420 Special: Weed Around The World

Whether legal or not, people all over the world are enjoying the sweet comfort of Mary Jane, and have been for thousands of years. While the global cannabis industry isn’t free of its laundry list of problems (partially thanks to the infamous war of drugs), there’s plenty of countries that are fully, if not partially, 4/20 friendly.

So, what’s weed around the world like?

Weed around ze world

Good ol’ stinky, innocent weed is legal, illegal and decriminalized all over the world.

In some countries, you can get seriously locked up. So, if you’re going to smoke in a country where weed is illegal, be smart and aware of the potential consequences. Always, always, exercise caution while you’re traveling, regardless if you’re toking! 

But, if you’re down to blaze it on your travels, then there are plenty of countries that have decriminalized cannabis, or at least highly tolerant it even if it’s illegal. It’s taken a while, but slowly the world is flipping the script on cannabis.

The United States

Let’s just say things are complicated here. Eleven states have fully legalized cannabis while the rest of the country is a mix between medically legal, decriminalized and completely illegal. 

In California, the world of cannabis is flourishing with cannabis cafes, consumption events, and weed tours where you can literally light up on a party bus. Dispensaries are filled with products like cannabis-infused wine, peanut butter, and honey, beauty products, bath bombs, and, really, anything you can imagine.

Canada

Canada is fully, 100 percent legal. So, feel free to hop on over and smoke your lil behind off! While you can’t toke up wherever and whenever you want, you can definitely buy cannabis legally. Cannabis tourism isn’t currently hot in Canada, but it looks like it’s in the works. 

Mexico

Ah, Mexico. A beautiful and wild country.

Apparently, Mexico decriminalized the possession of cannabis of up to five grams, but my friend had quite a different experience. Both fortunately and unfortunately, $100 can often save you from serious trouble. Unfortunately for him, the payment was accepted after spending a night in jail. But, that’s besides the point…

The laws in Mexico are a bit gray and even buying weed can be dodgy. So, exercise caution and keep some pesos on you at all times (but not too many pesos).

Uruguay 

As of 2017, Uruguayan citizens have had the pleasure of buying cannabis recreationally from pharmacies. But, this courtesy is not extended towards tourists. If you want to smoke somethin’, it has to be gifted to you. Luckily, some local cannabis tours can help you out with that problem.

Cambodia

Whether you’re enjoying a “happy” pizza in Siem Reap, or shmokin’ a doobie with your brunch on Koh Rong (Cambodia’s best kept secret that’s probably not a secret anymore), Cambodia is pretty chill on cannabis. As always, exercise caution and don’t get all willy nilly and let your guard down. It’s still ~technically~ illegal, so be careful!

Thailand

The general rule for Thailand is the reggae bars. Generally, any type of red, green and yellow flag, or Bob Marley decor symbolizes that it’s all good to toke up. Being observant can get you far in these situations; if other people are smoking, then the place is weed friendly. Again, this is a general guideline. Usually you have to smoke the house bud, so order from the bar or ask before you light up.

While you can have fun inside the reggae bars, be very careful if you’re taking it off the premises. Cannabis is illegal in Thailand and viewed as a serious crime. Searches by police aren’t uncommon. Same with following travelers once they’ve left the bar.

Amsterdam

The weed-friendly traveler used to flock to Amsterdam for the coffee shops, but that may all change soon. In an effort to crack down on over-tourism, Amsterdam is currently considering banning tourists from entering cannabis coffee shops. If this law passes, then it will definitely be the end of an era for cannabis tourism in Amsterdam. 

But, don’t worry; there’s plenty of places you can visit for a safe and legal cannabis experience, considering cannabis isn’t going away anytime soon. Why, you may ask? For one simple reason: people love weed.