How The World Views Cannabis Today
Attitudes toward cannabis vary dramatically across the world shaped by historical context, spiritual beliefs, governmental policies, and societal expectations. In some countries, cannabis is viewed as a taboo intoxicant incompatible with modern life, while in others it is treated as a medicinal tool or even a sacred ritual. In places like the Netherlands, cannabis has been tolerated for decades under a policy of non-enforcement, allowing coffee shops to sell small amounts despite still violating national statutes. This pragmatic approach reflects a broader societal acceptance of personal freedom and harm reduction.
In contrast, many countries in Asia and the Middle East enforce severe punitive measures. 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 religious beliefs and a strong emphasis on social order. In Japan, cannabis is completely outlawed, and even negligible levels in herbal remedies can lead to criminal charges, reflecting profound societal aversion to psychoactive substances.
In North America, attitudes have evolved dramatically since the early 2000s. Canada legalized recreational cannabis nationwide in 2018, and many U.S. states have adopted similar legislation, treating it as a controlled but legal commodity. This change came after persistent advocacy and mounting clinical validation. Public opinion in the United States now shows overwhelming approval for decriminalization, especially among younger generations.
Latin America is also seeing change. Countries like Uruguay became the first nation to establish a state-regulated recreational market. Meanwhile, Mexico has removed criminal penalties for personal use and sanctioned controlled farming. In these nations, legalization is often linked to curbing organized crime and correcting systemic inequities in policing.
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 reluctant to shift policy. In Africa, the picture is mixed. South Africa recognized constitutional rights to use Carte des pays où le cannabis est légalisé for Rastafarian practices. Elsewhere, outdated British-imposed statutes remain in force, and enforcement remains harsh.
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. In parts of the country, bhang—a cannabis-infused drink is consumed in ceremonial contexts, illustrating how cultural practices can coexist with legal prohibitions.
Global attitudes are changing, influenced by peer-reviewed studies, advocacy campaigns, and market forces. As more nations investigate therapeutic applications and reassess prohibition’s societal toll, cultural perceptions are gradually shifting. However, religious dogma and legislative inertia ensure that the path forward is not uniform. 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.