How the World Views Cannabis Today > 자유게시판

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Attitudes toward cannabis vary dramatically across the world shaped by centuries of tradition, faith systems, legal frameworks, and community values. In some countries, cannabis is viewed as a dangerous drug with no place in society, while in others it is treated as a medicinal tool or even a cultural tradition. In places like the Netherlands, cannabis has been permitted through de facto legalization, allowing coffee shops to sell small amounts despite existing in a legal gray zone. This pragmatic approach reflects a broader societal acceptance of self-determination and minimizing societal damage.

In contrast, many countries in South and West Asia enforce extremely strict laws. In places like Singapore and Saudi Arabia, possession or use of cannabis can lead to heavy fines, long prison sentences, or even the death penalty. These policies are often rooted in religious beliefs and a strong emphasis on social order. In Japan, cannabis is strictly prohibited, and even negligible levels in herbal remedies can lead to criminal charges, reflecting deep cultural unease with the plant.

In North America, attitudes have evolved dramatically since the early 2000s. Canada enacted full federal legalization for adult use in 2018, and many U.S. states have passed their own legalization measures, treating it with comparable regulatory frameworks. This change came after decades of activism and growing scientific evidence supporting its medical benefits. Public opinion in the United States now shows overwhelming approval for decriminalization, especially among younger generations.

Latin America is also experiencing a legal revolution. Countries like Uruguay became the global pioneer in complete cannabis legalization (2013). Meanwhile, Mexico has removed criminal penalties for personal use and sanctioned controlled farming. In these nations, legalization is often linked to curbing organized crime and correcting systemic inequities in policing.

In Europe, Cannabis-Reiseführer countries like Germany and Portugal have taken innovative reforms promoting regulated access for health purposes, while others like France and Sweden remain reluctant to shift policy. In Africa, the picture is mixed. South Africa recognized constitutional rights to use cannabis for Rastafarian practices. Elsewhere, 19th-century prohibitions persist unchanged, and punishments are severe.

Even within countries, cultural practices diverge from official policy. In India, cannabis has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine, yet the central government still outlaws cultivation and sale. In parts of the country, bhang—a cannabis-infused drink is served during festivals, illustrating how ancient traditions endure despite state bans.

Global attitudes are changing, influenced by peer-reviewed studies, advocacy campaigns, and market forces. As more nations study the plant’s medical potential and reconsider the costs of prohibition, cultural perceptions are gradually shifting. However, religious dogma and legislative inertia ensure that the trajectory differs by region. What is legal in one nation remains criminal in a neighboring one, reminding us that its legacy is shaped more by human belief than by pharmacology.