Road To Legalization: Weirdest Weed Laws Around The World

Where is weed legal around the world?

It’s not every day you stumble upon a region that only allows particular religious groups to use cannabis or limits advertising to phone books.

Even though weed is legal or decriminalized in these regions, we will tell you about some of the weirdest laws and regulations that we couldn’t believe were true.

Did you know the Hindu religion has used cannabis for centuries? This particular religious group uses the plant in rituals to promote:

• Deep introspection
• Meditative thoughts
• Personal development 

Cannabis is still illegal throughout Nepal, and it has been for over 50 years. 

One exception allows Hindus to consume hashish, a mixture of 

• Cannabis resin
• Other herbs
• Tobacco (sometimes) 

This is only legal during the Maha Shivaratri festival that honors the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. 

You may have heard that Delaware legalized medical cannabis, or maybe you haven’t. 

Chancers are, you had no idea that Delaware had medical marijuana dispensaries. Solely because of the state’s laws around advertising. 

Other states and countries like California and Canada have finally embraced cannabis advertisements 

• Online
• On the radio
• In physical magazines/newspapers. 

However, Delaware is putting cannabis on the back burner by limiting advertising to directories and phone books. 

Who still uses a phone book? I might have to borrow my grandmother’s.

Cannabis is decriminalized in Connecticut, but medical use is legal.

The only advertisements surrounding legal, medical dispensaries are pretty dark. Literally.

The law prohibits medical dispensaries from advertising with illuminated signs.

So while a dispensary is in the clear if they use a simple printed sign, they’re not allowed to advertise with bright, electric characters that draw in more attention.

The nation’s capital has a few weird laws around cannabis, especially since the plant is legal medically and recreationally.

But let’s discuss medical marijuana. The following is illegal in Washington D.C.;

• Selling medical cannabis where gasoline is sold
• Selling medical cannabis where cars and automobiles are repaired

While it’s not all that negative, perhaps the law is trying to keep cannabis users from driving under the influence, even if it’s prescribed medicine. 

It’s illegal to purchase and sell the plant for recreational purposes…go figure. However, it’s not uncommon for some companies to adopt giveaways while steering clear of the law. 

Cannabis use is decriminalized in Jamaica.

Unfortunately, tourists and locals can still receive a fine if caught smoking up. There is one exception, the Rastafari religion and its links with spirituality.

Because cannabis is seen as a holy and sacred plant to those who practice Rastafarianism, the Jamaican government has laws that exempt these individuals from cannabis laws.

The religion uses the plant for spiritual enlightenment and growth, often consumed through dishes, herbs/spices, and teas.