Global Cannabis Legalization Trends in 2024

Let’s talk about some good news: here’s a digest of countries around the world expected to move toward cannabis legalization in 2024. Unfortunately, Russia isn’t on this list. As we enter 2024, the world is experiencing significant changes, and this year may see several countries actively moving toward the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. Today, we’re reviewing the latest legalization trends. Let’s dive into the news!

Why These Developments Matter

The importance of these events lies in their reflection of a global shift in the perception and regulation of cannabis. This is a matter of health, well-being, economic development, social justice, and human rights. Legalization marks a new era in global healthcare and social policy, opening up new opportunities for research, medical use, and, of course, new economic horizons.

In 2024, many countries are expected to continue moving toward legalization and decriminalization, which will inevitably impact the international community as a whole. Let’s check out the main candidates.

Countries to Watch in 2024

• Germany plans to introduce a law legalizing cannabis for adults, a major step in European regulation. This two-phase process includes decriminalization, the creation of social clubs, and pilot programs for adults.
• Thailand removed cannabis from its list of controlled substances in 2022. In 2024, the government is expected to focus on regulating the market with an emphasis on medical use, restricting but not completely eliminating the adult-use market.
• Colombia is advancing a new legalization bill, supported by President Petro’s administration, aiming to create a regulated adult-use market with tax benefits for local municipalities.
• Czech Republic is expected to push forward comprehensive reform in 2024, including indoor cultivation, social clubs, and licensed sales for those over 18.
• Switzerland is launching pilot programs to study adult-use cannabis legalization, which will last up to five years and help determine future market regulation.
• Italy activists are collecting signatures for a legalization referendum, which could lead to significant legislative changes if successful.
• South Africa continues discussions on possible cannabis policy reform, making it a potential candidate for legislative changes soon.
• Australia has introduced its first-ever national legalization bill. While passage in 2024 is unlikely, it may drive further debate and strengthen the movement.
• Netherlands, despite its liberal history, has taken a step forward by starting legal sales of regulated cannabis as part of a pilot program.
• Malta, the first EU country to legalize cannabis in late 2021, continues to implement reforms and has issued licenses to non-profit “cannabis associations” for cultivation.
• Ukraine lawmakers approved a bill legalizing medical cannabis at the end of 2023, sending it to President Zelensky, who supports the reform. The bill legalizes medical cannabis for patients with severe illnesses and PTSD due to ongoing conflict.

Legal Status in the United States

Blue: recreational, green: medical, gray: illegal.

In the U.S., several states are also moving toward legalization and decriminalization:

• Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio may make significant changes to regional market dynamics and tax structures.
• Oklahoma, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire may discuss but not legalize adult-use cannabis in 2024. Florida could see adult-use legalization.
• There are signs that cannabis may be reclassified as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which would be the most significant change in years.

All of this shows that the global community is increasingly accepting cannabis, recognizing its economic and social potential.

A Closer Look at Key Countries

Germany

Germany plans to legalize cannabis in 2024, marking a major shift in its drug policy. The main focus of the bill is to improve health protection, education, and prevention, as well as to combat the illegal market and protect children and adolescents.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach hopes the law will be passed by the Bundestag in February and take effect in April 2024. The bill allows adults to grow and possess a limited number of plants starting April 1, and from July 1, social clubs for collective cultivation will be permitted. The second phase will eventually launch pilot programs for regulated commercial sales.

Green Party MP Kirsten Kappert-Gonther notes that the bill will strengthen health protection, education, and prevention, while reducing the illegal market and protecting youth. However, many groups, including the Federal Medical Association and the German Association of Judges, have expressed opposition.

One major challenge is ensuring the market has enough supply from day one. The estimated annual demand of 400-600 tons of dried cannabis flowers is unlikely to be met by domestic production alone, requiring imports.

Germany’s legalization plans are also complicated by international obligations and EU rules, such as Schengen Area restrictions and the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, which prohibits recreational legalization.

There are concerns, too. Dr. Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association, opposes legalization, calling it unnecessary and irresponsible, especially for those under 23 whose brains are still developing.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is discussing a new “compromise” legalization bill among experts and lawmakers. The bill includes rules for legal cultivation, cannabis clubs, licensed sales and exports, and taxation. It also proposes restrictions on production and sales, user registration, and small-scale producers and clubs.

National Drug Policy Coordinator Jindřich Vobořil says the bill will support decriminalization for adults growing small amounts for personal use. The current version hasn’t been reviewed by the government yet and may include cannabis associations for members to share their harvests.

Legalization faces hurdles, including international obligations and EU regulations, especially regarding cross-border trade. Political parties are divided: the KDU-ČSL party opposes cannabis but supports regulating cultivation for personal use. Some lawmakers worry that increased access could raise government spending on addiction prevention. Organizations like the Safe Cannabis Association, Czehemp, and Legalizace.cz support the bill but see a lack of strict regulations and plans to combat illegal producers.

Thailand

Don’t Make Cannabis Illegal Again

In 2024, Thailand made a sharp policy turn on cannabis. After becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize cannabis in 2022, the new government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is moving to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only. The proposed law, developed by the Ministry of Public Health, not only limits cannabis to medical use but also reintroduces strict penalties for possession and use, including hefty fines and up to one year in prison.

According to new Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, extracts with more than 0.2% THC will be classified as narcotics. The main goal is to correct what the government sees as “misuse.”

This policy shift is causing concern among cannabis entrepreneurs and investors. Existing businesses may struggle to adapt, facing potential legal issues. Groups like the Future Cannabis Network may seek legal avenues to challenge the government’s actions.

Thailand is also introducing stricter regulations for growers and cannabis shops. New rules ban on-site smoking and sales of flowers, unlicensed cultivation, and restrict sales locations to maintain control over trade and use. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the industry.

Technological Progress and Medical Use

In recent years, beyond recreational use, there’s been a significant shift toward medical and industrial cannabis use worldwide, leading to major changes in medicine and industry.

The global medical cannabis market is projected to reach $65.8 billion by 2030, driven by rapid adoption in therapeutic applications and more countries legalizing medical use. Cannabis has shown positive results in treating chronic diseases, boosting demand. Growing public support and improved intellectual property rights are also fueling industry growth.

In Ghana, for example, parliament approved a historic decision to legalize cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial purposes. This move is seen as a turning point for regulation and could serve as a model for other African countries. Licensing in Ghana covers the entire hemp value chain, including cultivation, processing, distribution, sales, import, and export, potentially impacting the economy and job market.

The social and economic impacts are significant. In countries where cannabis is legal for medical or industrial use, there’s increased investment in research and development, creating new jobs and improving patient quality of life. In industry, these changes open new business and innovation opportunities, especially in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

However, many countries still face regulatory and control challenges. Balancing health benefits with potential abuse risks is crucial. Overall, the world is moving toward more flexible and progressive cannabis policies, opening new prospects for medical and industrial use.

The Impact of Legalization

Legalization brings remarkable changes to society and the economy. Imagine a world where cannabis is no longer taboo but part of everyday life, contributing to various sectors.

Take Colorado, for example. After legalization, the state saw an economic boom. Cannabis stores and growers created thousands of jobs and generated huge tax revenues, which were invested in social programs, education, and healthcare.

Or look at Canada, where legalization led to significant economic growth. Canadian cannabis companies became international leaders, attracting investment and expanding operations.

On a social level, legalization has brought major changes. In many countries, arrests and court cases related to cannabis have dropped, easing the burden on law enforcement and the courts. This has reduced stigma and made society more open and tolerant.

What’s Next?

The “green wave” is already impacting many countries’ economies. Where legalization has occurred, new businesses are opening, jobs are being created, and tax revenues are rising. Scientists and researchers have more opportunities to study cannabis’s potential benefits, leading to new medical discoveries.

Public perception is also changing. Where there was once stigma, there’s now growing understanding and recognition of cannabis’s medical value. However, this picture isn’t uniform worldwide. Some countries remain conservative, highlighting differences in cultural and legal systems.

Governments are trying to balance access and control to ensure safety and prevent abuse, leading to new forms of regulation and oversight.

Looking ahead, these trends are likely to continue. More countries may follow the path of legalization. Economic impact will keep growing, and scientific research will expand our understanding of cannabis’s possibilities and limitations. Challenges will remain, especially in ensuring proper use and respecting diverse cultural and legal contexts.

There’s a lot to look forward to, and everyone can play a part in this process. Good luck to all following this topic—let’s hope for faster legalization worldwide!

Author: Growerradi Stuffereno