For a few years in the middle, it seemed like India might finally be opening itself up to the idea that cannabis isn’t all bad. There were movements for legalisation, MPs were openly supporting its production, and a stoner’s eyes weren’t just red, they were also filled with hope. All of that went to shit over the last few years as we regressed catastrophically, but there are countries in the world where weed isn’t just decriminalised, but enjoyed with gusto, such as these. 

1. Jamaica

The most obvious choice, the land of Bob Marley and red, gold and green flags. Jamaica might be synonymous with ganja, but surprisingly, they only decriminalised the herb in 2015. You can now possess up to 2 ounces or up to five plants for personal use.

Phys

2. Netherlands

One word – Amsterdam. Too much has been written and said about their progressive views towards cannabis and their notorious coffee shops. It’s every stoner’s dream to go there once – get high, cycle around the canals, and simply have a stellar time. 

Drifters Planet

3. Uruguay

In 2014, Uruguay became the first country in the world to completely legalize the use, sale, and cultivation of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes nationwide. While tourists aren’t allowed to buy directly, it’s easy enough to get some from a local. They also have several 420-related events through the year.

Foreign Policy

4. Canada

In October 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalise recreational cannabis use throughout the country. You can literally go online, order some top-shelf bud, and receive it the next day without any fear of the fuzz. They even infuse it in their maple syrup!

Rolling Stone

5. Argentina

Argentina was actually the first country in the world to provide medical marijuana to patients for free, and it’s also decriminalised cannabis for recreational purposes. Heck, they’ve even got dedicated cannabis clubs. What more do you need?

Rolling Stone

6. Portugal

Portugal is on the other end of the spectrum – they decriminalised all drugs way back in 2001, in a progressive move meant to remove the stigma around drugs and treat addiction as a disease rather than a crime. Of course, this also means you can use cannabis recreationally while you gaze upon the wonders of Braga.

Talking Drugs

7. Colombia

Cannabis is decriminalised here, and you can actually grow up to 20 plants for personal use. While selling weed is technically illegal, it’s not usually looked at as a serious offense by the authorities.

FT

8. Laos

It might be technically illegal in Laos, but cannabis enjoys the same kind of freedom there as it does in Himachal. They love their psychedelics, and you can even find milkshakes infused with everything from weed to mushrooms!

Finding Jack

9. Mexico

Cannabis has been decriminalised in Mexico since 2009, and it’s even legal to grow your own since 2015. Total legalisation might follow suit soon enough, but until then, you can sip a cerveza and light up either way.

LA Times

10. Costa Rica

Recreational cannabis is decriminalized in Costa Rica, which means small amounts of weed can be possessed and consumed without legal repercussions. Combined with the gorgeous beaches, magical forests and beautiful mountains, this is a stoner’s paradise.

Ars Technica

Is cannabis tourism a thing? It is now.