We’re #1. We’re #1. Canada Has Been Named the Most Cannabis-Friendly Country in the World

Article by Angela Stelmakowich, Growth Op

What’s the best country in the world when it comes to cannabis friendliness?

Canadians won’t need to travel the world to find out — and given current travel restrictions, that’s probably a good thing — we only have to look at our own front doors.

Among the very first countries to legalize medicinal marijuana and the second to green light recreational cannabis, Canada’s progressive views on weed have led to the No. 1 spot in new rankings issued by The Weed Blog.

To help navigate cannabis-friendly climes, The Weed Blog developed the Cannabis Friendliness Index. The index provides a rundown on cannabis legislation worldwide and lets potential visitors know where cannabis use is most accepted.

The final ranking takes into account a country’s prevalence of use (+100), legality of recreational cannabis (+100), legality of medical marijuana (+50) and punishments for use and trafficking (-50), making 250 the top score to be had.

At 175 (and a grade of ‘A’), Canada rated higher than any other country.

The next four spots went to Uruguay, Georgia, South Africa and Guam, perhaps predictable since all have legalized cannabis (although Georgia and South Africa have no legal system for selling bud). Of the 100 most-visited countries, 61 “have some form of law legalizing or decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana,” according to The Weed Blog.

Whatever country is on your list, however, it is critically important to take the time, before actually in a country, to learn about its local culture. This may prove especially handy if visitors — when current travel restrictions are lessened — are exploring countries where cannabis use is verboten and potential penalties harsh. For example, possessing 500 grams of weed in Singapore may result in the death penalty.

And when it comes to considering whether or not to cross borders while carrying weed, really, it’s always best just to say no.

Read the full article here.