The different ways of obtaining cannabis abroad

France not being a paradise for cannabis consumers, they are often forced to tickle their cannabinoid receptors in countries where the law either regulates cannabis more, or is more lenient towards users. The cultivation and sale of cannabis remain most frequently prohibited, but consumption in private and possession of a limited quantity is authorized in many countries today.

In the United States

In the United States, recreational cannabis is legal in nine U.S. states (but not yet implemented in 9): Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Washington State, Maine, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Oregon. The prevailing system is that of dispensaries. Tourists are sometimes allowed to enter and purchase their weed, for example, 7 grams per day in Oregon, compared to 28 grams for locals.

«Pass the blunt, dude»

«The Family Joint,» a coffee shop based in Colorado Springs

In Denver Since the legalization of recreational cannabis, Colorado has welcomed consumers from all over the world. The «Denver Cannabis Tour» is often fully booked and offers a genuine tourist route for marijuana smokers. Numerous coffee shops will be there to welcome you. One neighborhood is nicknamed «Little Amsterdam» where you can find coffee shops as well as many boutiques selling cannabis-themed merchandise, and restaurants with weed-based dishes. In Oregon, dispensaries are also abundant. As of today, there are even more of them than Starbucks or McDonald's! Portland, the cultivation of cannabis is very important. And for good reason, it was the first American city to host a cannabis dispensary. Every year in September, the Festival of Hempstalk, in homage to Marie-Jeanne.

In Canada

In Canada, cannabis is still illegal, but the government of Justin Trudeau should legalize cannabis from July 1, 2018. However, A Vancouver (British Columbia), cannabis dispensaries are already established, and it's not uncommon to see people smoking in the parks and on the beaches of this Canadian capital of the cannabis legalization movement. Some restaurants cook or serve cannabis-based cocktails and dishes.

In Jamaica

«You're in Jamaica: C'mon and smile!» The homeland of the famous singer and ganja smoker Bob Marley decriminalized cannabis in 2015. And cannabis is very accessible there: You need 20$ to get 50 grams with variable quality at that price. Jamaica has always had a reputation for being a laid-back country covered in fields full of cannabis plants. If you can't find anyone openly selling cannabis, you can always ask, «I'm looking for some Dingki dough.».

Pass me a lighter so I can light up my joint.

Jamaica had plans to open cannabis kiosks at the airport, a project that has not yet seen the light of day.

In the Netherlands

Obviously, the most well-known city for obtaining cannabis is’Amsterdam. Enjoying a joint, strolling along the canals, visiting museums, and admiring the architecture remains the favorite activity of all European consumers. While the sale of cannabis to tourists has been called into question in recent years, it is still legal for foreigners to enter one of the numerous city coffee shops.

Read more: Amsterdam Getaway: Our Coffee Shop Picks

In Belgium

Cannabis is illegal in Belgium, although its consumption was decriminalized in 2003. Belgians can grow one cannabis plant per person, which leaves room for emergencies.

In Spain

A Cannabis Social Club in Barcelona

In Spain, smoking cannabis is tolerated in the private sphere but its consumption is not the subject of legal action. To obtain cannabis, consumers often resort to Cannabis Social Clubs, registered, non-profit associations, composed of adult individuals who pool their expertise to manage the production and distribution of limited quantities of cannabis among their members. Barcelona nearly half of all clubs in Spain, and consumers can legally enjoy their favorite weed, as long as it is not consumed in public places.

In Uruguay

Uruguay recently legalized recreational cannabis. It is one of the Countries in the world where cannabis is cheapest €1.20 per gram! To order cannabis: you can easily grow it, buy it at the pharmacy, or join a cannabis club, like in Spain. Any passerby (tourist or resident) strolling peacefully through the streets and cafes of Montevideo The Uruguayan capital allows one to calmly light a joint on the terraces of cafes and restaurants.

In Switzerland

In Switzerland, cannabis is illegal. However, hemp is legal there, and the Swiss have recently sale of "cannabis light" containing less than 11                                 ��, in Swiss kiosks.

In addition, a new proposal has been put in place in Switzerland to legalize personal cannabis use.

In Germany

Cannabis is illegal in Germany, but its consumption is tolerated, even if the consumer obtained it through the black market. However, cannabis-based medicines have been sold in pharmacies since 2011. The cannabis community in Germany is very active and it is a real living culture. Berlin, the famous Hanfparade in honor of cannabis is held every year in August.

Cannabis is widely available and easily accessible in most German cities, particularly cannabis resin from Morocco, India, and Afghanistan. Weed, on the other hand, comes from the Netherlands, but more and more production is being done locally.

In Morocco

Morocco is the second largest producer of cannabis resin in the world after Afghanistan, and the leading global exporter of hashish. However, cannabis is illegal there, even though it can be found on every street corner. Chefchaouen eSt. Louis the pioneering city in cannabis cultivation in Morocco.

In India

India is a country composed mostly of Hindus, who worship Shiva. Varanasi, In a city in northern India, cannabis is revered, and for good reason: Indian legends say that the gods sent hemp out of compassion for the human race, so that it would achieve pleasure, lose its fear, and increase its sexual desire. You can find it easily, even though cannabis is totally illegal in India. The most severe penalties can include prison.

In Nepal

Nepal is a haven for cannabis smokers. Kathmandu, the capital of the country located in the middle of the Himalayas, cannabis is sold on the streets, cheaply. It is very potent and of good quality.

In Nepal, cannabis was legal until the 1970s. But the country's police severely punished consumers at the request of the American government. Today, discretion remains the order of the day, even though cannabis remains a spiritual substance consumed by the country's religious figures.

Read more: Cannabis and religion

Mehdi Bautier