The next countries likely to legalize cannabis in 2018

As far as cannabis is concerned, the trend was to ban it since the American Prohibition of the 1930s. In 2000, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize the use of all drugs, considering drug users as potential patients rather than potential offenders. In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize cannabis. 2012 saw the first US states do the same. Today, 9 US states have legalized the adult use of cannabis, 31 the medical use, and 37 countries around the world have some form of access to legal cannabis for the sick.

Who could be the next countries to join Canada, Uruguay and certain American states?

South America

South America was the first continent to see full legalization of cannabis, with Uruguay deciding in 2013 to eradicate the black market by establishing a state-controlled market supplying cannabis at 1$30 per gram.

Other countries, such as Mexico, the Colombia, the Peru and Paraguay have already legalized medical cannabis. South America is a major producer of cannabis, thanks to its suitable climate and proximity to North America, one of the world's biggest markets for illicit substances. The cannabis industry has thrived illegally, but plans are now underway to make it a reality. investments such as that of giant Canopy Growth in Colombia, point to a more general opening.

Next countries: Mexico and Colombia.

Africa

Africa is one of the world's biggest exporters of illegal cannabis, with Morocco the world's largest hashish producer. Some countries, such as Lesotho, the Zimbabwe or the’South Africa have already begun to change the law, allowing certain forms of access to cannabis.

With cannabis cultivation well integrated in most of Africa, it is highly likely that legislation will progress in line with foreign investment, as is the case in Latin America. Africa could clearly benefit from the formalization of its cannabis production, which could lead to a better distribution of an enormous hoard that currently benefits mainly the black market and those who enable it.

Next country: South Africa.

Oceania

On the other side of the world, the law is also moving forward. Thailand recently legalized cannabis for therapeutic use, after recognizing its benefits in cases of epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis. On the recreational side, the country is better known for its violent repressive policy towards drugs, traffickers and consumers.

In New Zealand, a proposed law The government's proposal to legalize medical cannabis could be put to the vote in an upcoming referendum.

In Australia, the Green Party has proposed legislation to legalize cannabis, this time for recreational use. Australia had already legalized the medical use of cannabis, but the Green Party believes that this is not enough, that prohibition does «more harm than good» and that adults should be given the choice to consume freely.

Next countries: New Zealand and Australia

Europe

Most of Europe has now legalized, decriminalized or decriminalized cannabis use, with the exception of France.

The Portugal decided this year to legalize medical cannabis, even though it has been legal since March 2017 in Germany.

It is likely that Great Britain to make its laws evolve rapidly. It is already a producer of medical cannabis, even though it is not legal there, many Cannabis Clubs operate undisturbed and more often than not with the blessing of local law enforcement, and recent cases of epileptic children being treated with cannabis have had a great impact on public opinion.

Next countries: Germany, Malta and Greece