Green Light: Exploring the Nations Embracing Cannabis Legalization
Since 2018, a significant shift in attitudes toward medical cannabis worldwide has been detected. Plenty of countries have already taken steps to make legal cannabis use for medical purposes. This trend can be explained by growing recognition of the possible advantages of cannabis, both from a medical point of view and as a great chance for economic growth. Keep on reading this post to get to know more about countries that have embraced cannabis justification.
Top-5 Countries With Legalized Use Of Medical Marijuana
As of 2023, many countries have already decriminalized the use of medical cannabis. We have selected the top 5 of the most popular countries where recreational marijuana is officially allowed now. Please, find the details below.
The United States
As of 2023, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the USA. However, 37 states have already legalized the use of medical marijuana for people over 21 to varying degrees. These are Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Mexico, Utah, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Delaware, Hawaii, Virginia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Alaska, Mississippi, New Jersey, Missouri, West Virginia Nevada, Washington, Florida, New York, California, North Dakota, Ohio, Montana, Oregon, Alabama, South Dakota, Vermont, and Oklahoma. The legalization led to criminal justice reforms, with many states expunging prior cannabis-related convictions.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has already adopted a unique approach to cannabis known as decriminalization. The government of this country allows the sale and use of small amounts of cannabis in particular coffee shops. The country’s approach aims to separate the cannabis market from harder drugs and focuses on harm reduction. Alongside this, cannabis production remains illegal, which generally leads to some contradictions in the system.
Germany
In 2017, Germany officially legalized medical cannabis. Now, patients can purchase medical marijuana through a prescription only. It has increased patient access to marijuana-based medicines and created opportunities for further research of this natural remedy’s properties. In 2023, Germany keeps on importing cannabis from other countries to meet the demand, which creates great economic opportunities for international suppliers.
Canada
In 2018, after numerous months of intense debate and controversy, the government of Canada finally legalized the official use of recreational cannabis for medical purposes in all provinces and territories. As a result, thousands of new jobs were created, and the country received billions of CAD in revenue. Canada’s approach includes strict regulations and licensing requirements to ensure product quality.
Mexico
At the beginning of 2021, the Mexican government officially allowed its citizens to purchase and consume recreational marijuana. Owing to this important step, drug-related violence and the overall level of organized crime have significantly reduced since that time. Currently, the Mexican government aims to control the entire cannabis supply chain from cultivation to retail to guarantee public safety. The legalization has already generated significant tax revenue for the country.
Cannabis Legalization in Great Britain
As of 2023, cannabis is classified as a Class B drug in Great Britain under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Therefore, it is illegal to possess, cultivate, and distribute cannabis in the UK with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
The topic of cannabis legalization has been a subject of debate in both political and academic circles in Great Britain. Some politicians argue that legalizing cannabis could generate tax revenue, create jobs, and decrease the load on the criminal justice system. Others are concerned about potential health risks, increased drug use, and negative social consequences connected with marijuana legalization. However, some political parties, including Liberal Democrats, have included the legalization of cannabis in the main slogans of their election campaigns
Alongside this, in 2018, Great Britain legalized the use of medical marihuana under strict regulations. It is available only for sick people with rare diseases. Hence, medical cannabis can be prescribed by doctors for patients with certain conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, etc.
The prescription of medical cannabis is limited and requires stringent criteria to be met, which leads to limited access for patients. Currently, the UK government has made efforts to streamline the prescription process and improve patient access to medical cannabis. Alongside this, public opinion regarding cannabis legalization in Great Britain has been changing recently. According to numerous surveys, a majority of the British population supports the legalization of all sorts of marijuana for medical purposes.
Amnesia Weed in the UK
Amnesia Haze or Amnesia Weed in the UK is a popular cannabis strain that has recently gained recognition for its potent effects and unique aroma profile. The main characteristics of Amnesia weed are:
- It is a sativa-dominant strain known for its high THC content and inspiring effects.
- It is famous for its citrusy aroma, which is accompanied by lemon notes.
- The buds of Amnesia Weed are classically dense, covered in trichomes, and have a vibrant green color.
- Amnesia weed is known for its great effects on enhancing creativity and euphoria.
- Patients in the UK purchase this strain for its potential to lessen depression.
Why does weed make your eyes red? Many people regularly try to find a correct answer to this question while consuming Amnesia Weed. Red eyes have been studied to be one of the most widespread side effects when people consume various sorts of medical cannabis. It happens owing to the main active compound in marijuana, THC, which actively interacts with the body’s systems. In particular, it affects the blood vessels in the eyes and, therefore, causes them to dilate. It immediately increases blood flow to the eyes and makes them look red. Moreover, it should be noted that while red eyes are a common side effect of marijuana use, they are generally harmless.
Conclusion
The nations embracing cannabis legalization are currently experiencing various economic, social, and health impacts. Hundreds of thousands of sick people suffering from various diseases have already received relief from their pain thanks to the legalization of medical marijuana. Moreover, you should keep in mind that each country has its exceptional approach to medical cannabis consumption. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between regulation and individual freedoms to ensure the responsible use of medical cannabis.