −15
🇹🇹 Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad imposes heavy licence duties on cannabis cultivation100 → 81 −19
🇲🇺 MauritiusMauritius repeals its cannabis prohibition11 → 76 +65
🇸🇨 SeychellesSeychelles bans cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇪🇬 EgyptEgypt prohibits hashish importation and cultivation100 → 11 −89
🇧🇩 BangladeshBengal puts its ganja growers and stores under licence96 → 32 −64
🇹🇳 TunisiaOttoman Tunisia bans growing cannabis100 → 72 −28
🇲🇲 MyanmarBritish India prohibits hemp drugs in Burma100 → 11 −89
🇸🇬 SingaporeThe Straits Settlements regulate bhang through a licensed monopoly100 → 11 −89
🇲🇾 MalaysiaPenang and Malacca come under the Straits bhang monopoly law100 → 11 −89
🇱🇰 Sri LankaCeylon restricts cannabis sales to licensed dealers100 → 49 −51
🇬🇾 GuyanaBritish Guiana regulates the sale of bhang100 → 49 −51
🇲🇺 MauritiusMauritius bans cannabis100 → 11 −89
🇧🇩 BangladeshGanja sellers in Bengal need a licence from the East India Company100 → 96 −4
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