Netherlands: The situation around hemp in the Netherlands is unique. While the cultivation, sale, and possession of a small amount of hemp for personal use were decriminalized, there were still some legal ambiguities. Coffeeshops selling small amounts of hemp were tolerated as long as they adhered to certain rules. However, larger quantities and cultivation of hemp for distribution remained illegal.
Legal Countries: Apart from the Netherlands, hemp had been legalized or decriminalized in several other countries as of my last updated data point:
- Canada: Canada legalized recreational hemp use in 2018. Individuals over 18 years old can legally purchase, possess, and use limited amounts of hemp.
- Uruguay: Hemp was legalized in Uruguay back in 2013. Citizens can grow, purchase, and use hemp under certain conditions.
- United States: Recreational hemp use has been legalized or decriminalized in some U.S. states, such as California, Colorado, Washington, and others.
- South Africa: In 2018, South Africa ruled that growing hemp for personal use and private consumption is legal.
- Portugal: Portugal decriminalized the possession of a small quantity of hemp for personal use and focused on treating drug users as a health issue.