While many of us learned about cannabis during the “war on drugs,” or when D.A.R.E. was implemented in our classrooms growing up, we never got the full picture of what cannabis could do. For Jane, a mother whose ten-year-old daughter has a rare form of treatment-resistant epilepsy, cannabis is the key to her daughter’s future. Traditional medications have failed to stop her daughter’s seizures from occurring. But Jane has found that medicinal cannabis oil has reduced both the frequency and severity of her daughter’s seizures. Now she just hopes that she’ll soon be able to access the treatments for lower prices rather than purchasing online. In other areas of the world, politicians and regulatory agencies are beginning to look at cannabis as a tool for recreational use and enjoyment — bringing lower anxiety and more chill attitudes across the area. Two proposed bills in Kentucky would make it legal for residents to possess, buy, and cultivate cannabis. No matter where you look, it seems like attitudes around cannabis consumption are changing. (If you’d like to dip your toes into cannabis, avoid all cannabis vape brands except these eight.)
With the recent trend of decriminalization and legalization of cannabis around the globe, doctors are rediscovering many of the health benefits associated with this plant. Some clinically proven benefits include pain management, reduced inflammation, sleep management, muscle relaxants, and effective treatment for illnesses such as certain mental health disorders, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, Parkinson’s disease, interstitial cystitis, and other chronic pain illnesses. But not every country agrees on how cannabis can or should be used. Here, 24/7 Wall St. explored the countries with the highest rates of cannabis consumption worldwide. All the data for this list is taken from public filings from cannabis dispensaries. Obviously, illegal cannabis transactions aren’t included here. We listed in order from lowest annual prevalence of cannabis consumption to highest.
Background on Cannabis
Before the War on Drugs, cannabis was successfully grown and sold on every continent on earth, as it had been for centuries. The Chinese are thought to be the first growers of cannabis around 600 BCE. Culturally, Muslim societies refer to cannabis as hashish, and the plant is called “the bush of understanding,” and the “morsel of thought.” But with as many cultures that value and use cannabis, an almost equal number have banned or discouraged its use at one point or another throughout history. Despite the efforts of governments (led by the United States) to eradicate this miracle plant, indigenous societies and everyday people continued to use it.
The name ‘marijuana’ was actually invented in the 1930s by the U.S. Government in order to make it sound more foreign and dangerous. They wanted Americans to associate it with Mexican immigrants in order to scare white people away from it. A more acceptable and accurate name for it is cannabis, or any of its cultural nicknames.
Why We’re Talking Cannabis
Global cannabis use has exploded over the last decade, especially as more and more countries have decriminalized and even legalized the product. The global cannabis market is expected to reach USD $68.47 billion in 2025 alone — and that number is only expected to rise into the future. Cannabis consumption matters because it shapes drug policy, influences medical research, and (as you might expect) benefits local and national economies. At the end of the day, cannabis is here to stay. No amount of government propaganda, religious pressure, or cultural resistance will make it go away. If you fear cannabis, then the best remedy is information. If you support cannabis, then knowing where people buy it can be both helpful and interesting.
These are the 20 countries with the highest levels of cannabis consumption:
20. Switzerland
Cannabis being grown in Switzerland.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Switzerland is 7.7%. Although cannabis is still illegal, the Swiss Federal Government is currently authorizing trials to experiment with decriminalizing recreational cannabis. There is already a precedence for this in Switzerland. The same process happened when the country legalized prescription heroin and safe injection sites in the 90s. By the end of 2025, Switzerland’s cannabis market is projected to bring in USD $144.30 million.
19. Argentina
Cut cannabis branches.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Argentina is 8.13%. As it stands now, the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis is illegal, and possession is decriminalized under a certain amount. Similar to the United States, some Argentinian provinces have decriminalized cannabis for personal and recreational use. The country plans to legalize cannabis for medical use in the near future.
There are currently 51 regulated research and development projects being conducted by the ARICCAME cannabis agency in the country to establish a regulatory framework to enter the weed export market. Argentina currently allows cannabis-derived products in pharmacies and insurers have to cover prescription cannabis-based medications. The Argentinian government’s goal is to create 10,000 direct jobs, $500 million in domestic sales, and $50 million in export sales by 2025.
18. Finland
Legal cannabis fields.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Finland is 8.2%. Cannabis is the most used drug in Finland. Cannabis is commonly used by approximately 30% of Finnish adults. It is projected that revenue will reach US$41.87 million by the end of 2024. Recreational cannabis use is currently illegal in Finland, but there are bills that have been recently proposed to parliament to decriminalize it. Medical cannabis use has been legal in Finland for over a decade, and CBD oil can be purchased at most pharmacies.
17. Croatia
A cannabis plant being trimmed.
Croatia’s annual prevalence of cannabis use sits at 10.2%, with a cannabis market revenue expected to reach USD $47.73 million by 2025. Cannabis is a banned substance in Croatia, and even the possession for personal use is punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine. Cannabis falls under the “Soft Drugs,” category in Croatia, so minor offenses have been decriminalized. Medical cannabis use is legal but strictly regulated.
16. Italy
A large field of cannabis.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Italy is 10.21%. Cannabis is decriminalized for recreational use, and legal for medical and industrial uses. It is projected to reach a revenue of USD $321.6 million by 2025. Many cannabis consumers in Italy are youngr; 17% of high-school-aged students said they consumed cannabis at least once.
Italy has a “cannabis light” industry, which produces and sells low-THC cannabis products. Products with a THC content lower than 0.6% are legal to cultivate, sell, and consume. Italy is currently using Canada as a regulatory blueprint and has proposed legislation to widen the use of medical cannabis, regulate the production and sale of low-THC cannabis products, and protect consumers from misleading information on unregulated products.
15. Netherlands
Cannabis plants growing in Denmark.
Not only is cannabis legal in the Netherlands, it is available for purchase in Dutch coffee shops and has been since 1976. Amsterdam has been the capital of cannabis tourism for the last 4 decades, but that might change this year. The current Mayor of Amsterdam, Mayor Femke Halsema wants to ban foreigners from its cannabis cafes — though we’ll see how that goes. The annual prevalence of cannabis use in the Netherlands is 10.4%. The Netherlands is projected to reach USD $277.2 million in revenue by the end of 2025.
14. Monaco
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Monaco is 10.47%. Although medical and recreational cannabis use in Monaco is illegal, possession of small amounts often gets disregarded as a misdemeanor. It is a socially acceptable drug in Monaco culture. Under the law, being caught with any amount of cannabis is punishable by a fine and up to a year in prison. CBD products are available in Monaco but also fall within a legal gray area.
The country makes no distinction between hemp and cannabis plants, but the European Union (EU) Court ruled in 2020 that CBD products are not intoxicating, so countries part of the European Union cannot prohibit legally produced cannabidiol from other EU countries. Monaco is not a member of the EU, so it doesn’t have to follow the ruling. Despite the legal ambiguity, there are several CBD shops throughout the country. Tourists are advised to not bring cannabis into Monaco, as that is considered drug trafficking.
13. Morocco
An assortment of cannabis oil.
Morocco is one of the world’s top cannabis producers and is regulated for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes, while consumption for recreational uses is illegal. Morocco was the top global producer of cannabis resin from 2002-2010. The first legal harvest of cannabis in 2023 was 294 metric tons, according to Morocco’s Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities (ANRAC). Today, Morocco’s annual prevalence of cannabis use is 10.47%.
12. Spain
Cannabis in a growing room.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Spain is 10.5%. You can purchase some of the cheapest weed in the world in Spain. Although cannabis for recreational use is technically illegal, there are gray areas for Madrid’s famous cannabis clubs. People may also grow and consume cannabis on their private property so long as the plants are not visible. Revenue for the recreational use market in Spain is projected to reach USD $1.96 billion by the end of 2025.
11. Nigeria
Cannabis cultivation, production, and consumption in Nigeria is not technically legal — but that doesn’t stop Nigeria from consuming the most weed out of any African country. The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Nigeria sits at 10.76%. Cannabis currently represents a huge export market for Nigeria and many people view cannabis as a way to provide for their families. The cannabis industry was worth USD $3.7 billion in 2023.
10. France
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in France is 11%, despite the fact that cannabis is still considered a narcotic in the country. Cannabis use is most popular among people aged 33 and older in France. Interestingly enough, France is seeing a decline in cannabis use among younger age groups. Even though France has some of the strictist drug laws in Europe, the value of the cannabis market was EUR 598 million Euros in 2023. France is also a big consumer of CBD and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids, which is legal.
9. Czech Republic
Healthy cannabis growing.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in the Czech Republic is 11.1%. In line with its 2023-2025 Addiction Policy Action Plan, cannabis is set to be fully legalized by the end of 2025. This would make it the first country in the European Union to have a legalized cannabis market. The market was worth USD $41 billion in 2023 and, should full legalization occur, would be expected to grow in the future.
8. Australia
Cannabis buds on display.
Australia’s cannabis laws and regulations are a little challenging to understand. Cannabis and hemp were legalized in 2021 for medical and scientific purposes. The industry was valued at USD $51.8 million that year and grew to be worth USD $88.1 million in 2023. The cannabis industry and associated revenue is expected to grow 27.8% by 2030. However, recreational use is still not fully legal and medical use is still heavily regulated. At this time, the annual prevalence of cannabis use in Australia is 11.6%. 36% of people over the age of 14 have said that they have tried cannabis at least once.
7. Chile
Cannabis products for sale.
The annual prevalence of Cannabis use in Chile is 12%. Recreational cannabis use is currently illegal in Chile. Chilean authorities seized 285,000 plants in 2020. However, medical cannabis use is legal and had sales revenue of USD $4.44 million in 2023. Private at-home consumption and growth is also legal so long as it relates to medical use.
6. Israel
Cannabis being grown in Israel.
The annual prevalence of cannabis use in Israel is 14%. Recreational cannabis use is illegal but is socially permissible and openly tolerated. As of 2019, recreational marijuana was at least decriminalized and is now associated with a small fine if caught. Medical cannabis is highly regulated. The medical cannabis industry brought in USD $12.4 million dollars in revenue in 2023.
5. Uruguay
A healthy cannabis plant.
Uruguay knows the power of plants. That’s why the country was the first ever to legalize cannabis in 2013. Since then, cannabis has become one of the most widely used drugs in Uruguay, with an annual prevalence of cannabis use at 14.6%. Three companies produce weed, and 37 pharmacies are authorized to sell weed. Pharmacies sold over 10,693,210 grams of cannabis between 2017 and 2019. Cannabis is one of the country’s largest exports.
4. New Zealand
An outdoor dispensary.
Recreational cannabis use is currently illegal in New Zealand, and has been since the implementation of the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1975. Still, New Zealand’s annual prevalence of cannabis use sits at 15.3%. One in six New Zealanders aged 15-65 define themselves as regular users of Cannabis. The medical cannabis market in New Zealand is worth USD $28 million. Around $1 billion worth of illicit cannabis is consumed in New Zealand annually, which is roughly 74 metric tons.
3. Jamaica
A view of Jamaica.
Cannabis is referred to as Ganja in Jamaica and is deeply rooted in Jamaica’s history and culture, although currently illegal. Jamaica did, however, decriminalize possession of under 2 ounces and legalized medical cannabis consumption in 2015. Jamaica has an annual cannabis prevalence use of 18%. Medical cannabis sales brought in a revenue of USD$3897 million.
2. Canada
Cannabis being sold in Canada.
Cannabis is legal both recreationally and medicinally in Canada — and this has been a huge boon for the country’s economy. In 2023, recreational cannabis sales brought in a revenue of USD$3.8 billion. Canada was the first G20 country to legalize cannabis and has set a blueprint for cannabis regulations for the rest of the world. Currently, there are more than 3,000 retail locations in the country.
1. United States of America
A dispensary in Hawaii.
When it comes to consuming weed both legally and illegally, the United States sits at the top of the consumption list. The annual prevalence of cannabis use in America is 22.8%. Medical and recreational cannabis sales brought in $33.6 billion in revenue in 2023. As of the end of 2023, 24 states as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands have legalized weed, although it still remains federally illegal.
Another interesting fact? California alone is the single largest cannabis market in the world. The United States is also at the forefront of cannabis innovation with new products such as vapes, cannabis-infused beverages, and edibles. The company that has the largest market share in the regulated market is Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. It’s a Massachusetts-based company that is the current leader in medical and recreational cannabis distribution. Curaleaf Holdings also has a presence in the U.K. and Germany.
Top Gaining Stocks
Top Losing Stocks