This message was published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its annual report. The report summarizes data on drug use worldwide, including marijuana.
According to the latest UN data, the following 10 places are the largest consumers of marijuana in the world:
- Jamaica
One of the largest islands in Jamaica is among the countries with the highest number of cannabis users. Marijuana has been a part of Jamaica for ages, and it is also attributed to the fact that it is widely used in regular rituals that are part of the local culture. Marijuana is consumed abundantly here, also because it is associated with the originally established religion known worldwide as Rastafarianism.
Usage: up to 9.86% of the population
Status: illegal with gradual decriminalization
- Australia
Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug in Australia. It is estimated that 750,000 Australians use marijuana every week, and up to 300,000 people use it daily. These are the statistics in a country with a population of around 23 million.
For comparison, in the Czech Republic, approximately 22,000 people consume marijuana daily, and about 145,000 individuals consume it occasionally (around once a month), with a population of 10 million.
Usage: 10.3% of the population
Status: illegal
- Spain
In Spain, the personal use of cannabis is legal, but its distribution and sale are illegal. Possession of this drug is considered a violation of the law and can result in fines of several hundred euros. The sale of seeds, cultivation equipment, and hemp products is permitted based on the THC content in them.
Usage: 10.6% of the population
Status: legal for personal use, illegal distribution
- Canada
Canada legalized the use of cannabis for terminally ill individuals in 2001. Now, they are planning to pass a law to decriminalize marijuana, which is expected to generate up to 5 billion Canadian dollars, annually in taxes. It is not yet clear within what timeframe Canada will adopt the laws legalizing cannabis.
Usage: 12.2% of users
Status: legal for medical use
- Nigeria
Cannabis is one of the most widely used illegal drugs in Nigeria. It has no religious or medical use in the country. If caught dealing, buying, or consuming it, you can face severe penalties. Nigeria is considered one of the most corrupt countries in the world, so it is expected that tourists will be targeted by dealers and subsequently reported to the local police, where imprisonment or bribery of officials with a high amount of money is a risk.
Usage: 14.3% of the population
Status: illegal
- New Zealand
Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug in New Zealand. Any possession, cultivation, or use of it is illegal. However, New Zealand ranks high in cannabis use, and the country is gradually moving towards the decriminalization of marijuana.
Usage: 14.6% of the population
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Status: illegal
- Italy
In some cities in Italy, smoking marijuana and possessing it for personal use is tolerated by the police, even though it is not entirely legal according to the law. However, cultivation, sale, and possession of larger quantities of marijuana are still considered criminal offenses under the law.
Usage: 14.6% of the population
Status: illegal production and sale, with gradual decriminalization
- USA
In most states of the USA, the use of marijuana for medical purposes is legal. Many countries, such as California and New York, are gradually decriminalizing its use. However, there are states in the USA where recreational use of marijuana is fully legal, including Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. For example, in Oregon, residents are allowed to grow up to 4 plants for personal use, but they must be over 21 years old. However, there are severe penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana.
Usage: 14.8% of the population
Status: depends on the specific state
- Zambia
Smoking marijuana is entirely illegal in this country, but the police tend to overlook consumption among the local population. Despite the illegality of marijuana smoking and cultivation in Zambia, many people still smoke cannabis, especially in crisis-prone areas of the country. The marijuana laws apply nationwide, so it is better to be cautious. The laws are strict, but enforcement is somewhat lax, particularly for local residents.
Usage: 17.7% of the population
Status: illegal
- Iceland
Marijuana is illegal in Iceland, but it is consumed at a significant rate. Some studies even suggest that up to 19% of adults in Iceland smoke marijuana. There is often speculation about whether the high rate of marijuana use is influenced by the high cost of alcohol in the country. Nevertheless, even a gram of marijuana is not a cheap affair, costing around 30€ in equivalent.
Usage: 18.5% of the population
Status: illegal
