In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 countries with the highest weed consumption. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go directly to Top 20 Countries With The Highest Weed Consumption.
5. Canada
Prevalence of cannabis use among adults: 15.7%
Canada legalized the recreational use of cannabis on October 17, 2018, becoming the second country in the world to do so after Uruguay. The Cannabis Act, which regulates the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis, has had a profound impact on Canadian society.
4. Chile
Prevalence of cannabis use among adults: 16.3%
In Chile, medical cannabis use is legal for those with chronic pain, glaucoma, and other conditions, while personal use of weed is no longer considered a criminal offense following the decriminalization in 2015.
3. United States
Prevalence of cannabis use among adults: 17.4%
The use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for medical and recreational use under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA). However, on a statewide level, policy change is happening, allowing a burgeoning industry to thrive as companies are one by one opting to produce and sell cannabis.
Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana sales in June, bringing 23 US states that opted for the same earlier, reported Reuters. Adult-use cannabis is also legal in the District of Columbia, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
On the medical side, according to the data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, 38 US states opted to enact the cannabis policy change.
2. Jamaica
Prevalence of cannabis use among adults: 18%
Despite common misconception, smoking marijuana, commonly known as ‘ganja,’ is actually against the law in Jamaica. In 2015, the nation took a significant step forward by legalizing medical cannabis and decriminalizing possession of small amounts, marking the end of a lengthy prohibition era. Despite the positive changes introduced through the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2015, law enforcement retained the authority to exercise judgment and determine whether individuals caught with less than two ounces would face penalties.
1. Israel
Prevalence of cannabis use among adults: 27%
Israel has granted legal permission for the medical use of marijuana since the early 1990s, primarily benefiting cancer patients and individuals suffering from pain-related conditions like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients are afforded the option to either smoke marijuana or consume it sublingually through oil.
As attitudes continue to shift, it is expected that more countries will explore new approaches to cannabis use, whether it be for medical or recreational purposes. The evolving landscape of cannabis worldwide highlights the ongoing debates on its potential benefits, risks, regulation, and societal impact.
You can also take a look at 30 Most Populated Black Countries in the World and 20 US Cities with the Highest Rental Vacancy Rates.
