Top 10 Weirdest Cannabis Laws from Around the Globe

Cannabis laws can be a maze of confusion at the best of times, but some countries take it to a whole new level of weird. From peculiar possession limits to odd consumption rules, we've scoured the globe to bring you the strangest cannabis laws out there. Buckle up, because this legal trip is about to get weird!

1. North Korea: The "Maybe It's Legal" Conundrum

Believe it or not, North Korea is often cited as a place where cannabis is legal. The truth? It's complicated. While cannabis is not explicitly illegal, and tourists have reported seeing locals freely smoking it, the country officially denies that cannabis is legal or used. It's Schrödinger's cannabis law simultaneously legal and illegal until you try to observe it.

2. Spain: The Cannabis Club Loophole

In Spain, cannabis is technically illegal, but personal use in private spaces is decriminalised. This has led to the rise of "cannabis clubs" – private members-only spaces where people can consume cannabis. The catch? You need to be invited by a member and cannabis can't be sold, only "shared."

3. Australia: The "Grow Two Plants, No More, No Less" Rule

In the Australian Capital Territory, it's legal for adults to grow up to two cannabis plants per person, with a maximum of four plants per household. Why two? Who knows! But if you're caught with three plants, you're breaking the law.

4. Uruguay: The Pharmacy Pickup

Uruguay was the first country to fully legalise cannabis, but with a twist. Residents can buy cannabis, but only from registered pharmacies, and they're limited to 40 grams per month. 

5. The Netherlands: The "Back Door Problem"

While the Netherlands is famous for its cannabis coffeeshops, the supply side is still illegal. This creates the "back door problem" where coffeeshops can legally sell cannabis, but can't legally obtain it. 

6. Canada: The "No Mascots" Rule

When Canada legalised cannabis, they set strict rules on advertising. One bizarre stipulation? Cannabis companies can't use mascots or characters to promote their products. So, no Joe Camel equivalent for joints. 

7. South Africa: The "Privacy" Clause

In South Africa, it's legal to grow and use cannabis, but only in private. The catch? The law doesn't define what "private" means. Your bedroom? Probably. Your backyard? Maybe. A private beach? No one knows!

8. Japan: The "You Can't Come Back" Law

Japan has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the world. Not only is it illegal in Japan, but Japanese citizens can be prosecuted for using cannabis in other countries where it's legal. 

9. Colombia: The "Personal Dose" Puzzle

Colombia allows possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis for personal use. However, you can only carry up to 1 gram at a time. 

10. Thailand: The "Don't Smoke in Public" Paradox

In 2022, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalise cannabis, making it legal to cultivate and consume. However, there's a catch: smoking cannabis in public can result in a 25,000 baht fine and a 3-month prison sentence. So while you can openly buy cannabis products and even see cannabis cafes, lighting up on the street is a big no-no.

To Conclude 

From North Korea's maybe-it-is, maybe-it-isn't approach to Australia's only two plants, cannabis laws around the world can be downright bizarre. While these weird laws can be amusing, they also highlight the complex and often contradictory approaches to cannabis regulation globally.

If you want to find out why cannabis is illegal check this out!