Where is CBD Legalised Around the World?
The use of CBD has been a controversial topic in different parts of the world. While the use of CBD is legal in some countries, its use is considered illegal in other countries. Hence, its use is geographically linked and dependent on the laws of that particular country. The apathy towards the use of CBD in some countries of the world is due to the fact that it (CBD) is being grouped with other hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and other banned narcotics. In this article, we will be discussing countries of the world where CBD is legalised.
CBD in North and Central America
Despite the laws prohibiting their use in the 20th century, Americans have always been Cannabis friendly.
Canada and the United States gave specific laws guiding CBD and Hemp products. These laws are known as the Cannabis Act and the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 respectively. A law that will control CBD products is being inaugurated in Mexico.
As it is in Central America, so is it in the Caribbean. Most organized crime groups and drug syndicates deal on Cannabis and the plant is being seen as a threat to national governments.
The history of Cannabis use in Central America has long been associated with mostly recreational purposes. Though, it is being used for religious rituals by religious people. It can also be used as medicine.
Hemp is consistently seen as being equal to marijuana. Hence, it is prohibited in the region. Only a few countries allow it for medical use.
CBD in South America
Although there is a high level of drug peddling, South America focuses more on hindering the consumption of medicinal “drugs” like CBD, instead of battling hard drugs.
CBD is seen as a drug (considered a narcotic by some) by most Latin American countries, while others opened the way for its lawful usage with strict laws. Marijuana use was first legalised in Uruguay. Thereafter, other South American countries launched their agendas to do the same. This was done with the hope there would be a reduction in the crime wave.
In the meantime, CBD is either lawful only for medical use or prohibited. Despite the fact that complete legalisation is far from being actualised at the moment, there is hope that soon CBD will no longer be seen as a “dangerous” compound.
CBD in Asia and the Middle East
Cannabis use was being banned in Asia for years despite being utilized as a textile and medicine for ages.
Being familiar with the multiple uses of cannabis (commercial, industrial, and scientific) many regions started the cultivation of cannabis in their soil in the last decade.
Presently, Asia is relaxing the laws by re-establishing the use and cultivation of hemp.
The changes are indications that CBD is on the verge of being accepted by the people. Asia is anticipated to become one of the leading continents in hemp-derived CBD and industrial hemp.
Though harmonization of the laws may take some time, the CBD market in Asia will soon be on par with the likes of North America and Europe. CBD cosmetics are already commonly used in China, Japan, and South Korea. The CBD cosmetics market is competitive in these countries, helping this region earn a spot as a potential leader in the CBD industry.
CBD use is only approved in Israel. Apart from Israel, its use is not allowed in the Middle East.
A highly developed cannabis research system is present in Israel and it is one of three world countries where medical cannabis and scientific research are financed by the government.
CBD in Israel is only permitted for medical use and the prescription of a medical practitioner is required, for now.
CBD in Australasia
Australasia has a long past record of different cannabis culture and cannabis use. One of the political parties in Australia known as Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) is assiduously labouring to ensure that the legalisation of cannabis for industrial, recreational, and medical use reaches full status.
This region is believed to be one of the territories with the most stringent laws on hemp-derived commodities. CBD is only legal for use as medicine. Even after obtaining a prescription, having access to the product can prove abortive.
After decades of pressure, and demands for the legalization of cannabis, changes started occurring. Recreational marijuana was first legalized in Australia Capital Territory in September 2019, and the narratives are about to change in New Zealand.
A more satisfactory status for CBD is brought about by these reforms. A major reason is that knowing about cannabinoids is not restricted to patients.
CBD in Africa
Africa does not support the use of cannabis. Even when it is zero percent free from THC, having CBD and cannabis products can lead to harsh punishments.
South Africa is the only African country that has legalised CBD use. This is done under strict regulations.
When it comes to allowing CBD purchases over the counter, South Africa is the region’s pioneer country.
CBD in Europe
Europe has so many outer influences, cultures, traditions, and nationalities. There are divergent views on the topic of cannabis.
Cannabis is generally embraced by Europeans especially among the younger generations. In contrast, the religions, traditions, and cultural values of this region are often stringent, and cannabis does not tally with it.
It is still challenging to explain the general attitude towards CBD products, despite some common European politics and the EU’s work on a more harmonized legislature. Some countries love the hemp product, while others prefer to promulgate stringent laws on CBD.
Take-away
In this article, we have analysed how CBD is used in different continents of the world. CBD use is accepted in North America, not minding the fact that it was prohibited in the 20th century. Hemp-derived CBD is prohibited in Central America, and only a few countries within this region allow its use. Despite the fact that there is a high level of drug trafficking in South America, the region concentrates more on hindering the consumption of medicinal drugs. CBD use is also tolerated in other parts of Asia (apart from the middle east), Australasia, South Africa (with prescription), and Europe.
Source
https://www.nutraingredients-latam.com/Article/2019/12/12/CBD-in-Latin-America-What-can-we-expect
https://thecannabis.fund/2019/11/25/the-south-korean-cbd-cosmetics-craze/
https://healthyhempoil.com/is-cbd-legal-in-dubai/