With Amsterdam reducing the number of coffee-shops, these countries could soon become must-see destinations for stoners
After decades as a leader in cannabis tourism, the Dutch government is seeking to once again reduce the number of coffee shops in the city of Amsterdam, a hotspot for cannabis. The aim is to continue serving the local market, but to curb the 57% of tourists who often put coffeeshops at the top of their list of things to do when traveling to the Netherlands.
With the weed boom around the world, Amsterdam is no longer the only option for 420-year-old travelers. Here are 12 countries that may soon replace Amsterdam as a tourist destination for traveling tokers.
Canada
Possession is legal? Yes. Legal to purchase? Yes.
In Canada, consumption is completely legal, but you have to remember that the 13 provinces and territories have their own laws.
Before legalization there were lounges in Vancouver and Toronto that allowed you to enjoy a joint indoors, but now in many provinces you can spark anywhere you can smoke a cigarette.
Regulations make salons hard to find, but some cities offer tours tours and cannabis-friendly options, such as HiBnB.
Luxembourg
Possession is legal? Yes. Legal to purchase? Yes.
Luxembourg is the first European country to legalize, allowing the purchase and sale of personally cultivated cannabis across the country.
Although Luxembourg's plan is not focused on tourism, it does not exclude foreigners from the possibility of buying. This means that you are free to consume before exploring this picturesque country.
South Africa
Possession is legal? Yes, in private. Legal to purchase? No.
After a 92-year ban, dagga, an Afrikaans term for the plant, became legal for private use and cultivation by adults in 2018. For now, it is still illegal to sell, buy or sell. to consume in public and in front of children.
According to Sibusiso Xaba of the Africa Cannabis Advisory Group, cannabis use is rampant in the country. “There are many illegal dispensaries all over the country,” Xaba said. “It is relatively easy to find cannabis in South Africa. The Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal are home to famous native strains, most notably the world famous cultivar Durban Poison. "
The private cannabis bill is still being debated and amended in the courts, but supporters of the law are confident that the country will soon develop a legal market.
Morocco
Possession is legal? No. Legal to purchase? No.
Earlier this year, the Moroccan government approved the cultivation and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, but there is still no law on recreational consumption.
Morocco is already one of the world's leading exporters of illicit cannabis. Almost a million citizens live in northern communities where cannabis is the main economic driver. In Ketama, located in the northern Rif mountains, the plant has been cultivated and smoked openly for generations despite prohibition.
Mexico
Possession is legal? Yes. Legal to purchase? No.
Mexico's Supreme Court struck down cannabis prohibition earlier this year, and many of its top policy makers continue to push for new regulations that would allow weed to be sold in stores. Even though the ink of legalization hasn't dried yet, you are still free to smoke in most places.
The Mexican weed scene has changed rapidly since possession of small amounts of marijuana was first decriminalized in 2009, and continued until 2017, when medicine was legalized.
With a population of nearly 130 million, Mexico could pressure the United States to end federal prohibition before its neighbor to the south takes over as the world leader in weed.
Uruguay
Possession is legal? Yes. Legal purchase? Not yet for tourists.
Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize in 2013. Now consumers are allowed to purchase up to 40 grams per month from pharmacies licensed for adult use. These purchases are recorded and controlled on a government database.
Tourists are allowed to smoke if they are given cannabis as a gift, but officials are currently working on a way to allow visitors to buy in the legal market in a bid to keep tourists away from the country's illicit sellers.
Jamaica
Legal possession? Yes. Legal purchase? Yes (with a medical card).
From reggae music to Rastafarian culture, Jamaica has influenced the world view on cannabis for generations.
In 2015, the plant was finally decriminalized for possession throughout Jamaica. Today, possession of less than 56,6 grams without a prescription results in a fine of J $ 500 (approximately US $ 5).
Citizens have the right to own up to five personal cannabis plants in their homes, and use is permitted for medical, therapeutic or religious reasons.
If you have a medical card issued by your doctor, dispensaries and Jamaican authorities will validate it. If you do not have one, the doctors at the Jamaica Ministry of Health will be more reluctant and will not be inclined to grant you a medical card as a visitor.
Georgia
Legal possession? Yes. Legal purchase? No.
In 2018, Georgia took a radical turn from strict prohibition laws when the territory of the former Soviet Union legalized medical and recreational use.
Smoking in public is still prohibited, but a visit to Georgia is bound to be a unique experience for tokers traveling in the region.
Greece
Possession is legal? No. Legal to buy? No.
In the 1980s, Greece passed laws that punished possession of cannabis more severely than heroin, with the misguided aim of treating heroin addicts as patients and not as criminals.
Greece has come a long way since then, moving weed from Table A to Table B and legalizing medical use in 2021.
The government can still sue sellers and consumers, but law enforcement is scarce. If you are caught with a small personal amount, you can receive up to five months in prison.
As the laws continue to evolve, this country may soon become the perfect Mediterranean destination for Mary Jane lovers.
Lesotho
Legal possession? No. Legal purchase? No.
Lesotho was the first African nation to legalize the production of medicinal cannabis in 2017.
The country has obtained an EU license to export cannabis flower, oil and extracts as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Cultivation is widespread in the country, although possession and consumption of cannabis is still illegal.
With cannabis giving a major boost to the country's economy, it should only be a matter of time before the plant becomes more accessible.
Thailand
Possession is legal? No. Legal to purchase? No.
Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical marijuana in 2018. But recreational use remains prohibited.
The government recently allowed Thai families to grow up to six plants at home, but not for personal use. All flowers and seeds produced by home growing must be sent to the state's official medical marijuana establishments, which pay home growers seeking to supplement their income.
Weed remains banned in most countries in Southeast Asia, including some where cannabis-related crimes carry the death penalty.
Fingers crossed, Thailand's advancements could give rise to some magnificent sights and vibes for the region's traveling smokers soon.
Pakistan
Possession is legal? No. Legal to purchase? No.
Pakistan has a long history with cannabis, as does its neighbor, India.
The plant is well documented in ancient Hindu and Sufi texts. And the Sufis still use the plant for religious worship, helping with relaxation and open-mindedness.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the famous Pakistani hashish made the country a must-see for travelers on the “hippie route”. This is why many popular strains can be attributed to this region (Hindu Kush, for example).
The US War on Drugs has prompted the Pakistani government to institute tough laws and cruel punishments for cannabis use, despite the boom in illicit markets. Thus, Pakistan has joined Singapore, Turkey, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan on the long list of anti-cannabis nations in Asia.
Fortunately, the last decade has seen impressive growth. Pakistani authorities hope to legalize hemp soon and are currently researching the science of the plant.
Hopefully tourists will soon be able to legally enjoy the region's legendary purple and gray native plants, which are known to reach incredible heights.
