Map of countries where recreational cannabis use is allowed as of April 2024.
Germany recently became the third European Union country to legalize cannabis for personal use, following Malta and Luxembourg.
In total, only nine countries have legalized recreational cannabis use.
In the U.S., recreational use is allowed in 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia.
In Australia, cannabis can be used legally in the Australian Capital Territory, which includes the capital Canberra.
Country | Effective date | Licensed sales since |
---|---|---|
Uruguay | December 2013 | July 2017 |
Georgia | 30 July 2018 | Never authorized |
South Africa | 18 September 2018 | Never authorized |
Canada | 17 October 2018 | 17 October 2018 |
Mexico | 28 June 2021 | Never authorized |
Malta | 14 December 2021 | Never authorized |
Thailand | 9 June 2022 | 9 June 2022 |
Luxembourg | 21 July 2023 | Never authorized |
Germany | 1 April 2024 | Never authorized |
U.S.* | Varies depending on state | Varies depending on state |
Australia** | 31 January 2020 | Never authorized |
* Only 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia | ||
**Only the Australian Capital Territory, which includes the capital Canberra |