It’s generally considered that the world is getting friendlier towards cannabis. Yet, the legal landscape is super varied which is an issue for any cannabis enthusiast traveling abroad. Below, we’ll review the seven biggest cannabis-friendly countries and the key details travelers should know about them.
7 Biggest Countries Friendly to Cannabis Travelers
1) Canada
Recreational cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2018. Adults today can buy and use marijuana. Each province has its regulations; the legal age can vary between 18 and 21. You’ll find many licensed dispensaries, especially in Toronto and Vancouver.
The safest option is to buy it from regulated stores only (packaging is discreet here). You can use cannabis in most public places but not in federal lands such as national parks (it’s still illegal here).
A quick tip for travelers: You can fly with cannabis across the USA — check the rules for flying with edibles though — and you are allowed to travel with it between Canadian destinations. BUT, you can’t take cannabis out of the country or enter the country with it.
2) Uruguay
Uruguay was the first country to legalize recreational cannabis. They did it in 2013 (five years earlier than Canada)! However, it doesn’t mean the country openly promotes marijuana tourism. They don’t. Only residents can legally buy cannabis. Travelers can enjoy it privately (unless they buy it from illegal sources — in that case, even private use is unlawful).
A quick tip for travelers: You can’t bring edibles with you from the USA. The safest option is thus to ask a local friend to share it with you.
3) Jamaica
In 2015, Jamaica decriminalized the possession of marijuana. The allowed quantity is up to two ounces. In contrast to Uruguay, it’s legal for both locals and visitors. The island is also home to medical cannabis facilities (many of these offer educational tours).
A quick tip for travelers: Yes, marijuana is decriminalized but, technically, it’s not legal for recreational purposes outside of religious use. It’s not that you are likely to have any legal troubles because of that but it’s just worth knowing it.
4) The Netherlands
The Netherlands (at least, Amsterdam) is traditionally thought to have a rich cannabis culture and so many people think recreational cannabis is legal here. This isn’t exactly so. Rather, it’s decriminalized and the law isn’t enforced to its sale in coffee shops. The safest thing to do is to use cannabis in Amsterdam and to stick to coffee shops. Smoking in public is usually fine here, too.
A quick tip for travelers: If you buy cannabis in Amsterdam, you’ll need to use it there. That is, you cannot take it with you when leaving the country.
5) Mexico
In 2021, Mexico decriminalized cannabis for personal use. Its residents are now allowed to possess it (up to 28 grams). The laws around cannabis sales are still changing a bit. Places where you can publicly use it are limited (but it’s easy to find discreet spots).
A quick tip for travelers: Technically, it’s legal to sell recreational cannabis. But the regulations aren’t yet 100% consistent so it’s best to be cautious (as always).
6) Germany
Germany is the third European Union country that legalized cannabis for personal use. Anyone who is 18 or more can possess cannabis (up to 25 grams). They can also grow up to three plants at home.
A quick tip for travelers: You can use cannabis in special clubs and privately but not in public. Don’t try to transport it across borders either.
7) Thailand
When Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize the use of cannabis leaves in 2021 (and the whole plant in 2022), everyone was… well, a bit shocked. Now, you can buy it for medical and personal use (most dispensaries are in Bangkok and Chiang Mai).
A quick tip for travelers: Dispensaries are the safest place to buy cannabis from and it’s best to use it privately.
Conclusion
All in all, the key aspect to keep in mind is that you can’t take edibles on international flights. This is illegal even if you are traveling between countries where its use is decriminalized. Besides, there are states that tolerate cannabis use but that doesn’t mean it’s been legalized there (e.g., the Netherlands). And finally, it’s always safer to stick with specialized shops (e.g., dispensaries in Thailand) and avoid using cannabis in public unless you are 100% sure it’s legal.