In 2025, more and more countries are likely to take a nuanced stance on cannabis. Legal, decriminalized, tolerated or prohibited? If you're planning to travel, here's a quick overview to help you better understand the positions of certain countries. Then you'll be free to choose where you go on vacation!
Point of legality: what exactly are we talking about?
Legal, decriminalized, tolerated, don't confuse the two. Cannabis legislation varies from country to country.
In some places, it is possible to consume it freely without worry. In some countries, possession is enough to be outlawed. Elsewhere, medical use is authorized. Are you confused? Here's a summary of what's generally done:
- Recreational legalization: consumption authorized by adults, but generally restricted in terms of cultivation, purchase and quantity.
- Medical use: on prescription and subject to certain conditions.
- Decriminalisation: no criminal penalties for small quantities, but sale remains prohibited.
In reality, there are many nuances between these three positions. That's why it's so important for you tobe fully aware of the laws of the country you're traveling in. Especially if you're carrying THC vape or cartridges full of cannabinoids!
In our online store Puffy, you'll find many vape pens that comply with European legislation.
Countries where cannabis will be legal in 2025
Now let's talk about countries whererecreational use of cannabis is legal.
Canada and the United States
In Canada, cannabis has been legal at federal level since 2018, as have 24 neighboring US states (so not all!). There, you can buy, hold and grow cannabis. Well, in certain quantities, it's still regulated. The only condition is that you must be of legal age (depending on the province in Canada). So tourists and Canadians alike can buy cannabis.
Germany
It was relatively recently (April 2024) that Germany switched to authorized recreational use of cannabis. With fixed quantities: up to 25g in personal possession, 3 plants at home. Cannabis clubs" have also appeared. However, major restrictions apply to tourists, who cannot join these clubs. The latter are in fact authorized dealers in recreational cannabis, the only ones currently authorized.
Malta
Did you know that Malta was the first country in the European Union to legalize the adult use of hemp? The limit for possession is set at 7 g, and for domestic cultivation at 4 plants maximum. However, it is not legal for tourists to buy cannabis. To do so, you need to belong to a non-profit club reserved for locals.
Uruguay
In 2013, Uruguay became the first country to legalize cannabis. Inhabitants grow their own cannabis legally, or join "clubs", as in Malta and Spain. They also have the option ofbuying cannabis from pharmacies, a national production process overseen by the government. Note that these means (pharmacies, clubs) are not accessible to tourists.
Spain
Spain is often associated with hemp heaven. Nevertheless, Spain's cannabis laws remain somewhat vague. Cannabis is illegal here, but decriminalization authorizes consumption (and cultivation) in small quantities for private use.
There are also private cannabis clubs, or cannabis social clubs, where you can grow cannabis for up to 500 members for a fee. If you're a tourist in Spain and want to buy cannabis, you'll probably be asked to join the club.
Italy
The government has passed Law 242/16, allowing the cultivation of low-THC varieties of cannabis. And this for industrial purposes only. A light cannabis market has actively developed as a result of this law.
Many Italian stores sell cosmetics and flowers with low THC content. Yes, the law does not prohibit the sale or possession of hemp or flower-based products.
But cannabis high in THC remains illegal under Italian law. Decriminalization does, however, make it possible to possess small quantities of cannabis, but this is still punishable by fines.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands or the cannabis capital of Europe? However, let's not forget that cannabis is not technically legal in this country. In fact, cannabis remains accessible throughout the Netherlands, for locals and tourists alike.
Countries to avoid for legal cannabis consumption in 2025
If you're a cannabis-loving tourist, it's best to avoid certain countries. Indeed, there are countries where possession of cannabis will land you in prison or with the death penalty. Even for a few THC gummies... So get the facts and don't take any chances:
- Singapore ;
- Indonesia;
- Malaysia;
- Philippines ;
- Saudi Arabia ;
- United Arab Emirates ;
- China ;
- Japan;
- South Korea ;
- Turkey.
Finally, don't forget that even in countries where cannabis is legal, it's illegal to sell to minors, and vaping isn't necessarily allowed, especially in public places.