By Priyankee Saikia,
Saturday, 06 Dec 2014
As Indians, we often do not understand what the big deal is with the entire 'legalize marijuana' movement anyway. Not like it is legal here, but since its enforcement is not really a priority for law-enforcers it is smoked by the kilo here. However, have you ever thought about which countries smoke the most pot? Does it include Jamaica, land of Bob Marley; the Netherlands with its Annual Cannabis Cup at Amsterdam - or maybe even India? Well, the 2014 World Drug Report released by the United Nations give you the answer!
18.3 per cent of Iceland smoke weed - which is almost a fifth of the population! The possession, sale, transport and cultivation of cannabis are illegal in that European nation - and could result in jail time and heavy fines. It does not seem to deter them though!
The next 'highest' place is the African nation of Zambia with 17.7 per cent usage. Even though it is illegal there as well, farmers are rapidly turning to marijuana cultivation over traditional crops - and legalizing the plant there has now become a political issue, with presidential candidates promising to make it lawful if voted to power!
With the movement for legalizing pot snowballing in the United States, no wonder it has the third-highest consumption in the world with 14.8 per cent use. Medical marijuana is now legal in 23 states - while recreational use is also permitted by law in Colorado and Washington!
Coming close at the heels of the US is Italy with 14.6 per cent. While it is illegal to cultivate or sell marijuana there, possession of small quantities for medical use has been decriminalized. In fact, the country will now have its army cultivating cheap marijuana from next year to dissuade illegal street dealers from thriving!
With a similar percentage of the population smoking weed, New Zealand is next on the list. Anything to do with this herb is illegal there, even though there have been political efforts to legalize medical marijuana. It has not come to pass yet, although the supporters do not seem to be giving up anytime soon.
With 14.3 per cent of the population smoking marijuana, Nigeria has the second-highest percentage in Africa. They have a federal agency that makes sure there is no growing, processing, trafficking or consumption of the plant by destroying plantings and keeping a check at airports.
The next nation is Canada with 12.2 per cent use - where its sale is illegal. However, the cultivation, transportation and consumption for medicinal reasons are authorized by the government. As far as the people's votes are concerned, a whopping 59 per cent agree that it should be completely decriminalized.
Spain also counts among one of the highest consumers of the intoxicant - with 10.6 per cent use. Spain is now touted to be the 'new Amsterdam' - a destination for marijuana tourists from across the world. About 500 private 'cannabis clubs' exist in the country, with 200 of them in Barcelona alone!
Australia is next with 10.3 per cent of the country's population lighting the blunt annually. Even though the sale and transportation of the plant is illegal there, the laws have been relaxed for consumption in a number of the states - and it is also legal to have not more than two plants growing at your home.
It is a wonder that a country where the Rastafarian movement first arose still has bans on marijuana. It is the last on this list - with 9.86 per cent usage among the population. However, the winds of change are here and the country is all set to decriminalize possession and sale of the plant. Not that people were waiting for it to happen to start, anyway.
Note: This article is meant to be informative, and neither the website nor the author endorses the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
All Photos: © Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images
As Indians, we often do not understand what the big deal is with the entire 'legalize marijuana' movement anyway. Not like it is legal here, but since its enforcement is not really a priority for law-enforcers it is smoked by the kilo here. However, have you ever thought about which countries smoke the most pot? Does it include Jamaica, land of Bob Marley; the Netherlands with its Annual Cannabis Cup at Amsterdam - or maybe even India? Well, the 2014 World Drug Report released by the United Nations give you the answer!
1. Iceland
2. Zambia
3. United States
4. Italy
5. New Zealand
6. Nigeria
7. Canada
8. Spain
9. Australia
10. Jamaica
It is a wonder that a country where the Rastafarian movement first arose still has bans on marijuana. It is the last on this list - with 9.86 per cent usage among the population. However, the winds of change are here and the country is all set to decriminalize possession and sale of the plant. Not that people were waiting for it to happen to start, anyway.
Note: This article is meant to be informative, and neither the website nor the author endorses the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
All Photos: © Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images
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