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Explainer: Countries that have legalised marijuana

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The money-spinning green herb that arouses mixed debate anywhere in the world is receiving more approval from governments as time goes by.

It is no secret that selling of the most controversial plant on earth generates a lot of revenue.  For instance, ‘ganjapreneurs’ in Washington DC in the US have recorded more than $1 billion in sales revenue since its legalisation nearly five years ago.

However, the medical use of marijuana is getting more nod from medics and chronic ailing patients who view it as a gift that keeps giving. To other extends, other countries are further legalising its recreational use to citizens above 21 years of age.

Those opposing the use of marijuana, including certain scientific studies, argue that weed is the cause of some mental illnesses and drive of immoral and violent behaviours.

Below are the countries that have legalised weed both for medicinal purposes and recreational.

[Read: Mututho: My thoughts on attempt to legalise marijuana in Kenya ]

Countries that have legalised Medicinal Marijuana

Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis and cannabinoids that are prescribed by a doctor to their patients. It has been reported that the green herb can reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, improve appetite in people with HIV/AIDS, and reduce chronic pain and muscle spasms.

Marijuana is used medically in the following countries

Argentina                          Australia                           Bermuda                     Luxembourg

Canada                             Chile                                  Colombia                    Malta

Croatia                              Czech republic                 Denmark                    Netherlands

Finland                             Georgia                               Germany                    New Zealand

Greece                              Israel Italy                          Jamaica                      North Macedonia

Norway                             Peru                                    Poland                        Portugal

San Marino                      South Africa                       Sri Lanka                     Switzerland

Thailand                           United Kingdom                Uruguay                       Vanuatu

Zimbabwe                        United States

 

[See also: Where mothers use bhang smoke and juice to treat children ]

Countries that have decriminalized  the recreation use of marijuana

The capacity of how many ounces a person should have in a day varies. Same applies to the amount of weed grown. In most countries, recreational weed should not be individually sold or exchanged for money.

Below are the countries that have decriminalized the use of recreational weed.

Antigua and Barbuda          Argentina                     Australia               Austria

Belgium                                Belize                          Bermuda              Bolivia

Brazil                                    Chile                            Colombia            Costa Rica

Croatia                                 Czech Republic          Ecuador              Estonia

Georgia                               Germany                      Israel                   Italy

Jamaica                              Luxembourg                Malta                  Mexico

Moldova                              Netherlands                Paraguay            Peru

Portugal                              Slovenia                      Spain                Switzerland

United States                      North Korea

 

[Read: Overseas pharmacies battle for Uganda’s medical Marijuana ]

Countries where marijuana is illegal but often unenforced

Vietnam .               Thailand                 Poland                 Pakistan            Netherlands

Myanmar                Morocco                Lesotho              Iran                    Iran

Laos                       India                      Germany               Finland             Egypt 

Cambodia              Bangladesh

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by
Brenda Gamonde -

Brenda Gamonde is reporter with Business Today. Email: [email protected]

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