North America is widely regarded as one of the trailblazers in adult-use marijuana legalization. In 2017, the federal government passed the Marijuana Policy Statement, making it the second nation in the world, after Uruguay, to officially legalize the substance for adult use. Canadian residents are permitted to possess up to 50 grams of cured marijuana, cultivate up to four plants, and purchase it from regulated retailers. However, the country's neighboring nations have also adjusted their regulations in response to the Canadian law.
Their neighbors in the America have seen significant changes as well, as more and more states opt for adult-use legalization. Currently, 30 states and the Capital allow residents to purchase and consume marijuana for recreational purposes. This includes major tourist destinations such as Florida and New York. However, federal law still regulates marijuana as a Illicit restricted substance, creating a complex and occasionally confusing environment.
In comparison, the majority of European countries continue to prohibit or limit the recreational use of cannabis. Many countries have implemented medical cannabis programs but have resisted full-scale legalization. However, a few nations in the region have made remarkable exceptions. Austria, Spain, and the Sweden permit medical cannabis usage, though adult-use consumption remains a ambiguous area.
The situation in Australia is also of interest. The country presently allows medical cannabis usage, though recreational usage is technically against the law. South Australia was experimenting with a public cannabis study
finding weed in paris 2025 2016 and 2018, in which marijuana was given to patients on a discounted basis in an effort to understand the impact of the substance when administered by healthcare providers. Legislation regarding adult-use use is underway in several Australian states.
In many countries of South America, marijuana remains strict prohibited, with Uruguay being the sole country on the continent authorized to sell marijuana. As global attitudes shift towards greater acceptance, the governments and legislatures of nations like Colombia are reevaluating their cannabis regulations.

In past years, the push for marijuana legalization has only grown. As public opinion continues to change, nations will likely reassess and update their adult-use marijuana regulations. In the meantime, for those interested in exploring the world of marijuana, staying informed on the latest legislative developments worldwide is essential for navigating the complex and ever-changing environment of adult-use cannabis laws.