Countries in the Americas that have
recently relaxed pot laws
Canada: Has introduced
legislation to fully legalize
marijuana, starting in July 2018.
United States: Eight U.S. states
and the District of Columbia have
approved marijuana for
recreational use, and the medical
use of cannabis is legal in more
than two dozen states.
Mexico: Legalized medical
marijuana in June and has
decriminalized the possession of
small amounts for "personal use."

CANADA
UNITED
STATES

Atlantic
Ocean

MEXICO

Jamaica: Decriminalized possession
of small amounts of pot.

JAMAICA
COLOMBIA

Colombia: Allows medical marijuana, as
ECUADOR
well as the possession and cultivation of
limited amounts of cannabis for personal use.

PERU

Ecuador: Decriminalized small quantities of
marijuana in 2013.

CHILE

Brazil: Allows cannabis products for medical use on a
limited basis.
Peru: Decriminalized small amounts of marijuana for
personal use.

BRAZIL
PARAGUAY
URUGUAY
ARGENTINA

Chile: Passed a decriminalization bill in the lower house
of congress in 2015.
Paraguay: Decriminalized small amounts for personal use.
Argentina: Legalized medical marijuana in April. The possession of small amounts
for personal use is decriminalized, but cultivation remains illegal.
Uruguay: Became the first country in the world to fully legalize the production, sale
and consumption of marijuana. Users can register with the government to grow
plants for personal use, join licensed cannabis clubs or buy marijuana at
pharmacies starting later in July.
THE WASHINGTON POST