© iStock

Armenia - In Armenia, cannabis grows in the wild. However, all use of the drug is reportedly illegal.

© iStock

Australia -

Cannabis is medically legal at a federal level. Meanwhile, recreational consumption has been decriminalized in certain territories.

© iStock

Brazil - The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes was authorized in 2015. The recreational use of marijuana is not a crime, but it is not allowed. The legislation provides soft penalties for personal use and harsher penalties for trafficking.

© iStock

Canada -

Cannabis is expected to be legalized recreationally by October 17. You’ll be able to use the drug recreationally and grow it for personal consumption.

© iStock

China -

Hemp is grown in China, but cannabis has been illegal since 1985.

© iStock

Colombia - Colombia has a sordid history with drugs. Cannabis has been decriminalized up to 22 grams, but not to sell on.

© iStock

Croatia - Possessing a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor. However, recreational use has been decriminalized.

© iStock

Cuba -

Cannabis is widely considered to be illegal on all fronts.

© iStock

Dominican Republic -

Here, possessing cannabis is a punishable offense. If you’re caught, you could land in prison.

© iStock

France -

Here, cannabis is illegal both recreationally and to grow. However, there are some cannabis-sourced medicines available.

© iStock

Germany -

In Germany, marijuana is legal as long as you have a specific prescription.

© iStock

Indonesia -

Cannabis was banned in 1927. Possession of the drug could land you in prison.

© iStock

Italy -

Medical use is legal here, while possessing a small amount of cannabis is a misdemeanor.

© iStock

Jamaica -

In Jamaica, marijuana is legal to grow (five or fewer plants), and possession of small amounts (up to 2 ounces or 56.6 grams) is considered a petty offense and will not result in a criminal record. Medical marijuana is legal with a prescription, and cannabis can be used by practitioners of the Rastafarian faith for religious purposes.

© iStock

Mexico -

Mexico decriminalized personal use of cannabis back in 2009.

© iStock

Netherlands -

In 1976, the Netherlands decriminalized personal cannabis possession. It’s worth researching the exact laws before taking a trip to Amsterdam.

© iStock

Nigeria - Nigeria is considered a major source of cannabis in West Africa. However, all uses of the drug are considered illegal.

© iStock

Portugal -

In 2001, Portugal broke boundaries and became the first country to decriminalize all drugs. 

© iStock

Russia -

In Russia, cannabis is illegal. However, if you have up to six grams, it isn’t considered a criminal offence.

© iStock

Saudi Arabia -

Saudi Arabia also has some staunch laws against cannabis. You could face prison time for possessing the drug.

© iStock

South Africa - South Africa made strides in September this year. The private use of cannabis has been decriminalized.

© iStock

South Korea -

In 1976, the Cannabis Control Act banned all use of the drug in South Korea.

© iStock

Spain -

Here, recreational use of marijuana is permitted in private. Possession laws differ depending on the autonomous community. There is apparently 800 Cannabis Social Clubs across the country.  

© iStock

Switzerland - Medical use is legal here, and minor possession (less than 10 grams) was decriminalized to a fine back in 2012.

© iStock

Thailand - In Thailand, cannabis is legal if the THC is below 1%. Medical use is legal.

© iStock

Uruguay - José Mujica, former president of Uruguay, changed history when he fully legalized cannabis use in 2013. However, foreigners are forbidden to buy it.

© iStock

United Arab Emirates -

In the UAE, drugs are strictly forbidden. You can not use cannabis in any way.

© iStock

United Kingdom - The UK has recently switched up its cannabis laws. Cannabis-based medicines will be available from November 1, while growing it is allowed with a Home Office cannabis cultivation license.

© iStock

The United States of America -

The land of the free has some complicated cannabis laws. Recreational use is legal in nine states, while medical use is legal in 31 states. However, the drug is illegal at a federal level.

© iStock

Venezuela - Here, cannabis is considered illegal to use recreationally, for medical use, and to grow.

© iStock