Cannabis is one of the oldest known ?recreational drug? and also one of the most controversial drugs on the planet. What makes cannabis so controversial is the fact that it is not addictive like heroin or morphine. Cannabis is classified as habitual which means a person does not get physically (does not experience physical withdrawal symptoms) addicted to cannabis. The fact that cannabis has been a part of cultures all over the world has fuelled the demand for legalization or decriminalization of cannabis. Interestingly, the legal status of cannabis varies from country to country. Bangladesh is one of the few countries in the world where sale, possession and cultivation of cannabis is legal.

United States

Apart from Alaska (where it is legal to posses 4 ounces of cannabis), it is illegal to posses, sell and cultivate cannabis in the US. Cannabis is known as marijuana in the US and there has been considerable lobbying for decriminalization of marijuana in the US. Interestingly, many states ?go easy? on first time offenders and there is no mandatory jail sentence linked to marijuana possession.

Middle Eastern Countries

Saudi Arabia and UAE have enforced the death penalty for cannabis possession and Mattar bin Bakhit al-Khazaali was convicted of smuggling hashish (cannabis resin) and was executed in the northern town of Arar. Countries like Thailand, Singapore and China also frequently enforce the death penalty for drug possession including cannabis.

India

A common variant of cannabis called bhang is available for sale in many Indian states and is legally sold through government contractors. However, the sale of pure cannabis is prohibited under The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Interestingly, even bhang is not legal in all Indian states.

United Kingdom

Cannabis possession has not been decriminalized in the UK but people found in possession of cannabis can no longer be arrested. The cultivation of cannabis has been outlawed since 1928 and an arrest is still possible for distribution or cultivation of cannabis, even cannabis oil is a class C drug in the UK.

Portugal

A person can legally consume 2.5 grams of cannabis per day and can possess 7.5 grams (3 days worth) of cannabis. Cultivation of cannabis (even for personal use) is illegal, and cultivation of even one plant is assumed to indicate involvement with trafficking (so much so that possession of cannabis seeds is also illegal).

Sweden

Sweden has been cited as an example of drug control by UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). Sweden has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to cannabis and narcotics, and anyone above the age of 14 can be tested for drug use. A drug test by the police is seen as a irrefutable proof of consumption in Sweden.

Netherlands

Cannabis can be legally purchased and used in small amounts, the cultivation and wholesale of cannabis is still illegal. In addition, shops in close proximity to schools will be closed by 2009 as there has been considerable criticism of the easy access that youngsters have to cannabis in the Netherlands.

New Zealand

Anyone caught in possession of more than 28 grams of cannabis or 100 cannabis ?joints? can be tried for being a drug dealer. A drug dealer can be sentenced to up to 14 years under the Misuse of Drugs Act. In addition, possession of cannabis is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $500 or even a 3-month prison sentence (which is rarely enforced).

Australia

Possession of up to 25 grams or cannabis results in a fine in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) whereas in S.A. (South Australia) possession of cannabis is a moderate offence (resulting in fines). Unfortunately, there is considerable confusion among people when it comes to cannabis possession and politicians all over Australia are lobbying for clearer and stricter possession laws.

For more information on cannabis and other legal highs visit www.elegalhighs.co.uk