Around the late 20th century, the world saw a global shift in perception towards marijuana. This plant which was once criminalized worldwide started getting some love from the scientific community which was starting to realize much of its medical benefits, leading to a change in public opinion. As a result, many countries that had previously banned the cultivation, distribution, possession, and consumption of the plant began amending their laws to either completely or partially legalize it. Today, marijuana is either partially or completely legal in several countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
In this article, we will be looking specifically at Latin America and discussing the legality of marijuana in the region.
Latin America and Its History with Marijuana
Latin America has a long and complex history with marijuana. Thought to have been introduced to the region around the 16th century by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers, the plant was initially cultivated for hemp production and other industrial purposes but soon became known for its psychoactive properties. This led to its integration into many of the communal practices of the indigenous communities within the region. In these communities, cannabis would be employed mostly for medical and religious purposes, though it’d also see significant recreational use.
From the late 19th century, marijuana began to be stigmatized due to its association with marginalized communities. It was often regarded as a substance used by the so-called undesirable elements of society, leading to a shift in public perception. This stigma was further amplified by U.S. policies and propaganda in the early-to-mid 20th century, which contributed to the widespread criminalization of marijuana. By the 1970s, during the height of the War on Drugs, marijuana had been made illegal in nearly all parts of the world.
Despite what seemed like a global effort to outlaw the cannabis plant from Latin America and the world, marijuana continued to thrive within the region. Favorable climate conditions and fertile soil made Latin America an ideal location for cannabis cultivation. This made the region a central hub for the global marijuana trade, even during the criminalization era where powerful cartels controlled the cultivation and distribution of the plant through complex underground networks.
Marijuana in Latin America Today
Today, marijuana is no longer as stigmatized as it once was. With the global effort to decriminalize the cannabis plant gaining significant momentum, many Latin American countries that once had strict laws against its cultivation and consumption have begun adopting more favorable cannabis policies. As a result, cannabis is now legal in various forms in many of the countries in Latin America.
What Countries in Latin America is Marijuana Legal In?
Out of the 29 Latin American countries, marijuana is only legal in 1 country; Uruguay. However, several other countries within the region have partially legalized cannabis either for medical purposes or simply in an effort to decriminalize the plant. These countries include:
- Argentina – Legal for medical use. Personal use is decriminalized.
- Brazil – Medical use is strictly regulated.
- Chile – Legal for medical use. Self-cultivation is allowed but regulated.
- Colombia – Legal for medical use. Personal use and self-cultivation are decriminalized but regulated.
- Ecuador – Legal for medical use. Personal use is decriminalized but regulated.
- Mexico – Legal for medical use. Personal use is decriminalized but regulated.
- Paraguay – Legal for medical use. Registered patients are also allowed to self-cultivate.
- Peru – Legal for medical use. Registered patients are also allowed to self-cultivate.
What Countries in Latin America is Marijuana NOT Legal In?
Despite the progress made toward the decriminalization of marijuana in the region, most countries in Latin America still criminalize the cultivation, distribution, and use of the plant, even for medical purposes. Countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Venezuela, Guyana, and French Guiana have strict drug laws. In contrast, countries like Suriname, Belize, and Paraguay, though less strict, still criminalize the possession, cultivation, and consumption of cannabis, even for medical purposes.
Conclusion
Today, marijuana is legal in various countries in Latin America, though the majority of the region remains opposed to the plant. Uruguay is the only Latin American country that has completely legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, though countries like Colombia and Mexico are well on their way toward full legalization.
When visiting any of these countries, it is important to remember that local laws may vary from country to country and even between different regions within a country. Make sure to consult local specialists to stay informed on local laws before indulging in cannabis as a foreigner in these regions.
Need an expert in Colombia’s cannabis laws? Get in touch with Dr. Rocio Vargas, today!
