The White Paper follows the report of a Government-convened 2017 technical committee, which involved extensive research and consultation (Transform was pleased to support the submission of Malta’s cannabis reform NGO, Releaf). Following the Maltese Labour Party’s victory in the 2017 General Election (on which it ran on a broad cannabis reform platform), it has embarked on a somewhat different path to the formal markets being developed in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Media reports of draft plans suggest that retail access will be limited to adult Luxembourg residents, with 14 retail outlets serving the country. Zurich and Basel, for example, have set out the boldest proposals, while Geneva is proposing a more modest cannabis social club experiment. Each pilot can include up to 5,000 adult participants who will have access to a rationed volume of cannabis (with a 20% THC potency cap). Maintained by our travel intelligence analysts, these reports cover 215 countries and territories, and they’re always accessible in your member portal or on your My Global Rescue App.The concentration-time curve for edibles shows distinct absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination phases.If you’re caught transporting cannabis across state lines, you may face federal criminal charges, which can be more severe than state criminal charges.In the United States, cannabis use and dependence increased in states that legalized medical use with a high prevalence of cannabis use disorders and severe psychiatric disorders, in addition to automobile accidents.The prevalence of cannabis use ranged from 1.30% to 48.70% across 18 countries in Oceania and Africa.Cannabis edibles can remain detectable in your system for 3 to 90 days, depending on usage frequency, metabolism, body composition, and the type of drug test administered.That said, it’s illegal to use cannabis while driving or to drive while intoxicated.Initial screening of titles and abstracts was independently conducted by two authors (QW and ZQ), followed by a full-text review of the selected studies.Understanding these legal disparities is important to avoid legal repercussions. Over this decade, cannabis research was disproportionately dominated by European countries (Italy, Spain, Germany, and France). Figure 1 depicts the trend of publication of cannabis-related articles indexed on the PubMed database over time (2010 to 2020). Many countries have already permitted cannabis for research purposes, so it is currently being used for many conditions such as an appetite stimulant for cachexia and anorexia, loss of appetite in cancer patients or in patients who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and in anorexia nervosa; and in glaucoma, targeting a hypotensive effect. Be aware of the rules and regulations of the countries you will be visiting.Some nations welcome foreign medical patients.Sign up for bi-weekly updates, packed full of cannabis education, recipes, and tips.In Israel, cannabis use prevalence increased from 5.43% in 2010 to 19.10% in 2017.They exist under an amnesty clause, which means that disposing of cannabis does not put you at any risk of criminal charges.As global attitudes toward cannabis evolve, travelers face a complex web of regulations concerning cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. Both Brazil and Uruguay have shown increasing trends, with the highest prevalence reaching 23.10% in Brazil in 2019 and 20.78% in Uruguay in 2018. Specifically, in 2010, the prevalence was 2.76% in Macedonia, 4.31% in Romania, and in 2019, it was 6.60% in Estonia. For instance, in 2010, 28.14% of the Swiss population and 25.72% of the Spanish population reported using cannabis. Malaysia was found to have the lowest prevalence of cannabis use or dependence among the countries studied. Further, vulnerable or marginalized populations such as female sex workers or “street boys” have a higher prevalence than the general population.122,123 Also, countries across world regions have reported an increase in the prevalence of cannabis compared to previous surveys. Some components of cannabis are approved and legal for medical use in some countries (Table 2). Given that drug-induced harm is related to drug quantity, a person may possess up to 100 grams of cannabis for personal consumption.66 Most of the countries in our review have prevalent positive social attitudes towards the future legalization of cannabis (Table 2). A higher prevalence of cannabis use or dependence was found among teenagers or younger adults than among elderly adults in European (Italy, Spain), African (South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia),17 and Asian countries (Nepal, Iran). Cannabis legality doesn’t just differ by country, it can change within countries (looking at you, USA and Australia). If you have a prescription from a UK doctor and a specialist pharmacy dispenses your cannabis-based medicine, you are considered a legal medical cannabis patient. Since November 2018, medical cannabis has been legal in the UK, but mostly via private clinics, not the NHS. Several countries have cannabis control or prevention policies but inadequately prepared services for cannabis use/disorders. Our cross-country literature review involving all WPA regions, eight zones, and 16 countries provides several critical directions for research in epidemiology, policy, clinical programs, research, and international collaboration related to cannabis. Can you fly with weed from legal state to legal state? Legal prohibition is the most commonly adopted measure against cannabis use across the countries reviewed. Also, since use of cannabis is banned in many countries, epidemiological research is mostly conducted in clinical populations. In most of the Asian and African countries included in our sample, researchers have mainly focused on cross-sectional (India, Nepal) and retrospective chart reviews (India), and there are only a few prospective studies (Table 4). If you’re a member of Global Rescue, the best place to start your research regarding the rules and laws of a country is with our destination reports. The laws of your home country don’t travel with you. Travelers should avoid assuming legal products in their home country are permitted abroad. This transparency makes us trustworthy in cannabis-loving communities of New Jersey. Experience the delightful flavor and balanced effects of Transcendence Strawberry (Hybrid) Gummy 100mg, a premium cannabis edible meticulously crafted to elevate your cannabis experience. Prevalence of Cannabis Use in Oceania and Africa Studies of the benefits of cannabidiol as measured by electroencephalography (EEG) signals and genetic diversity studies were recently conducted in Morocco, France, Italy, and Iran. In Malaysia, compulsory classroom-based antidrug education programs are being delivered in secondary schools. The Malaysian government has initiated two programs, “Sayangi Hidup, Elak Derita Selamanya” (SHIELDS) and “Tomorrow’s Leader,” which are aimed at providing drug education and prevention in educational institutes. One initiative in Spain to raise awareness about substance abuse among schoolers and university students is based on short film contests.93 Awareness programs targeting the general population were found across the countries represented by our team. Some of these programs, such as “Unplugged,”92 have been implemented in several countries with excellent results, but not all schools can afford the expense. Only Health Canada retains the authority to issue permits or grant exemptions to import or export cannabis. Click on an individual data point on the interactive map below to find out more. Sign up for bi-weekly updates, packed full of cannabis education, recipes, and tips. Legal prohibitions seem to have substantially reduced cannabis use in many countries (e.g., before any legal prohibitions, Kathmandu was considered a ‘hippie hub’ inviting tourists and promoting hashish and tourism eventually). Almost all countries have adopted legal prohibitions as one of the core strategies to reduce cannabis use. The process of lifting prohibitions against cannabis use is known as legalization, while sparing criminal sanctions (such as fines, prison, or mandated treatment) against people possessing or using it is known as decriminalization.65 Cannabis consumption is legally prohibited in most countries. There is an urgent need to develop global strategies to address these cross-country barriers to improve early detection, prevention, and interventions for cannabis use and related disorders. Official websites of respective governments and international organizations were also searched in English and non-English languages (using countries national languages) to identify the current state of cannabis use, policies, and research in each of those countries. Different countries have vastly varying laws regarding cannabis and its derivatives. Recent market data shows THC edibles sales represent 40% of the total THC product category, highlighting their widespread popularity and availability in legal markets. Many countries, including most of Europe, Asia, and South America, have strict penalties for possession of THC edibles, ranging from fines to imprisonment. The unique pharmacokinetic profile of edibles, involving hepatic first-pass metabolism and lipophilic tissue storage, creates detection patterns distinctly different from inhaled cannabis. Understanding cannabis detection has important implications beyond personal curiosity, affecting employment, legal status, and safety considerations. Several interconnected variables determine how long cannabis edibles remain detectable, creating significant individual variation in elimination patterns. In contrast, THC, while also having some medical applications, is primarily used recreationally for its psychoactive effects. Do not try to ship it or take it out of the country. For importers with the Health Canada granted authority, please refer to Customs Notice on calculating cannabis duty. Medical cannabis has become your lifeline. Furthermore, independent reviewers and country-wise contributors’ unintentional bias due to divergent views about literature cannot be ruled out. The lack of closely matching criteria across the reviewed countries precluded us from conducting a systematic review. Cannabis is depicted negatively in the media to increase risk awareness (France, Spain, Kenya, and Iran).94 Rehabilitation services along with outpatient and inpatient services supervised by psychiatrists are the mainstay treatment for patients with cannabis disorders in all countries.29 Some high-income countries harness digital tools to provide support programs.95 In Spain, article 368 of the Penal Code distinguishes between drugs that cause and do not cause serious health damage. In comparison, some Asian countries (Thailand) have reported that the number of cannabis users is shrinking. This paper aims to describe the current state of cannabis use, policies, and research across sixteen countries. As a gateway drug, this trend may lead to an increase in both cannabis use and overall drug use. Third, publication bias regarding cannabis use was not accounted for due to variations across countries. First, the study utilizes peer-reviewed literature databases, which include many studies with non-continuous data. This trend also extended to nearby countries, such as France and Germany, where cannabis use was similarly common (19). That said, some states have banned intoxicating hemp products. Products that contain delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal. Also, some states have strict limits on how much cannabis you can possess in a vehicle. If you’re caught transporting cannabis across state lines, you may face federal criminal charges, which can be more severe than state criminal charges. We cover cannabis law, health optimisation, and natural medicine weekly, without the noise. We recommend starting with embassy websites and resources like Wikipedia’s cannabis legality page as an initial guide. In many countries it is necessary to establish national surveillance systems to monitor the changes or patterns of cannabis use and focus on developing preventive, diagnostic, and rehabilitation strategies. Following the Maltese Labour Party’s victory in the 2017 General Election (on which it ran on a broad cannabis reform platform), it has embarked on a somewhat different path to the formal markets being developed in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland.This psychoactive metabolite then transforms into 11-nor-9-Carboxy-THC (THC-COOH), the primary compound detected in drug screenings.Always research the specific laws of your destination country before traveling.Get our monthly newsletter for insider travel tips, destination inspiration and news you can actually use.This rise in cannabis use raises concerns about potential adverse health effects, including impaired motor coordination, cognitive impairment, cannabis use disorders, and chronic psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia (3-4).We have classified each country’s laws about medical cannabis (legal, illegal, or partially legal) and recreational cannabis (legal, decriminalized, or illegal).However, most state laws require that cannabis be kept in a closed container somewhere out of reach, like your car’s glove box, while driving. Schengen Certificate: A Legal Route for UK Patients The risks are heightened by the lack of uniformity in drug laws globally. For those seeking legal alternatives, many retailers offer hemp-derived products in various potencies and flavors that comply with local regulations. Countries like Japan and Singapore have zero-tolerance policies for any form of cannabis, making possession or transport highly risky. In the United States, federal law prohibits THC edibles, but some states have legalized them. Simultaneously, school-based programs are being run in some countries, such as Nepal, France, and Spain, while in other countries like India91 they are yet to be widely implemented. Efforts in training and education of service users, service providers, the general public, youth, and adolescents are currently being carried out in all of these countries. Table 3 lists national and local level harm reduction strategies adopted in the countries represented by our team. Cannabis cultivation checklist: all you need to know to make your plants thrive How can you guarantee a safe and lawful international travel experience when dealing with THC edibles? Traveling with THC edibles across international borders poses significant risks due to the stringent and varied legal landscapes. In contrast, many European countries like Germany and Italy allow limited medical use but strictly prohibit recreational use. Nevertheless, few organizations regularly compile epidemiological data.15-18 Limited information about the various current legalizations, national harm reduction strategies, research trends, programs, and prevalence of cannabis use or dependence is available.19 This hampers the development of global strategies to understand the extent and impact of cannabis use and address problems that result. Worldwide, more countries are decriminalizing cannabis, and in those with existing legalization, regulations are becoming more permissive (e.g., recreational use and possession limits) (15). Overall, countries with legalized cannabis showed a higher pooled prevalence of use compared to those with illegal cannabis. Conversely, 11 studies reported the prevalence in 51 countries where cannabis is illegal, involving 1.28 million samples with 205,630 cases. For instance, in Canada, where cannabis is legal at the federal level, travelers must still adhere to strict regulations regarding cross-border transport. Travelers must research the specific laws of their destination country and any countries they may transit through to guarantee compliance. In some countries like Canada and certain states in the United States, THC edibles are legal for recreational or medicinal use, but this does not extend to international travel. When considering international travel with THC edibles, it is vital to understand the complex and varied global legal landscape. It’s illegal to fly with cannabis, even if you have a medical card. Although cannabis is legal in many states, transporting it across state lines is illegal, even if you have a medical cannabis card. Parliamentary committee recommends legalisation and regulation A group of French MPs have called for cannabis to be legalised and regulated for non-medical adult use in a new report from a committee of the National Assembly. In the U.S., hemp must legally contain 0.3% THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana typically refers to cannabis with higher amounts of THC. This means that traveling with these types of cannabinoids can still be risky. Cannabis products made from hemp-derived cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC), are federally legal. That said, it’s illegal to use cannabis while driving or to drive while intoxicated. It’s important to know the laws and guidelines on traveling with cannabis, whether by plane, car, or public transportation. Cannabis laws also vary internationally, which can pose challenges to medical cannabis users who plan to travel abroad. In 2018, Luxembourg’s coalition government announced a plan to legalise and regulate cannabis production and sale for non-medical adult use - becoming the first European country to put in train such reforms. Depending on developments in the Netherlands (see below), Switzerland looks set to be the first country in Europe to make fully legalised cannabis production available for non-medical adult use. Can you legally travel with your medical cannabis if you’re a UK patient? Countries such as Japan and Singapore have zero-tolerance policies, while European nations like Germany and Italy permit limited medical use but ban recreational use. Traveling internationally with THC edibles is highly risky due to varied and often stringent regulations. Traveling with THC edibles internationally can be perilous; understand the legal guidelines and risks to avoid severe consequences. In contrast, in the United States, cannabis use has increased following the legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado and Washington in 2012 (17). In Japan, where cannabis control is relatively strict, the prevalence remains low (16). In Israel, cannabis use prevalence increased from 5.43% in 2010 to 19.10% in 2017. Future of THC Edibles: Emerging Trends & Technologies Learn more about traveling with cannabis from answers to common questions. For example, it’s illegal to possess any cannabis product, including CBD products, in Indonesia. This means that you might not be able to legally enter these states with these products in your possession. This is especially important in states that have not legalized cannabis for recreational use. If you’re traveling in a rented car, you’ll need to check local laws as well as the rules of the rental company. Therefore, enhanced monitoring of newly cannabis-legalized countries and efforts to prevent initial use are necessary. Lastly, the analysis did not examine detailed regulations of cannabis legalization; future studies should investigate the effects of various cannabis legalization measures. The prevalence of cannabis use demonstrated regional consistency, with neighboring countries or continents exhibiting similar levels of use. Understanding these rules is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid legal complications during international travel.CBD and THC are both compounds found in the cannabis plant, but they serve different purposes and have distinct legal considerations. Learn how to navigate international laws when flying with cannabis products. The Cannabis Act, legalizing and regulating cannabis (marijuana), creates a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada. The review focused on studies reporting the country-level prevalence of cannabis use published between January 1, 2000, and January 15, 2024. By January 2024, more than 40 countries had implemented policies affecting global cannabis and other drug use trends (9). Studies suggest that cannabis legalization policies have significantly impacted the prevalence of cannabis use worldwide (7-8). Commercial sales of recreational cannabis is legalized nationwide in two countries (Canada, Uruguay) and in all subnational U.S. jurisdictions that have legalized possession except Washington, D.C. Can you travel internationally with cannabis? Typically, developed nations are among the first to relax restrictions on cannabis supply and usage penalties. The highest prevalence was observed in the Netherlands in 2013, while the lowest was reported in Sweden in 2016. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results by systematically excluding studies with the most significant impact on the pooled outcomes. Spending on legal cannabis worldwide is expected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% from 2020 and hit $57 billion by 2030. If you feel unwell after traveling, seek advice from your GP or pharmacist. If you need medication while abroad, consult a pharmacy or healthcare provider for guidance. It can be helpful to contact the consulate or embassy of the destination country for information. A Government white paper published this March includes proposals to extend decriminalisation of cannabis possession, expunge criminal records, and permit home growing of up to four plants per household. Below we describe some of the reforms underway in the race to become Europe's first legal cannabis jurisdiction In 2018, Canada became the first major national economy to legalise and regulate the non-medical market (though Uruguay legalised five years earlier). Given that drug-induced harm is related to drug quantity, a person may possess up to 100 grams of cannabis for personal consumption.66 Most of the countries in our review have prevalent positive social attitudes towards the future legalization of cannabis (Table 2).“It is critical to know your destination’s laws before traveling.”The laws of your home country don’t travel with you.Notably, countries with medical or recreational cannabis legalization policies have shown an increasing trend and higher prevalence of cannabis use.Data from eligible studies were extracted into a custom-built database using Microsoft Excel (version 2019, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA).In contrast, fifteen countries reported lower prevalence rates, ranging from 1.30% to 10.40%, during periods when cannabis was illegal.Kooka ensures that all products meet the highest standards for a consistent, enjoyable experience.The first step is to thoroughly research the legal status of THC edibles in your destination country.Almost all countries have adopted legal prohibitions as one of the core strategies to reduce cannabis use. For instance, in the United States, the prevalence of past-month cannabis use among adolescents increased by 4.0% from 2008 to 2019 following the legalization of recreational cannabis (10). Countries that have legalized recreational use of cannabis are Canada, Chile, Georgia, Germany, Czechia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay and 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia. Carrying medical cannabis across international borders may be illegal and could result in severe penalties. Laws regarding medical cannabis vary significantly between countries. International travel with THC edibles poses significant legal and safety risks. Be aware of the rules and regulations of the countries you will be visiting. Check with the foreign embassy in the UK or use other resources to understand the regulations for your destination. Kooka Inc. is a full-service THC dispensary offering premium cannabis products with strict quality control from seed to store. Different countries have vastly varying laws regarding cannabis and its derivatives.Click on an individual data point on the interactive map below to find out more.Therefore, enhanced monitoring of newly cannabis-legalized countries and efforts to prevent initial use are necessary.Apply for the license at least 10 days before you travel.For details about the legality of cannabis in every country in Europe, see our separate Europe page. It is therefore valuable for development of global strategies for cannabis use disorders and harmonization of cannabis research worldwide. The critical evaluation of literature by independent reviewers has reduced the potential for group-based-bias entering the conclusion compared to the consensus approach.23 This review’s limitations include use of a restricted number of databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), which were searched by only one reviewer per country, restriction criteria that may not have captured all information intended, and no analysis was conducted of the quality of papers included. Cannabis researchers in many countries may struggle to obtain institutional support or funding for mental health-related research. However, the decriminalization of cannabis possession for consumption and plant cultivation is still pending judgment by the Brazilian Supreme Court.127 Generally, edibles can remain detectable in the body anywhere from a few hours to up to 90 days, but typical detection windows are about 1 to 2 weeks for most people. THC from edibles can be detected in blood for about 3 to 4 days, in saliva for 1 to 3 days, in urine for 3 to 30 days depending on consumption amount, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days. The complexity of cannabinoid metabolism underscores the importance of individualized assessment rather than relying on general timelines for critical decisions involving drug testing and safety considerations. Key factors determining detection duration include THC dosage and potency, consumption frequency, metabolic rate, body composition, and the specific drug test employed. Not declaring cannabis in your possession at the Canadian border could also lead to arrest and prosecution. The Cannabis Industry Council defines, sets, and maintains the gold standard for organisations operating in the medical cannabis, CBD and hemp sector. A state-by-state breakdown of cannabis legalization can be found here. “It is critical to know your destination’s laws before traveling.” Travelers carrying medical marijuana should ensure they have a valid prescription and a letter from their healthcare provider, check whether an import permit is required for their destination and only transport the necessary amount for personal medical use during their trip. That’s why knowing the local laws of the destination(s) is critical before traveling. Consulting with authorities, such as the embassy or consulate of the destination country, can provide clarity and help prevent legal issues during travel. You may be subject to criminal charges if you attempt to travel to other countries with any amount of cannabis in your possession. The Netherlands, while technically prohibiting cannabis, tolerates its sale and consumption in licensed “coffeeshops,” and possession of small amounts for personal use is generally permitted. The legality of both compounds varies by location, with CBD products containing very low THC content often being permitted, while products with high THC levels are generally more restricted. CBD and THC are both compounds found in the cannabis plant, but they serve different purposes and have distinct legal considerations. Understanding these rules is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid legal complications during international travel. Many attempts - mostly at the local/municipal level - to resolve what Dutch policy makers widely acknowledge is an absurd situation finally led, in 2017, to a national plan passed by parliament to license the production of cannabis - at least on a limited trial basis - to supply the coffee shops. Instead, the sales, possession and use takes place under a formal tolerance, or gedoogbeleid, policy. The White Paper is the basis of a national consultation that will inform next steps but it is clear that the government is interested in reform - and there are strong indications that the proposed reforms are likely to be a transitional step to a legally regulated market in the future. We found a wide range of variations in terms of epidemiological aspects of cannabis use/dependence across the included countries (Table 1). The narrative review and critical analysis of available literature were conducted as per protocol.23,24 The first author (RR) requested all country representatives to conduct independent searches of literature from their respective countries. These sixteen participants contributed with data from their countries, which we grouped by WPA geographical divisions (regions and zones). Moreover, building capacities capable of framing and accompanying any open and extensive legal use of cannabis is necessary and must be considered. European countries dominate the cannabis research output indexed on PubMed, in contrast to Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, India, Iran, and Nepal). In contrast, fifteen countries reported lower prevalence rates, ranging from 1.30% to 10.40%, during periods when cannabis was illegal. The prevalence of cannabis use ranged from 1.30% to 48.70% across 18 countries in Oceania and Africa. Additionally, eight countries reported cannabis use prevalence during periods when it was illegal, ranging from 2.60% to 18.93%. Data on cannabis use are available for eight countries with legalized cannabis. This could be due to potential underreporting because of harsh legal prohibition and punitive drug policies. Also, published literature suggests that the quality of epidemiological data is often poor in LMICs due to a lack of national surveys and research funding.119,120 Furthermore, the lack of homogenous data collection methods, periodicity, or standard definitions of cannabis use in surveys may affect international efforts to develop national or global cannabis prevention strategies or interventions. Among those countries (Morocco, Nepal, and India), some possible reasons for the higher prevalence may be unemployment poverty, lack of harsh punishment,118 acceptance of cannabis as medicine, cultural or religious acceptance, and a favorable climate for cultivation. Large-scale general population studies are lacking due to inadequate funds and stringent policies in Asian countries. Legal prohibition is the most commonly adopted measure against cannabis use across the countries reviewed.For those seeking legal alternatives, many retailers offer hemp-derived products in various potencies and flavors that comply with local regulations.It’s important to know the laws and guidelines on traveling with cannabis, whether by plane, car, or public transportation.The prevalence of cannabis use in 16 Asian countries ranged from 0.30% to 19.10%, which is relatively lower compared to European and American countries.Also, some states have strict limits on how much cannabis you can possess in a vehicle.This could be due to potential underreporting because of harsh legal prohibition and punitive drug policies.Cannabis laws also vary internationally, which can pose challenges to medical cannabis users who plan to travel abroad.Countries that have legalized recreational use of cannabis are Canada, Chile, Georgia, Germany, Czechia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay and 24 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia. The acceleration of economic globalization presents additional challenges to decreasing the prevalence of cannabis use. Fourteen countries reported cannabis use prevalence during periods when it was illegal, with rates ranging from 0.30% to 6.00%. The prevalence of cannabis use in 16 Asian countries ranged from 0.30% to 19.10%, which is relatively lower compared to European and American countries. Singapore enforces severe penalties for cannabis possession, including imprisonment and fines.In 2021, an estimated 219 million individuals used cannabis across nearly every country and territory (1), a 21% increase from approximately 180.6 million in 2011 (2).Travelers must be aware of the specific laws in their destination countries to avoid legal repercussions.The psychoactive effects of edibles usually start within 30 to 90 minutes after consumption, peak around 2 to 4 hours, and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours depending on dose and tolerance.Three authors (RR, PAR, and CJ) clarified some ambiguous terms such as decriminalization and legalizations.Generally, edibles can remain detectable in the body anywhere from a few hours to up to 90 days, but typical detection windows are about 1 to 2 weeks for most people.France has amongst the highest levels of cannabis use in Europe, but also some of the harshest drug law enforcement - so this represents a groundbreaking challenge to France’s entrenched approach. Comprehensive cooperation with hundreds of hospitals and clinics, thousands of doctors and medical experts to join hands in building a medical content and service platform on the Doctor Network application. More than 6 years of experience in organizing and producing leading prestigious medical programs in Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). However, staying hydrated, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet may help speed up metabolism and the elimination of THC metabolites. The psychoactive effects of edibles usually start within 30 to 90 minutes after consumption, peak around 2 to 4 hours, and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours depending on dose and tolerance. Substantial monetary fines, extended imprisonment and deportation with bans on re-entry are common consequences for international travelers violating cannabis laws. Laws regarding CBD and THC are subject to change; always consult legal experts or official government sources before traveling. You can’t just say, ‘Oops, I didn’t know.’ Ignorance is not an excuse.”If you’re a member of Global Rescue, the best place to start your research regarding the rules and laws of a country is with our destination reports. Travelers should research destination laws thoroughly to answer these questions, as regulations vary widely. However, in recent years, the TSA has confirmed that TSA agents do not actively search for cannabis in your luggage. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for drug policy news, event details, as well as volunteer and job opportunities As the mainstream debate moves from if to how we regulate cannabis, Transform continues to develop guidance on how to do so effectively and fairly. Beyond North America and Europe reform is also progressing; in the Australian Capital Territory (decriminalisation and home growing); South Africa (decriminalisation and home growing); a number of Caribbean states (mostly for religious and medical use); and Israel (fully regulated market). The ‘Wet Gesloten Coffeeshopketen’ (‘Closed Coffeeshop Circuit Act’), would allow commercial cannabis growers operating under strict conditions to be exempted from prosecution. South Tsunami, Jack Herer, Granddaddy Purple (GDP), and Hindu Kush are a few of the best strains for beginners to start with on their cannabis journey. Understand the many benefits of staying proactive and taking the time to renew your medical marijuana card before it expires. Schedule an appointment with Leafwell to start the process of getting your medical card online. In some states, having a medical card is the only way to purchase from a local dispensary as an out-of-state visitor. This Cannabis Industry Council map is intended to illustrate the current legal status of prescription and adult use cannabis globally (as of February 2024). For details about the legality of cannabis in every country in North and Central America, see our separate North and Central America page. For details about the legality of cannabis in every country in Asia, see our separate Asia page. For details about the legality of cannabis in every country in Europe, see our separate Europe page. However, most state laws require that cannabis be kept in a closed container somewhere out of reach, like your car’s glove box, while driving. This allows out-of-state residents to purchase cannabis from a dispensary as long as they have their medical card with them. Medical cannabis cardholders may be able to purchase cannabis in their destination state through a reciprocity program. Some airports have set up cannabis amnesty boxes, offering an easy and legal way to dispose of cannabis before going through security. Cannabis is federally illegal, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) adheres to federal rather than state laws. ✅ Do your research✅ Get the paperwork✅ Respect local laws✅ Contact your airline✅ Plan ahead✅ Use alternatives if needed You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and seeing the world. At High & Polite, we believe in the metabolic theory of health – and there are always ways to support your endocannabinoid system, even without your prescription. In strict countries, the risk might outweigh the reward. How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last? A Complete Medical Guide to Duration, Treatment, and Recovery Similarly, New Zealand saw a peak prevalence of 19.00% in 2012, which has also decreased over time. In Australia, the highest recorded prevalence was 48.70% in 2004, though this has since shown a declining trend. Specifically, the prevalence in Bolivia was 2.60% in 2012, in Peru it was 2.90% in 2010, and in Suriname, it was 3.90% in 2017. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is subject to stricter regulations. In the European Union (EU), many nations allow CBD products with THC content below 0.2%, as seen in Germany and the Netherlands.But regulations differ. The legality of both compounds varies by location, with CBD products containing very low THC content often being permitted, while products with high THC levels are generally more restricted.Is cannabidiol legal? Get our monthly newsletter for insider travel tips, destination inspiration and news you can actually use. Adhering to possession limits, which vary by country, and understanding that transporting THC products across international borders is generally illegal, even between countries where cannabis is legal, are critical considerations for travelers. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of cannabis use has disproportionately increased in most countries with the implementation of medical or recreational cannabis legalization policies and relevant geographic proximity. Among the country-representative studies selected, the prevalence of cannabis use varied significantly, ranging from 0.42% to 43.90% across 33 European countries. Evolving understanding of cannabis pharmacology continues to inform detection science and clinical applications. Full-spectrum products containing CBD may alter THC metabolism through enzyme competition. The concentration-time curve for edibles shows distinct absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination phases. This psychoactive metabolite then transforms into 11-nor-9-Carboxy-THC (THC-COOH), the primary compound detected in drug screenings. The lipophilic nature of cannabinoids requires dietary fats for optimal absorption, explaining why edibles containing oils, butter, or other lipids produce more consistent effects. Crossing borders with THC edibles can lead to arrest, fines, and other legal consequences.Conversely, 11 studies reported the prevalence in 51 countries where cannabis is illegal, involving 1.28 million samples with 205,630 cases.The unique pharmacokinetic profile of edibles, involving hepatic first-pass metabolism and lipophilic tissue storage, creates detection patterns distinctly different from inhaled cannabis.Zurich and Basel, for example, have set out the boldest proposals, while Geneva is proposing a more modest cannabis social club experiment.In the U.S., hemp must legally contain 0.3% THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana typically refers to cannabis with higher amounts of THC.The prevalence of cannabis use demonstrated regional consistency, with neighboring countries or continents exhibiting similar levels of use.When considering international travel with THC edibles, it is vital to understand the complex and varied global legal landscape.A comprehensive search initially identified 177,843 studies, of which 101,703 were removed as duplicates. The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Age restrictions for carrying THC edibles vary by jurisdiction. THC is illegal under federal law, and its consumption can lead to unpredictable effects, especially in a confined environment like an airplane. For reference, products like MN LEGAL beverages containing 10MG of THC per serving are strictly regulated even within permitted regions. This includes carrying the prescribed amount and having valid medical documentation readily available. Substantial monetary fines, extended imprisonment and deportation with bans on re-entry are common consequences for international travelers violating cannabis laws.Travelers should avoid assuming legal products in their home country are permitted abroad. If you’re traveling to a country where cannabis is legal, you may be able to purchase it legally during your stay, but you still should not travel with cannabis between countries. If you’re traveling within a state that has legalized medical cannabis, you’re permitted to have cannabis in your car as long as you have your medical card accessible. In the United States, cannabis use and dependence increased in states that legalized medical use with a high prevalence of cannabis use disorders and severe psychiatric disorders, in addition to automobile accidents. In 2020, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária ANVISA) approved regulation of the medical use of cannabis in Brazil. Some countries (e.g., Italy) have developed a national early warning system to counter the consumption and sale of cannabis online. The extent of public health interventions (such as awareness-raising campaigns, skills training) in these countries was deficient, probably leaving behind many patients and at-risk people. If your THC edibles are confiscated at the border, you may face legal penalties, fines, or even arrest, depending on the jurisdiction's laws. Carrying THC edibles, even in a sealed package, is generally prohibited across international borders due to varying legal statuses of cannabis. In most places, individuals must be at least 18 or 21 years old to possess THC products, depending on local laws and regulations. However, if you must, make certain they are in their original packaging, clearly labeled, and comply with all relevant laws of both departure and destination countries.