Views on cannabis differ widely around the globe shaped by history, religion, law, and social norms. In some countries, cannabis is viewed as a dangerous drug with no place in society, while in others it is treated as a legitimate therapeutic option or even a sacred ritual. In places like the Netherlands, cannabis has been allowed via pragmatic non-prosecution, allowing coffee shops to sell small amounts despite existing in a legal gray zone. This pragmatic approach reflects a broader societal acceptance of individual autonomy and public health priorities.
In contrast, many countries in the Far East and Gulf regions enforce draconian penalties. In places like Singapore and Saudi Arabia, possession or use of cannabis can lead to exorbitant fines, life imprisonment, or execution. These policies are often rooted in spiritual doctrine coupled with authoritarian governance. In Japan, cannabis is utterly banned, and even negligible levels in herbal remedies can lead to criminal charges, reflecting widespread stigma surrounding cannabis use.
In North America, attitudes have undergone dramatic transformation in the last 20 years. Canada enacted full federal legalization for adult use in 2018, and many U.S. states have followed suit, treating it similarly to alcohol. This change came after years of grassroots campaigns and accumulating peer-reviewed research. Public opinion in the United States now shows majority support for legalization, especially among younger generations.
Latin America is also experiencing a legal revolution. Countries like Uruguay became the first in the world to fully legalize cannabis for recreational use in 2013. Meanwhile, Mexico has decriminalized possession and allowed for regulated cultivation. In these nations, legalization is often linked to weakening drug cartels while rectifying discriminatory prosecution patterns.
In Europe, countries like Germany and Portugal have taken bold initiatives to ease restrictions or permit therapeutic access, while others like France and Sweden remain strictly conservative. In Africa, the picture is mixed. South Africa legalized private cultivation in 2018 based on spiritual traditions. Elsewhere, colonial-era laws still dominate, and authorities crack down aggressively.
Even within countries, cultural practices diverge from official policy. In India, cannabis has been deeply embedded in spiritual and folk remedies, yet federal statutes prohibit all forms. Cannabis-Apotheke in Norwegen parts of the country, bhang—a cannabis-infused drink is served during festivals, illustrating how cultural practices can coexist with legal prohibitions.
Global attitudes are shifting, influenced by peer-reviewed studies, advocacy campaigns, and market forces. As more nations examine clinical benefits while weighing the price of enforcement, cultural perceptions are slowly changing. However, religious dogma and legislative inertia ensure that there is no global consensus. What is permitted in a capital city is forbidden in a rural province, reminding us that its legacy is shaped more by human belief than by pharmacology.
