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| Information Resources: Global Marijuana Law Reform |
| *This page is no longer current because I don't have the time to keep updating it. If you have some new information to add to this page, please send me the source URL. Thanks. |
More information about specific countries can also be found at: www.drugpolicy.org,
or search the news archives at MAPinc.org (Media Awareness Project). Both are excellent resources. |
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Australia
Non-criminal control of use by "Cannabis Expiation Notices" (ticketing system with small fine) in some states, no criminal procedures [source]
The medical use of marihuana is currently prohibited in all states and territories of Australia. However, the government of New South Wales (NSW) commissioned a report, which was completed in August 2000, to advise the NSW government on whether to allow patients with certain medical conditions to use cannabis (marihuana). The government of NSW also sought input on how best to allow the medical use of marihuana without promoting the recreational use of the drug. The Working Party on the Use of Cannabis for Medical Purposes made specific recommendations for consideration by the government. These recommendations are now under consideration by the NSW government as it assesses the feasibility of using marihuana for medical purposes. [source]
07-16-02: The quiet revolution in Queensland's drug laws is all but complete.
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Austria
Possession remains illegal, but in some states and territories, possession of small quantities may be
treated as a civil, not criminal, offense
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Belgium
March 27, 2003: Belgium relaxes cannabis legislation
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Canada
Pot possession remains illegal, but there's substantial regional variation in prosecutors' zest for
punishing those found with small amounts. British Columbia, and Vancouver in particular, are perceived by many to
be more tolerant.
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Chile
March 27, 2003: Medicinal Marijuana Debate Rages On |
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France
Pot remains illegal and arrests are common, but some prosecutors and judges have declined to go
forward with cases against individuals using small amounts.
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Germany
Pot is still illegal, but police and prosecutors in many regions have become more tolerant of
small-quantity users.
Legal prohibition, de facto non-enforcement/prosecution of personal use, but regional variance; recognition of constitutional issues, wide social acceptance of cannabis use. [source]
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Greece
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Italy
Penalties for marijuana use have been sharply lowered.
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Jamaica
March 30, 2003: Bill to legalise ganja for private use soon, says Nicholson
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Mexico
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Netherlands*
Marijuana can be purchased in government-licensed "coffee shops" and smoked on the
premises.
In December 2000, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands announced its intention to establish an Office of Medicinal Cannabis on January 1, 2001. The goals of this office are to determine whether marihuana may be useful as a medicine. The office will also be the regulator for the production of cannabis for medical research purposes. [source]
Legal prohibition, de-facto open tolerance of personal use, licensed distribution system; wide social acceptance [source]
Feb. 7, 2005: Problems in the Dutch Government Cannabis Program
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Peru
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Philippines
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Portugal*
Possession of small amounts of marijuana, defined as ten daily doses or less, has been
decriminalized. People found with the drug may face fines, but not criminal prosecution.
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Scotland
04-13-06: Scottish police in call to legalise all drugs
03-03-02: Scotland End their War on Drugs
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Spain
Personal use/possession of cannabis controlled under administrative/non-criminal law -- quasi-legal in practice. [source]
02/06/05: Spain's Health Ministry to allow doctors to prescribe cannabis
02/06/05: Spain To Test Cannabis As Aid For Patients
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Switzerland*
Cannabis cafes and stores operate openly, without government interference, and the government
is studying proposals to legalize marijuana.
03-10-02: Swiss stand firm over cannabis law
Currently prohibited, yet personal use mostly tolerated or leniently fined (regional variation); Fall 2000 initiative of Fed. Office of Health to legalize personal use and cultivation, due to public acceptance and loss of lawÕs credibility.
[source]
06-14-04: Cannabis stays illegal in Switzerland
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England
10-23-01: Cannabis to be reclassified
11-18-01: Ministers advised to legalize cannabis cafes
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Have some info to add to this page? Please send me the URL.
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| United Nations: International Drug Treaties |
The United Nations (UN) has developed a system for the global control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through a series of drug control Conventions.
The UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961,
....as amended by the 1972 Protocol Amending the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961 Convention), the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 (1971 Convention) and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 (1988 Convention)...
set out a system of controls relating to the international production and distribution of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Under the 1961 Convention, parties have agreed to enact legislation that strictly controls the cultivation and distribution of opium poppy, coca and marihuana plants, and the production and distribution of other narcotics. All production, distribution and use of any substance listed under this convention must be limited to scientific or medical purposes.
Under the 1971 Convention, psychoactive substances are to be subjected to controls similar to those that apply under the 1961 Convention. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and other isolated marihuana derivatives, known as cannabinoids, are listed under this Convention.
Under the 1988 Convention, parties must cooperatively take action to control illicit cultivation, production and distribution of drugs of abuse. This includes the cultivation of marihuana." |
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