Progress of global marijuana legalization

Digital Originals

Discussions of marijuana legalization are taking place among lawmakers and policymakers across the globe.

Although possession of marijuana is still illegal in most countries, many have decriminalized it – and a number of others could be next to legalize marijuana.

Read on to see three countries that are leading the worldwide discussion of marijuana legalization.


1. Mexico: Renewed marijuana legalization debate to start in Mexico

The renewed push comes shortly after Mexico’s Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling allowing four people to grow and smoke marijuana, based on personal freedoms.

It’s a ruling that could eventually lead to the full legalization of marijuana. CCTV’s Franc Contreras has insight into the issue from Mexico City.

Follow Franc Contreras on Twitter @FrancMex

Laura Carlsen on marijuana legalization

So what’s behind the increase and how is policy across the Americas shifting? CCTV America was joined by Laura Carlsen from Mexico City. She’s Director of the Americas Program at the Center for International Policy.


2. Canada: Citizens looking to legalize recreational use of marijuana

Medical marijuana has been legal in Canada for 15 years, however, recreational consumption is prohibited.

In June 2015, the City of Vancouver regulated the sale of medical marijuana from municipally licensed dispensaries, as Mike Hager reported at the Global and Mail.

With a majority of Canadians supporting the legalization of marijuana, more and more attention is being paid to the issue.


3. United States: Policymakers face pressure on the federal level with regards to marijuana legalization

Many consider Washington and Colorado’s vote to legalize marijuana in 2012 as the trigger of worldwide talks on marijuana legalization.
U.S. President Barack Obama once said that he believes marijuana to be safer than alcohol.

Map shows stages of legality for marijuana use in each state. The Associated Press.

Map shows stages of legality for marijuana use in each state. The Associated Press.

Despite all this marijuana consumption is still illegal under U.S. federal law, with Colorado and the nation’s capital of Washington D.C.’s new marijuana laws, a federal level of marijuana legalization is said to be set for debate soon.