User talk:CL8~enwiki/Archive

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Atlas

Thanks for your contributions to the Atlas. Electionworld Talk? 23:13, 26 November 2006 (UTC) The best way in helping to build the atlas can be found at the instruction I made at Update the atlas. Off course, you are also welcome to add images from the UT database (if they fit into the Commons criteria) or another database....or add extra maps from wikipedia and look for typos as you have been.Electionworld Talk? 14:08, 27 November 2006 (UTC)

Cannabis laws map site

Great idea for a map, I'm glad someone is on that. If you haven't already, a good website to check out is http://www.webehigh.com/city/index.php?CITYID=0 If you go to the page of any city the first couple of items will be about the legal status in the country. It doesn't provide sources for its information but I've used it for my travels and have found it to be accurate so far. Watch it because sometimes the status is specifically only about tourists (i.e. in many countries they want to encourage tourism to the point where they will let tourists off with small amounts of posession that they would normally prosecute a local for), but the language used in the text lets you know when they mean only tourists and when they mean everyone. WildlifeAnalysis 22:00, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Thanks! This allowed me to add 32 new countries and update 7 more.... CL8 00:18, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Glad to help WildlifeAnalysis 01:18, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

Use of the word decriminalized

This user seems to use the word decriminalised to refer to "no jail time." This is incorrect - it refers to no penalities for commission of the act - a fine is a penalty and so therefore any offence resulting in a fine is criminal and not decriminalised.

That is patently untrue. Cannabis is decriminalized California, Ohio, many other states. That is the official language used. In any of these states, minor possession is punishable only by a citation and fine. That's it. That's what it means. CL8 17:17, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

Neither is true in general. (I'm not talking about cannabis or about US states in particular.) In Canada, provincial offences are not crimes, but carry penalties that include imprisonment. Crime means whatever it is defined to mean. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 131.104.49.53 (talk) 15:30, 30 March 2007 (UTC).

Reading UK below, it would appear that illegal, criminal and even arrestable are essentially synonyms there. So we have at least three conflicting understandings of the term "decriminalised". It would be difficult for the map to include a precise definition, so maybe you should use a different wording. You also have to decide exactly what you want the map to show. "Could get you a criminal record" is evidently not the same everywhere as "could get you imprisoned". —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 131.104.49.53 (talk) 19:53, 30 March 2007 (UTC).

Perhaps the use of criminal differs from country to country. Here in the UK, something is either Civil or Criminal. Criminal offences do not necessarily result in a prison sentance, but could result in a fine, community service, etc. Generally, a criminal activity is deemed an 'offence' on the statute books, is prosecuted by the queen in a criminal court and may result in the imposition of a penalty. I cant comment for other countries, but the wikipedia article linked in the parent post gives a definition similar to the author.

I think the map needs a better legend. It is not appenert upon first glance (or second glance), what the difference between "essentially legal", "decriminalized", and "unenforced" are. Given the meaning of decriminalized that appears here, I think decriminalized should be considered worse than unenforced. Let me add that the categories overlap. In the Netherlands, the posession of small amounts of marihuana is "illegal". Nevertheless, it is "essentially legal": it is actually "illegal but unenforced" and thus it has been "decriminalized". Thus, all categories but one apply. 129.27.236.118 09:10, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

This legend makes alot more sense within the American legal system. "Decriminalized" can still mean that possession results in a fine or other minor punishment, though not jail time. Decriminalization of a particular act means that the act is still illegal but is prosecuted as a CIVIL offence rather than a CRIMINAL offence. Thus no jail time, no criminal record. Kirottu82 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Kirottu82 (talk • contribs) 10:24, 31 August 2007 (UTC)

The legend should be improved. Perhaps it should say something along the lines of "Decriminalized (No jail time/ jail time unlikely)". —Preceding unsigned comment added by Spinningobo (talk • contribs) 02:23, 21 October 2007 (UTC)

Possession of Cannabis is illegal in Denmark. Even small amounds will give a fine. In Denmark we got somthing called "zero tolerance" on drugs (incl cannabis :( ). That means that possesion of all amounts of cannabis (even 0.1 gram) will result in a fine.

Um, if it results in a fine, its DECRIMINALIZED! Decriminalized means just that, no jail time.

Well in Australia the sale, use or possession of cannabis is illegal in all states. If you are found to be in possession of even a small amount you will issued with a court attendance notice and face court and potentially a criminal conviction.

Cannabis is not legal in spain. Too lazy to look up the law, but someone please do and then correct the map because I'm right.

---

Hey guy, in Russia im pretty sure it's not decriminalized... You go to jail even if you have 1/10 of a gram.

___

In Namibia, it is completely illegal. Please change this immediately. And I also think highlighting most of Africa as "Probably legal" is irresponsible and incorrect. Do not make assumptions and give the whole continent a bad name. If you want to put in a map, do your research, don't just act on your ignorant impulses. 41.205.135.189 19:29, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

BRAZIL

I live in Brazil.

In my country although we have a huge number of drug consume ( just like in the USA), it’s illegal . If you are caught on streets with marijuana you go to jail. There are some discussion about legalize it, and the main argument of those who are for marijuana legalization is the purpose of stopping drug s black market. They believe that free consumption would stop most of violence caused by the illegal selling of this drug. But 90% of Brazilian population are against this legalization. For moral and religious reason in Brazil marijuana is considered and evil plant and is forbidden

The European map has a number of countries where cannabis is decriminalised. I am sure it isn't in most countries and definately isn't in the UK. It is rarely enforced but, as a class C substance, is still illegal.

Washington State has decriminilized Marijuana

I'm not entirely sure where you got your information from, but I live in Ontario (Canada), and I can tell you marijuana is not legal or essentially legal. I would classify it as illegal but often unenforced like the rest of Canada. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.123.64.247 (talk) 21:37, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Map colors

why didn't you use the green color ?

Because the hot/cold temperature scale looks better. CL8 04:10, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

the colors for probably illegal and confirmed illegal in the legend look very very close to each other, while those colors are easy to distinguish in the map to me. I guess "lying" in the legend would help visually (ie. make the red more red, and the pink more white).

OK. I have now made the red used for illegal much darker. This should help to distiguish it from both the orange and the pink. Please reload the image and see if this helps. Thanks for the advice!!  :) CL8 05:55, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

If for some reason you can't see the new version even after reloading, try clicking the "Download high resolution version" link or just check it out on my personal maps page User:CL8/Maps (it's the 3rd map). CL8 06:36, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

i always thought Holland was the only country in which canabis was legal...(totally legal)

On the European map if I click to enlarge image the colours do not match the world map, resulting in misinformation, particularly I noticed that the UK is shown as 'Decriminalized' when I have clicked to enlarge, but on the main article it is correctly labeled as 'Illegal but often unenforced'

The maps match. You just need to reload the image. Sometimes my browser won't reload images on wikipedia right away. But I made both maps and the versions I have uploaded match. CL8 17:19, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

Portugal

I live in Portugal and i would have to agree with doppelgangland on this.. although it is mostly unenforced, the possession of even small amounts of cannabis constitutes a misdemeanor, which means any police officer can confiscate it and/or detain you for having it (so i think 'decriminalized' makes more sense than 'legal/essentialy legal'). Hmm.. i'll see if i can search for some references on this ;) thanks for your time. - ura

I'm sorry but Legal and medical status of cannabis#Portugal, for instance, says "Since 2001, possession of any drug for personal use has been legal, though sale and trafficking are still criminal offenses. One can still be arrested and fined for using cannabis in public, or for possession of more than 25 grams." This is further confirmed by emcddaProfile:Portugal. It is confirmed -- and unless you can give me some darn good sources that contradict this, I think it should stay as is. CL8 06:14, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

I made a comment about The legality of cannabinoids in Portugal, which I believe you deleted. I just want to make sure you make the change to "illegal but often unenforced" in the map. I do not believe those sources to be that reliable. Hrodrik 05:49, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

It was not deleted, I moved it down into its own section called 'Portugal' on the map talk page where you originally posted it!  :) CL8 05:52, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Oh, ok. Thanks. One of the sources, the one posted by WildlifeAnalysis, actually suggests bribing policemen in Portugal. Maybe in some villages that might be possible, but in most places you would probably get arrested or something, for being stupid.

That may be, but look at the other sources... Legal and medical status of cannabis#Portugal, for instance, says "Since 2001, possession of any drug for personal use has been legal, though sale and trafficking are still criminal offenses. One can still be arrested and fined for using cannabis in public, or for possession of more than 25 grams." This is further confirmed by emcddaProfile:Portugal. Also, I have deleted this thread on the map talk page so that it's all here. CL8 06:11, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Alright, I've researched and it appears that the use of drugs has been decriminalized in 2000, although it is still punishable by law. According to http://www.idt.pt/id.asp?id=p10p33 , Drug use is decriminalized, while establishing that people over 16 found using or possessing drugs, do not risk going to jail or gaining a criminal record, if the quantities held by the person don't surpass 10 times the average daily dose. The use of drugs is still punished with other kinds of sanctions. In the case of users considered "addicts", the penalties (which according to the law are usually fines, ranging from 25€ to the minimum national wage - currently ~400€) may be substituted with treatments (some kids I know, over 16, were caught under influence and were forced to attend counseling, even though they weren't legally addicts). This law distinguishes between users and dealers.

The decree-law can be found here, in portuguese: http://www.idt.pt/media/legislacao/lei_30_2000.pdf

So, changing my initial recommendation, in the map Portugal should be in light blue, for decriminalized, not legal. And even wikipedia can be wrong sometimes ;)

This still seems to indicate that there is no punishment for mere possession of under 10 doses. That means it is Essentially Legal, hence dark blue. This does not mean that it is sold legally in coffeeshops like in the Netherlands and parts of Switzerland, but decriminalized means that fines and other official citations are possible for possession of a small amount. And that does not seem to be the case in Portugal. Cannabis is not legal in Portugal, but possession of a small amount for personal use in private seems to be essentially legal, not just decriminalized; and possession of a small amount for personal use in private is exactly all this map displays. CL8 06:30, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

But notice that this is the actual law, from the Republic's Diary. And take into consideration the experience of my friend, which was forced to dump his drugs. If it looks like a duck and smells like a duck... The law states it is just not considered a crime. It doesn't allow you to do drugs or even have them. The police will confiscate them if you are seen, and maybe make you pay a fine or get counseling. Littering is also illegal but you won't get arrested for it. The law says decriminalized, I say light blue. I wish it was darker, believe me! I just want accuracy. And the title of the map is World Cannabis Laws. Not just in private, I guess. Hrodrik 06:42, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

There's no point in just arguing. Find me a source that says a person can be fined for possession of a small amount (no smoking in public, no dealing, just possession) of cannabis in Portugal and I'll change it right now. CL8 06:49, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

The source is there. I translated the basics to english, but I can't do much more. I forgot to mention that according to law, drug possession in small amounts implies use, so it's considered the same thing (or it would imply dealing, of course). According to law, one may be fined from 25€ to a minimum wage and be sent to treatment/counseling for possessing 10 or less doses of any drug (more is considered dealing and implies jail time, not just a fine). Of course, sometimes this is not always enforced, but it doesn't make drug use or possession legal. Ask a Portuguese speaking user to read the law and to translate the basics to you. Hrodrik 07:12, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

As google translates the first link, it says roughly "establishing that the greaters of 16 years joined to consume or in the ownership of drugs, they do not run the risk of arrest or to be with the register in cadastre, if the joined amounts not to exceed 10 times the normal dose of consumption". And your second article translated seems to indicate no punishment for "the amount necessary for the individual average consumption during the period of 10 days." Show me where it says fines for less than 10 doses. Thanks! CL8 08:18, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Well, 10 average daily doses means doses enough for 10 days, it's just a different wording. Don't trust machine translations.
I don't see where your problem is. But I'll explain what is written in the Republic's Diary, the actual portuguese law:
Possession without intent to distribute (10 daily doses max) is decriminalized but depending on various circumstances it may have various penalties, from fines to the removal of objects, licenses (for example hunting licenses), prohibition to work in certain places, be with certain people, etc...
I just want to help wikipedia and to clarify why it is not legal to possess small amounts of drugs (which implies use instead of distribution), I'm not trying to have my way. I have presented the actual law, as it is in the government's records and even actual stories about people I know, as opposed to information from some stoner sites. If you want to keep the disinformation, fine. I will bother you no longer. Hrodrik 08:35, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

I understand. I'm just trying to get a specific source and I suppose I'm willing to change it at this point. My only remaining problem is that wikipedia says: "Since 2001, possession of any drug for personal use has been legal ... one can still be arrested and fined for using cannabis in public, or for possession of more than 25 grams." And wikipedia is not a stoner site. Is this just wrong? That seems unlikely.... CL8 09:05, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Wikipedia is edited by users and may have mistakes. I can assure you that the law in the Republic's Diary is legitimate and in action. Maybe you could also edit the medical marijuana bit too, which shouldn't consider the possession *legal* but simply decriminalized. And the law doesn't specify 25 grams, but "the quantity necessary for the average individual consumption during the period of 10 days". Hrodrik 16:44, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Alright. I'm convinced. Your sources are better and I'll trust you on the translation. I'm changing the image now to show Portugl as light blue. CL8 00:24, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

I got told officially by the police and confirmed by a Judge that over 25 grams is punishable as a dealer offence even with no other proof. This is clearly the case in Portugal and to say otherwise is simply not how the law works, SqueakBox 21:34, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Finland

Correction to cannabis laws map: cannabis is illegal in Finland. The possession may sometimes be unprocecuted, but it is definitely noted and recorded each time. Trafficing is procecuted each time. So Finland's status is illegal. There are some low volume national discussion on decriminalizing it, but it's not very active exchange and change is unprobable. Criminalization follows an international Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. Updated in Geneve 25.March.1975. Official on-line legislation on the convention http://www.finlex.fi/fi/sopimukset/sopsteksti/1975/19750042 (in finnish). Note: you may find somewhere the "Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs" which also lists participants. In Finnish document version there were also contributing countries and possible exceptions. http://www.finlex.fi/fi/sopimukset/sopsviite/1965/19650043 again in Finnish but listing countries, agreement dates and their reservations in english.

This has been updated. Thanks! CL8 00:18, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

This does not seem to have been updated. The status should be "Confirmed Illegal" Dragu 22:14, 7 January 2007 (EET)

It has been updated. Over a month ago it was changed from 'decriminalized' to 'illegal but often unenforced'. According to the sources I have, minor possession often goes unenforced in Finland. If you have a source/sources that contradict this, please let me know! Thanks. CL8 21:07, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Well, I totally agree that Finland's status should be changed to illegal. If you are able to read Finnish, you can read several unanimous reports at sites like http://www.hamppu.net/forum. Even small amounts often result in a house search, jail (usually maximum of 3 days), and a "H"-entry in police's registry (which is not equal to criminal record, and in practice only hinders the possibility to get a job as something like a police officer or a kindergarten teacher). In addition, if you have a driver's licence, you will most probably have to give your drug test several times in the following year (or six months, I'm not sure) in order to get it back/keep it. According to a quite recent study, Finnish people have one of the most offensive public opinions when it comes to reforming drug laws (needs a source). —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 130.233.243.229 (talk) 03:19, 23 January 2007 (UTC).

I'm afraid I'll need an English source (or at least something I can translate) in order to change this. According to my sources, minor possession still often goes unenforced in Finland even if the government and people are hostile toward legalisation. CL8 15:05, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

I have many friends in Finland who have been busted with cannabis and have not been let off lightly. They were all arrested, fined and given a criminal record. From what I have seen there the police in Finland take the matter very seriously and people who see this map may be led to believe that they can be relaxed if they buy and use cannabis in Finland. They could be in for a nasty suprise if they adopt this attitude as a result from seeing this map. The police in Finland appear to be no less strict than in Sweden or Norway.

I need a decent source before I can change this. CL8 19:35, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

It's just plain wrong. It _never_ goes unenforced. There is a option in the law where the prosecutor may drop the charges but it is very rarely used and even then if it is used you will still get fined with the standard fine that can be given without any trials. Man seriously you need to change it, english sources or no sources. You get busted with a pipe/0.1gram of bud it will be for 110% certainty that you will spend the rest of the day in jail and depending on how much you rat out the next 1-3 days. You are obviously using the "unenforced" as "unenforcing the law" when in truth there is slim chance that it's "unenforcing the prosecution" and this doesn't directly translate to "unenforcing the law". // okay i read some of the other comments and it may be that i have misunderstood the purpose of this map in this case i humbly apologize!

You are clearly not the first person to claim this about Finland; I am willing to change it but I need a SOURCE. CL8 17:20, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

I laughed out loud when I first saw the map. Finland has probably the most strict anti marijuana law in Europe. You will *definetly* get a punishment if you have even traces of it on you. Here are few web sites you shoud check:

http://www.cannabis-clubs.eu/CannabispoliciesinEurope/Finland/tabid/73/Default.aspx

http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Finnish+man+given+permission+to+use+cannabis+against+pain/1135223628010

-First, and so far only such case in Finland.

http://www.rism.org/isg/dlp/ganja/background/EuropEnforcProc.html

-No distinctions between 'hard' and 'soft' drugs (ie, heroin in the same class as cannabis): Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

-9 out of 16 countries (15 EU Member States + Switzerland) consider drug use as an offense in their Criminal Code. (Finland is one of these.)

-But several surveys have found countries indirectly prevent the consumption by prohibiting "possession" even of tiny amounts of the stuff. (Finland is one of these countries too. Those who don't enforce these laws are listed below.)

- Josefmatula

Looks like the map has been upgraded now, good. I really don't think you can get punishment only for having the scent on you, though. It will probably get you searched, of course.

France

Hello, It's my first time posting on Wikipedia so I hope it'll be fine, anyway I just wanted to let you know that you should change the color of France to ' Illegal but often unenforced' I'm french i can tell you that here, if you're caught with, let's say, 3 or 4 gramms of either weed or hash, you won't be prosecuted, they'll just probably throw it away, or keep it, but you won't be charged, if you say that the small amount you have is just for personnal use, not for resale. Cheers Frenchpaulie I think this website is very boring

Bangladesh

I can not find any evidence over the Google serch engine that bangledesh has either legaliezed or decriminalized marijuana, however it is verry posible I am incorrect. Could you please post a link to your source.

It's on the source page. CL8 19:34, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

Belgium

Correction. The current situation is that is is currently still illegal but the law is rarely enforced. It is NOT decriminalized. It was decriminalized in the past for a short while (several months), but this law has been suspended as there was a problem with it. (The term "a small amount" was not properly defined.) If you are over 18 and smoke in a private location, you have nothing to fear If you are over 18 and have a small amount on you, you have nothing to fear Police will intervene if you are under 18, smoke in the neighborhood of minors or are considered a public hazard.

What you are saying is there is no jail time possible for someone over 18 with a small amount in a private location. That is exactly what this map shows. Cannabis is NOT legal in Belgium, but it is absolutely decriminalized. If you can find a source that says otherwise, please post and I will consider changing it. Thank you. CL8 19:09, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

UK

In the UK: New police guidance issued on 29th January 2004 recommends a presumption against arrest for possession of small quantities of cannabis by adults. However, it is still a criminal offence (the map refers to it as decriminalised), and the police are encouraged to arrest a person who is smoking in public view, or who has been dealt with repeatedly for posession. Minors (17 years or under) caught in posession of cannabis receive a formal warning at a police station.

He is clearly right. This is one example but I could find plenty of others. A lot of people in the UK apparently believe that it was decriminalised but it wasnt, it was downgraded from class B to class C so I consider this important to be fixed. Thanks, SqueakBox 01:49, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Hmm. The problem is, there are lots of sources that say that minor possession (which is ALL the map displays) is only punishable by warning or fine. That's what decriminalization means. Maybe all possession has not been decriminalized but these sources seem to indicate that MINOR possession, the possession of a small amount, is only punishable by a warning or fine. Do you have a source that contradicts this? CL8 23:27, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

How about this? Couldnt get the gov position much clearer and while there has been a lot of confusion the gov have made serious attempts to ensure an allegedly confused public who allegedly bel;ieve otherwise that cannabis has not been decriminalised, even for over 18's. Let me know if you want another ref as I am sure I could find a number of them, SqueakBox 00:03, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

eg [1] [2], SqueakBox 00:09, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

This is a quote from one of your sources: "The police will lose the power to arrest the 90,000 people a year who are currently charged with possession offences." no arrest for possession. that's decriminalization. CL8 00:29, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

A Quote from another of your sources: "'They will still have plenty of powers to stop people but possession of cannabis won't be one of them,' said a Home Office spokesman." CL8 00:33, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

A Class C drug is not decriminalized. Large possession, growing, distributing, trafficking -- all still illegal. However it seems that the prosecution statute gives NO JAIL TIME for minor possession. Therefore Class C drugs are still ILLEGAL but minor possession of them for personal use IS decriminalized and minor possession of them for personal use is exactly and exclusively what this map displays. CL8 00:40, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

It is still a crime......they MIGHT not arrest but round my way they WILL. Be warned people it is still a criminal offence however small. In cities they might not arrest you but in rural areas they will. PLEASE stop giving people potentially very dangerous information. You have been told it is still an offence, just because most cases of small personal use result in cautions and no arrest they still can and will do it. Please change it, the map is just plain wrong as it stand.You can still get 2 years jail time for small personal possession. Now that makes it still a criminal offence...class c but certainly not decriminalized.

Yes, it is still a crime. No one is disputing that. But the map is NOT wrong. I have numerous sources that say a person can only be cited and fined for a first offense of minor possession which is all this map shows. If you have any sources that dispute this, please post it here to let me know and I'll consider changing it. CL8 03:22, 11 January 2007 (UTC)

You are disputing that it is a crime if you call it decriminalized. A source that states it is still a crime and lists some ways you can be arrested and prosecuted is the Home Office site "Cannabis is still a controlled drug. Possession, production and supply of cannabis is still illegal. Only the penalties for these offences changed." http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drugs-law/cannabis-reclassification/ You can still be arrested just the guidline suggest that the police dont unless public order is threatened/or there are any children around. Still enough for village police to arrest if they so wish. Maybe label UK as downgraded but not decriminalized. The Home Office state that it is unlikely to lead to arrest and most cases will not lead to arrest but police still have the power to arrest first time offenders..the maximum jail term for 1st time personal use is 2 years. That does still happen. http://www.release.org.uk/html/~drug_menu/cannabis.php a source which states that presumption against arrest in minor offences is at the arresting officers discretion it is not a legal right, the law allows for you to be arrested, charged and jailed for 2 years for any minor cannabis offence, it is just that the new guidelines prompt police officers to use their discretion. IE it allows police to give cautions only but does not stop the arrest and prosecution of that person if the officer so wishes.

Is the problem that in the UK decriminalization means to make legal...to stop it being a crime. The British Government has been loud in declaring again and again that cannabis is NOT decriminalized. I have been told by a US friend that decriminalization in the US regarding drugs means a violation not punishable by prison. Not the same thing in Europe at all, to decriminalize cannabis would be to make it fully legal.

If your caught with it and you have no previous cannabis convictions, you will receive a street caution. If you have previous street cautions you will be arrested and if you admit it, receive a police caution (if not, you will be charged after the offending substance is confirmed to be cannabis via testing or identification). If you have previous police cautions and you will be charged with possession of cannabis (once it is identified as previously) and appear at court. Keep appearing at court for this and you will eventually receive a custodial sentence. --Factorylad 00:50, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

Correction to the above, this includes small amounts, even smaller than street "ten bags". --Factorylad 00:53, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

Your own source states that an arrest is only justified when: "repeat offending, smoking in a public place, instances where public order is threatened, possession of cannabis in the vicinity of premises used by children". Thus simple minor possession (not smoking in a public place, not on school grounds, NOT while committing any other crime and treatening public order) is still only finable. This website you provided says jail time never happens unless there is another offense. Sounds like the UK is decriminalized to me since this map defines decriminalized as a fine for ONLY minor possession and not jail time. Decriminalized is NOT the same as legal, no matter where you are. CL8 15:11, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

I agree, it's not decriminalised, I know a fair few people who have been taken down the station for being in possession of cannabis. You can still get jail time for possessing cannabis. The government have made great efforts to tell the public that cannabis is not decriminalised and they've still got the power to arrest you and charge you and take you to court, and the maximum penalty is still 2 years in jail or whatever, they just don't do it any more because the government thinks it's a waste of time and resources. To state it as decriminalised is incorrect and confusing, any cop or MP will tell you it's still illegal, and I don't like my wikipedia being inaccurate. Earfetish1

This is not inaccurate. They changed it to a class C drug. A Class C drug is not completely decriminalized. Large possession, growing, distributing, trafficking, smoking in public -- all still illegal. However it seems that the prosecution statute gives NO JAIL TIME for minor possession. Therefore Class C drugs are still ILLEGAL but minor possession of them for personal use IS defacto decriminalized and minor possession of them for personal use is exactly and exclusively what this map displays. Another governmental source says that an arrest is only justified when: "repeat offending, smoking in a public place, instances where public order is threatened, possession of cannabis in the vicinity of premises used by children". Thus simple minor possession (not smoking in a public place, not on school grounds, NOT while committing any other crime and treatening public order) is still only finable. That is the definition of decriminalized in the case of this map. CL8 20:28, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

Still room on statute book for jail time, just recommended by government NOT to jail. However it would still be within the legal framework and allowable to jail folk for it. The government is very strict in being public in saying it is not decriminalized. It is a recommendation not a legal change in the law. Class C possesion can still lead to jail time. Simple..people can and do get jail for simple possesion. Decriminalization means no longer criminal being class C by definition makes it criminal...My cousin has just been given 2months for possesion of a quarter no other circumstances, police arrested and charged him, went to court and got 2 months, nothing decriminalized about that mate.

Okay we need to clear this up. The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act sets out the statute with regards differing classes of drugs. Cannabis is class C drug and therefore legally you can be sent to jail for minor possession. Please source from the Misuse Of Drugs Act or the Home Office website. It clearly states a possible 2 years for possession of a class c drug which cannabis is. Now there has been recent confusion due to a recent government reduction of cannabis from class B to class C and therefore usually police to err more on the side of cautions and fines BUT it is still possible and still happens that people get charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act and face imprisonment. Therefore it is most certainly and in no way decriminalized. My source being the Laws of Britain as set out by the British Home Office.

Alright. I'm outnumbered.  ;) I'll change it. CL8 04:47, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

I'm a Police Officer in the South (England), so hope to clear this up: Cannabis is not legal in the UK and has not been decriminalised. It's currently a Class C (having been downgraded from Class B) drug and is still an imprisonable offence, the only thing that has changed is a reduction in the maximum length of imprisonment (5 to 2 years). I'm talking about POSSESSION - NOT SUPPLYING which is more serious. Although most people are warned for their first offence, this is not a rule and it very much depends on the officer with whom you're dealing. A police officer has the power to arrest anyone for any offence if he can prove necessity according to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act. At the moment I'd have no qualms arresting anyone for possession of cannabis using the "for prompt & effective investigation" necessity clause. Whether the CPS decide to prosecute is a different matter of course and you'd need to look on their site for the charging practice: http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/section10/chapter_a.html.

See this article on a teenager held in custody for 2 days for possessing 5 quids worth (about $US10) of cannabis. Nice to see a policeman contributing, you'd be very welcome to help at the cannabis articles, SqueakBox 18:48, 26 February 2007 (UTC)

Not a big deal but before you enlarge the map the UK is orange and after it is blue.

It still shows the UK as light blue in the enlarged map of europe on this page:(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:European-cannabis-laws.png), it's been changed in the thumbnail but when you click this the larger version has not been changed. However the full sized version available when clicking the picture from the link above does show it as orange.

Nice to see that the UK is regarded as 'decriminalised' on the map. The Government keep claiming that it hasn't been decriminalised but they only do this so they don't look bad in the eyes of the Daily Mail and other right wingers. Sure you could be prosecuted or fined in the UK but unless your dealing, under 18, smoking in front of a copper or next to a school you will not get arrested. Therefore this is decriminalisation and something to finally be grateful to the Labour government for. Xanucia 17:27, 28 April 2007 (UTC)

If you read the above discussion you'll see this picture: [3] needs to be orange, this is what the creator of the map has made it on both the thumbnail and if you click that picture, the enlarged version is orange. I'm not going to go into why, everyone has said it in the above discussion and it has been changed.

Canada

If Ontario is seen as basically legalized, which I would agree with (I've lived here all my life), then Quebec should be categorized the same way. I read a newspaper article which claimed 16.8% of Canadians using marijuana, and 20% of Quebec residents as users. I would also make the point that although it is still illegal in Canada, as well as other nations listed as 'basically legalized', the chart does show how relaxed or willing certain nations are in regards to marijuana use. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.104.139.201 (talk) 17:31, August 24, 2007 (UTC)

I see some problems, including: Canada licenses medical cannabis, decriminalized US states have federal prosecution, Somalia has no laws at all (thus no prosecution), etc. Anarchist42 20:13, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

As for Canada this map does not display medical cannabis laws. Decriminalized US states don't have federal prosecution for minor possession. I have seen other sources that list Somalia as prosecuting possession. Do you have a source for this? Thanks. CL8 20:20, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Marijuana has been decriminalized in Canada, when found in small amounts designated for personal use. It is now only a federal crime for those who are found with large amounts, and thus deemed as dealers. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.144.228.254 (talk) 23:31, 14 January 2007 (UTC).

What you claim contradicts all of the sources I have. If you have a source that can confirm this I will consider changing it... CL8 01:43, 15 January 2007 (UTC)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/marijuana/marijuana_legalize.html Here is a source proving the above statement to be true.

Actually it directly disproves your claim:

"Jailing someone with small amounts is constitutional and any changes to the law must be made by Parliament, Canada's top court ruled on December 23, 2003. 'We conclude that it is within Parliament's legislative jurisdiction to criminalize the possession of marijuana, should it choose to do so,' said the judgment co-written by justices Charles Gonthier and Ian Binnie."

later it states:

"A bill to change Canada's marijuana laws died in November 2003 when meetings of the Parliament were temporarily discontinued for Martin's swearing in. A year later, the Liberals reintroduced it as Bill C-17. If the bill passes, adults caught with less than 15 grams of pot could be fined up to $400, but wouldn't have a criminal record. But the bill doubles the length of prison sentences for marijuana growers and introduces four new offences for growers."

IF the bill passes. And if it has been passed then none of the sources I have know about it... CL8 09:03, 21 January 2007 (UTC)

I believe Canada should be under “laws changing” our medical Cannabis system is a Joke. If you look into it, you’ll find it isn’t very good and most of it is still illegal. The only thing that is legal in Canada is the Medical users can possess, grow and smoke legally but they must get the bud/seeds from illegal sources. Harris77 23:47, 22 January 2007 (UTC)

Your statement (and ANY statement about medical marijuana) is completely irrelevant to this map. CL8 15:13, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

I would tend towards making it as "Clearly Illegal" at this time. But changing that would mean that you have to figure the changes based on the current party in government, and where they go towards the legalisation/criminalisation of Marijuana. Currently there is a lot of people who have been known to be in possession for many years who are now being prosecuted. 142.179.55.65 20:24, 7 April 2007 (UTC)

I would actually split Canada up between provinces and look at the situation in each one, as with the U.S. Though on the federal level, the orange is right for all, the red is right for all in America, yet that is split up between decriminalized states and criminalized states. Since several provinces have struck down laws on simple possession, and enforcement can be very subjective, here are some suggestions:

British Columbia, Ontario, P.E.I, and Nova Scotia should be coloured blue http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/3093.html

The rest should probably be orange.

I would definitely add Quebec to that. If not only for being the jurisdiction in the developed world with the highest pot consumption.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=29832c65-8e44-469b-823b-081e81353cf8&k=0

New York

Please note that in New York State, the Rockefeller drug laws severely criminalize marijuana possession; those laws are enforced. Captainktainer 19:33, 1 January 2007 (UTC)

This page clearly states that: "Under the Rockefeller drug laws, the penalty for selling two ounces or more of ... marijuana, or possessing four ounces ... was made the same as that for second-degree murder: A minimum of 15 years to life in prison, and a maximum of 25 years to life in prison." This is an insane law. Having a quarter pound of cannabis is as bad as second-degree murder?! Regardless, this law does NOT speak to minor possession which is what this map displays.  :) Thanks! CL8 21:03, 1 January 2007 (UTC)

"The section of the laws applying to marijuana was repealed in 1979."

Thank you.  :) CL8 21:15, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

Even though the Rockefeller drug laws have been PARTIALLY repealed, possession or consumption of MINOR amounts is still VERY strictly enforced and carries considerable fines. For instance, posessing two grams of marijuana will get you a $150 fine AND a six month probation. It is enforced. Neoelitism 03:26, 22 April 2007 (UTC)

Germany

Hello, the map is incorrect about germany in my opinion. although the consumption of cannabis itself is legal, possession of even small amounts can be punished. often, the law suit is cancelled (below amopunts of around 10 g), but the driver's license is withdrewn. for higher amounts, one may even face jail. so, germany should be marked in orange. 18:19GMT+1, 4 December 2006

I'm sorry, but according to the best sources, cannabis small possession has been decriminalized in Germany since 1994. Here is the relavent law: In March 1994 the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that criminal cases involving the possession, purchase or import of small amounts of cannabis for occasional personal use must be dismissed because both the guilt of the offender and the harm caused by the offence have to be considered trivial. which is quoted from here. CL8 19:02, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

yeah, they did. the joke is, that the ruling is not effective, after 12 years. the court called for the politics to make a federal law. the prosecuting attorney will dismiss a lawsuit if it below a "small amount". however, this value varies between 2g and 30g across the country. but in every case, an investigation process is initiated. it's not just an infringement, but illegal. ~ when i (18) was found with one of those ziplocks with only a few negligible crumbs left (<0,1g), i had to do 10 hours of charitable work. not what i would call decriminalized. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 217.84.44.85 (talk • contribs) 19:43, 4 December 2006 (UTC).

Unfortunately, that is exactly what decriminalized means. "it's not just an infringement, but illegal" That's a pretty good definition of decriminalized. It means no chance of jail for minor possession. I have 2 sources that flat out say that Germany has decriminalized minor possession of cannabis both in law AND in practice. If you can find some citable source that indicates otherwise I will consider changing it. CL8 22:21, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

I beg to differ -- decriminalized means it's simply an infraction, like a traffic citation. There is no permanent record. That's not the case in Germany. Nor is the law minimally enforced, which is a necessary corollary to decriminalization. Pot is decriminalized in the Netherlands, yet your map suggests that it's legal there. Germany's a *long* way from being as liberal as the Netherlands in that regard. I can tell you one thing -- most Germans are very careful about they way they use pot, when they use it at all. Particularly in Baden-Württemberg, where you can end up with jail time for possession of a simple eighth (and deportation if you're a foreigner!). It's still easier to go the Netherlands where you don't have to worry. I'm happy to provide sources, but first we have to come to some general agreement about what "decriminalization" actually means. Rhombus 01:25, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

There is no disagreement. As I said "no chance for jail for minor possession". Marijuana is definitely illegal in Germany and the map does not claim that Germany is as liberal as the Netherlands. But the sources I have say that a person can NOT be jailed for possession of a small amount. If you have good sources otherwise I'll be happy to look at them. CL8 01:38, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

The automatic driver's license withdrawal has been struck down, but that was not a punishment, anyway - it was done because of doubts regarding the person's fitness to drive a motor vehicle. Possession, even of small amounts, still nominally is a misdemeanor (Vergehen). The marijuana gets confiscated, the police officer files charges, and the public prosecutor drops the charges due to the marginal guilt (geringe Schuld). Whatever the BVerfG's decision was, this is still nominally the law, although actuallly prosecuting someone for a small amount would be unconstitutional. Furthermore, afaik the BVerfG has ruled that the different amounts for "small amount" in the States of Germany is unconstitutional - but setting a common amount would be lawmaking which is not the BVerfG's task, and either removing the small amount regulation or the punishability of possession would be "even further away from a constitutional situation, I suppose. --16:45, 12 September 2007 (UTC) (sorry, password at home ...) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 141.3.27.76 (talk)

Sweden

Hi there, I love your map, 'cuz I luuuv maps... Anyhow, you should change Sweden from "rarely enforced" to "illegal and enforced". Check this out: http://www.webehigh.com/city/detail.php?CITYID=51 My experience is that there is very little acceptance of this drug, nowhere near that of many other (European) countries, including France which on your map it's said to be illegal and enforced (I think rarely enforced would better fit). Jack Daw 23:28, 9 December 2006 (UTC)

This has been changed.  :) Thanks for your help! CL8 23:28, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

Spain

In Spain (and probably Portugal), Cannabis is not legal, as it says in the map. Although you can legally buy seeds, fertilizers and even closets fully equipped for indoor growing, if you are found with the drug itself you may get a fine of some 350 euros. However, enforcement of the law is most serious when there is traffic involved. So I would say that Marijuana is not considered a very serious drug and is not pursued very actively. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Doppelgangland (talk • contribs) 09:33, 19 December 2006 (UTC).

I'm sorry but emcddaProfile:Spain and all the webehigh.com:Spain articles contradict this. I quote: "Drug use and possession for personal use do not constitute a criminal offence under Spanish law. However, public consumption is penalized with administrative fines." From these sources I submit that MINOR POSSESSION which is the sole focus of this map is legal. public consumption may be penalized with fines (essentially decriminalized) and trafficking is illegal (as it is in nearly every country, even the Netherlands). But this map ONLY displays the laws for minor possession NOT public consumption or trafficking and it appears to be legal to possess minor amounts of cannabis for personal use in Spain. If you can find an article that says otherwise I will consider changing it. Thank you for your submission.  :) CL8 23:41, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

Sorry too, but this information is a bit outdated. Before 1992, the possesion in public areas was legal, but since the "new" Citizenship Securiy Law 1/1992 (Ley Orgánica 1/1992 sobre Protección de la Seguridad Ciudadana or "Ley Corcuera") the possesion in public areas is ilegal, no matters the quantity. Specifically, you can see this in Article 25 in this Law:

1. Constituyen infracciones graves a la seguridad ciudadana el consumo en lugares, vías, establecimientos o transportes públicos, así como la tenencia ilícita, aunque no estuviera destinada al tráfico de drogas tóxicas, estupefacientes o sustancias psicotrópicas, siempre que no constituya infracción penal, así como el abandono en los sitios mencionados de útiles o instrumentos utilizados para su consumo.

Google translation:

The consumption in places, routes, establishments or transports public, as well as the illicit possession constitute serious infractions to the citizen security, although he was not destined to the toxic, narcotic psicotrópicas substance or drug traffic, whenever it does not constitute penal infraction, as well as abandonment in the mentioned sites of equipment or instrument used for its consumption

See it in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (the official newspaper of the Government) here:

http://www.boe.es/g/es/bases_datos/doc.php?coleccion=iberlex&id=1992/4252

Sorry, I hope that this will change in the future ;) Kresp0 09:29, 21 March 2007 (UTC)

I´m an American exchange student who currently resides in the Basque Country of Spain, and I must say that the classification on the map certainly makes sense to me, although I´ll be the first to admit that I´m unfamiliar with what the actual laws are.

I think that possession may technically be illegal here, but I´ve never once heard of such a thing being enforced. I have seen people growing their own plants on terraces in full view of their neighbors without any thought of prosecution. (which I´ve heard from rumors is legal, but again, I´m not certain of the law)

Furthermore, the use of hashish is widespread. People young and a bit older (up to their mid or late 30s, normally) frequently smoke hash spliffs on the streets. In the University I attended up until recently it was very common to go into a student recreational room which was essentially a viewing room with seats and ashtrays in it, located in the library, and see students lighting up hash spliffs. Furthermore, they would even smoke outside of the the only enterance into and out of the library (which also has many classrooms located in the same building) in full view of their professors without any thought in the world of reprisal.

Also, smoking hash spliffs in bars and dance clubs is similarly not regarded as a problem. And I have never heard of an owner or manager of any business here in the Basque Country telling someone to smoke outside.

However, it may be important to note that I have heard that this varies from region to region. For instance, I know in a city like Barcelona, the situation is very similar. However, I´ve heard that in Madrid it´s slightly stricter and that the south of the country, Sevilla in particular, is stricter in the sense that bartenders don´t want it smoked in their establishment and I´ve even heard reports of police enforcement. But, in the case of Sevilla, this is second-hand information, so I really don´t know.

However, I would say that the status of marijuana (well, mostly hashish is what is consumed) is one of quasi-legality. Essentially, you cannot purchase it in shops, and that seems to be the only real legal barrier. I´ve never seen a person walk up and blow smoke in a police officer´s face (although I have observed people walking right by officers with a lit spliff in broad daylight) here, but I suspect that doing such a thing or causing some other sort of ruckus may be the only way to get prosecuted in the event that laws actually exist on the books.

HOWEVER, please, if you come to Spain do NOT take this as a license to smoke wherever you feel fit. I would feel awful to know that a tourist or fellow foreign exchange student read this and decided to make a poor decision. As I stated, I have heard of variations. I live in a very urbanized zone, so it´s only natural to assume that tolerance towards marijuana use would be higher than it would be in rural areas. Also, when I was in Madrid I did not observe people smoking in the streets like I did in Bilbao (the largest city in the Basque Country) and Barcelona. Realize the laws are much more lax than virtually anywhere in the United States when you are in Spain. There also appears to be considerably less police presence, but don´t take this as a license to make a poor decision. Get a feel for your surroundings. For instance, going into a bar at 3 in the afternoon and lighting up a spliff seems out of place to me. Whereas, entering a crowded bar here in the North, getting a table, ordering a round with some buddies and lighting up a spliff and watching the soccer game (at night) with everybody else seems much more normal. Or smoking outside of a bar at night or in a dance club at night during the weekend is generally riskless behavior. Be smart. Don´t cause problems and you shouldn´t have any in Spain.

Hi again. I'm from Spain, from the North actually and I must say that the situation is as follows: possession of marijuana/hash in public places is NOT legal and you could actually be fined for it, but goes usually unenforced unless you're found with a big amount on you; trade is totally illegal and IS enforced; use of drugs is illegal when in public places (bars, streets, etc) but somehow unenforced in many bars --it's many times up to the owner's policy--; oddly enough, possession and use of drugs at non-public places (namely, home) is legal, as is the possession of seeds and growing material. The situation is a bit odd, but I'd turn Spain into ORANGE at the atlas to show that you can be fined for carrying hash on you. The enforcement, as said above, is specially hard when driving. Thanks for your work!! 195.154.157.65 12:53, 16 October 2007 (UTC)

Australian States

In Victoria, one of the Australian states, cannabis is illegal under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 2001 (Vic), though possession and use are subject to lower maximum penalties. No different treatment for trafficking. Penalties are usually a fine (eg [4]). So that should be classed as red or orange. There was some talk in the mid 90s about decriminalising cannabis, but it didn't receive parliamentary support.

The sources I have listed show that minor possession is punishable only by warning or fine which is what decriminalized means whether a law has been passed or not. Do you have any sources that directly contradict this? Thanks!  :) - CL8 23:54, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

In Australia it is decriminalised in SA and ACT. In NSW which is orange the laws are far less than in Queensland. However while you will generally get a warning in NSW they can trhow the book at you if they like. My friend in Queensland had to go to court for having less than 0.0001 grams which was the resin in the bowl so definitely not decriminalised.

Please note Marijuana is essentially illegal throughout all of Australia, as it cannot be bought legal or grown in any part of the country. This excludes SA and ACT, where one may posses upto 2 plants or upto 25 grams of leaf without confiscation/prosecution or fines. There are also separate laws for public and private use in SA. Possession of over 25 grams or more than 2 plants is generally considered drug trafficking and harsh penalties apply. Therefore these 2 states should be considered decriminalised.

In the rest of Australia, possession of small amounts of marijuana will be confiscated by police, prosecution/fines may apply depending on which state of Australia you are in and how "small" an amount you are caught with. Larger amounts are treated as drug trafficking. In other words, it is illegal and the other states of Australia should be classed orange/red. These states cannot be regarded as decriminalised when you ARE considered a criminal (possess marijuana and the police will confiscate/fine you, punishment of committing that crime is by paying a fine). Just because you do not serve jail time does not mean it is decriminalised, rather it is easier to fine someone than jail them.

As a tourist you will not be able to purchase marijuana anywhere legally, nor smoke in public anywhere in the country. Your map gives the impression the nation excluding New South Wales is something similar to Amsterdam.

That is not true. The Netherlands is ranked as essentially legal. New South Wales is decriminalized. These are not at all the same. Also confiscation/fines are exactly what decriminalized means. I live in Ohio, an officially decriminalized state in the US. This does not mean that possession is not an offense, it means that the punishment for this crime is only confiscation and/or a ticket with fine. Decriminalized DOES NOT mean legal or even that a person will not go to court.. Decriminalized, in this case and in the case of the map, means no jail time for minor possession. Period. CL8 04:09, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

CL8, Decriminalised means that it is no longer a criminal offence. For example, parking illegally is generally considered a simple offence or a civil offence, rather than a criminal offence. In that sense, parking illegally is illegal, but decriminalised. In most states of Australia, minor possession is still a criminal offence, therefore it is still criminalised. We've provided you with ample authority to point out what we consider to be bleedingly obvious.121.45.230.94 09:24, 24 March 2007 (UTC)Mystikiel

CL8 - you will generally get a fine for just about anything in an Australian court, from bicycle theft to assault, providing it is your first time. Technically however even minor possession of cannabis dealt with in a magistrates' court is punishable by imprisonment (eg up to 3 years in Queensland) - although in practice lengthy sentences are rare. Aside from South Australia, WA, Northern Territory and the ACT (where you receive an infringement notice for the possession of small amounts) any possession in Australia will require you to appear in Court. The only exception is for first-time offenders, particularly juveniles, who may be offered drug diversion courses as an alternative to Court. Short answer: SA, ACT, WA, NT decriminalised, everywhere else, illegal and enforced. Source: Scroll down to "possession of small quantities..." Mystikiel 12:13, 23 January 2007 (UTC)

Possession of any amount of cannabis is prohibited in South Australia, with a fine from $150 to $300 for small amounts, including the cultivation of a single plant without intent to sell. See here.

Here is some more general info: The cultivation, possession, use and supply of cannabis is illegal throughout Australia as is its importation.

Some states have moved towards decriminalising the possession of small quantities of cannabis for personal use or the diversion of offenders to education or treatment programs. Offenders in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory may be issued with an infringement. In Victoria, first time minor offenders are cautioned and referred to drug education, while Western Australia combines both methods by allowing those apprehended with less than 30g of cannabis or two cannabis plants grown at home the opportunity of paying a fine or attending an education session.[5] --Babij 11:30, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

You are just showing that it IS decriminalized. Again, decriminalized DOES NOT mean legal or even that a person will not go to court.. Decriminalized, in this case and in the case of the map, means no jail time for minor possession. It means you just get a fine for minor possession (this assumes a first offense, no other crimes being committed at the time, not smoking in a public place or in a school, etc.). I see no indication that the map needs to be changed. CL8 15:16, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

Anon: The pic is misleading. In Victoria you MAY get a diversion (which involves paying a fine AND attending an education session, without a criminal conviction) for up to 3 plants grown at home, but you are still arrested/charged (as a criminal) and still need to appear in front of a magistrate. The magistrate can decide that you are not worthy of a diversion, fine you and give you a criminal record. Your map implies that pot is of the same legal status in Victoria as Amsterdam. This is simply not true. I don't have any new references for this (apart from those above), but I do speak from experience & I still have the charge sheets to prove it.

For the millionth time, the map does NOT imply that Victoria is the same as Amsterdam. Decriminalization IS NOT the same as Legalization!!!!. And if you want anything changed for Victoria, I need a source I can check out. Your charge sheets do not count. Find me a current site with the correct information. CL8 04:52, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

It is definitely Illegal in all states of Australia. I will find you an online source for each state, Government Statistics would be the best or the laws themselves or someone highranking in our legal system stating our laws? In South Australia the laws have been changed regularly over the last ten years from more harsher penalties to less harsher and vice-versa, but it is still a prohibited substance. South Australia has stated they have 'decriminalised' Marijuana but possesion is still punished by on the spot fines and still justifies further searches and confiscation of the 'Class 1 prohibited substance' Please see the following for an Australian government health department website documenting the progress of Australian Cannabis/ marijuana laws; http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubs-drug-cannabis-can_ch3.htm Many states have reduced the penalties for possesion of marijuana but it is still definitely illegal in all states and territories of Australia and will be confiscated and you will be penalised.

For the millionth time, decriminalized is NOT AT ALL legal. Please read the volumes of discussion on this topic on this page. CL8 17:22, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

HERE CHECK THIS OUT THEN http://www.liv.asn.au/public/legalinfo/crime/crime-Drugs.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by 58.175.24.251 (talk) 09:12, 20 September 2007 (UTC)

Qatar

Cannabis is illegal in Qatar, and possession is a very serious offense here... i'll see if I can dig up some sources, but it should be coloured red on the map. --Amjra 20:38, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

Source Here you go! --Amjra 20:42, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

Thanks! I am updating the source list and the map!  :) CL8 20:52, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

California

In California, weed is only legal for medical purposes. I wouldn't consider it decriminalized since you need a prescription from a doctor + 215 card.

That's not what decriminalized means. Please see above. CL8 01:17, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

If it's a violation of probation then being in possession of weed may mean jail time. I wouldn't consider California decriminalized either. Despite that you're using the term in a different context for your map doesn't disregard the Actual definition. Under certain circumstances in California, you may or may not receive jail time for a minor possession.

'If it's a violation of probation'!? Well, yeah, I imagine you'd get arrested for minor possession if you have a warrant out on you for robbery too. We are not talking any special circumstances. Just some shmuck on the street with a small amount of cannabis. No dealing, no smoking, no probation, no warrants, no bloody axe in hand, no crackpipe... Cannabis IS decriminalized in California. In fact, unlike some other decriminalized countries, there was actually a specific law passed which decriminalizes it. Hell it was probably called the marijuana decriminalization act. It cannot be argued in this case. California legally decriminalized marijuana 30 years ago. It is fact. CL8 00:15, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

My brother in law was arrested in California this past summer for possession of cannabis. He was arrested in a mall parking lot because a security guard called the police after seeing him taking his hitter box out of his pocket while digging for his cell phone. He had to go to court, got some kind of court supervision and had to pay a $500+ fine. He was told by the judge the maximum penalty was a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.

He must have had some other charge or a previous history. According to my sources it has been officially criminalized for first offenses for about 30 years. I can't use personal experiences as reliable sources. If you can find me any citable web site that contradicts what my sources say, please present it to me and I will consider changing it. However, the current sources are quite good and you will have to present compelling evidence. CL8 04:39, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

According to normal.org, which you cite as a source for the map, possession of even the smallest amount of Cannabis is a misdemeanor punishable by a $100 fine. Do you think that categorising this as "de-criminalized" is accurate? Odedee 20:26, 1 March 2007 (UTC)

For the 1,000,001st time, please read the discussion about the word decriminalized all over this page. CL8 17:24, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

Costa Rica

Due to constitutional mandate, consumption of any drug, "when not contrary to public moral or not affecting third persons", is legal in Costa Rica. (Artículo 28 Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica). Possession for consumption in quantities judged compatible on the premises, is decriminalized in Costa Rica not only for cannabis, but for every drug in the Single Convention of the UN. Proper color should be pale blue for Costa Rica, in my opinion. See following source (in spanish): http://www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salatercera/jurisprudencia%20general/2001/0074-01.doc Drcaldev 01:30, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

I am willing to change this, but the link is broken so I can't check it out. I can't connect to the server... Strange for a government site... Thanks! CL8 05:06, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Alright, I'm chainging it.  :)) Thanks for your contribution! CL8 01:20, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Italy

I know from first-hand experience that Italy has recently enacted new legislation that treats cannabis like other harder drugs. Possession of even .5g of cannabis is now punished harshly, especially with cases involving foreigners. I believe this legislation took place in the summer of 2006, but I am not positive. However, I do know that there was an increase in the severity of the consequences, as my roommate narrowly escaped them and was under punishment from the old law. He was forced to be analyzed by a drug counselor to determine if he was an abusive user, and because he was not determined to be one, he was freed with a warning. Had he been determined to be an abusive user, he would have had his passport confiscated for up to 3 months and he would have to be re-evaluated each month until he had shown that he was no longer a problem.

Also, just FYI, cannabis is not actually legal in Amsterdam or anywhere in the Netherlands for that matter. It is simply so decriminalized that it is as good as legal.

If you can find a source or two that contradict what I have about Italy, I will change it.  :) And no I don't need to be told about the Netherlands. It is essentially legal there - not techniquely legal. CL8 20:18, 6 January 2007 (UTC)

I can also confirm that cannabis laws in Italy were changed in 2006. The laws were previously relaxed but they have now become ridiculously strict. I have an Italian friend who confirmed that this was the case but many Italians, students in particular, still use cannabis frequently. He said that it may also depend on the particular policeman who arrests you: if he/she takes a dislike to you or if he is over zealous he/she may decide to press full charges. Check out this link on the BBC website: [6]

I agree that the laws have changed recently to increase penalties for drug charges. However, it still seems to be decriminalized for minor possession which is all this map shows. I quote: "Under the new rules, dealing and trafficking in drugs - whether heroin, cocaine or cannabis - will be punished with jail sentences of between six and 20 years and a fine of up to 260,000 euros (£180,000). People who ignore repeated warnings to stop using cannabis will face a driving ban and be forced to stay at home at night." So still no jail time for first offense minor possession. Sounds decriminalized. Also, the Italian political party who is expected to take power in April says this is the first law it will abolish. Long story short: these are stricter laws, but they do not end the decriminalized status of minor possession for personal use.  :) CL8 19:42, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

Denmark

Hi!

There is an error on the map (if I understand the map right). Cannabis have never been decriminalized in Denmark. It should be colored red ("confirmed illegal"). Medical marihuana is normally illegal, I belive. --Ss08 01:56, 22 January 2007 (UTC)

I am afraid this is not the case. Decriminalized does NOT mean legal. It means NO JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION. And according to all of the info I have, it IS decriminalized in Denmark. CL8 14:59, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

Okay, but there is the possibility of jail time for possesion. It's normally only used when 10 g or more is possesed.--Ss08 17:49, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

I know that, because i was caught with a joint in my bag. I'll have to pay approx. US $ 83, which is 500 danish kroner, to the danish police. So it's definately not decrimilized in Denmark!!!

For the 50th time, that's what decriminalized means in the case of this map. Decriminalized does NOT mean legal!! It means NO JAIL TIME FOR POSSESSION. Please read the rest of the page before commenting. CL8 15:57, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

Cannabis is decriminalized to the extent that it is basically legal in Denmark. It has been this way for ages, even before Christiania was created. Furthermore a 500DKR fine is considered an "administrative slap on the wrists" in Denmark, so just disregard what the other moron is trying to tell you, he dont know cannabis history of Denmark or the legal system.

Switzerland

In Switzerland canabis is not leagal drug. http://www.admin.ch/ch/f/rs/812_121/a19.html

I'm afraid I can't read that as it is in French. But according to many sources, there are weed shops in Switzerland that operate unimpeeded. For instance: "and an estimated 250 shops openly sell the drug throughout Switzerland" from Legal issues of cannabis#Switzerland. This means it is ESSENTIALLY legal even if it is not literally legal. CL8 15:03, 28 January 2007 (UTC)

The link I gave is an official page of the Swiss government. There you can find the law in three official languages German, French and Italian. If canabis was essential legal there wouldn't be an initiative to decriminalize it. In Switzerland it is legal to grow and to sell hemp but is not legal to sell and grow cannabis as a drug.

I'm not saying it's literally legal. It isn't literally legal anywhere except perhaps Bangladesh, but if there are 250+ shops openly selling cannabis (NOT hemp) in Switzerland, and I believe that there are, then it IS essentially legal there, as indicated in the map. CL8 20:33, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

In 2006 the Swiss federal court confirmed the sentence against a shop owner because he sold cannabis. You can find the judgment at: http://www.bger.ch/fr/index/juridiction/jurisdiction-inherit-template/jurisdiction-recht.htm the reference of the judgment is 6P.114/2006 , so much for being essentially legal.

I followed this link and, though I admit I don't speak much French, there is no 6P.114/2006 on that page or on the linked .pdf..... CL8 17:24, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

Really?? What about this one?

OK, that one works. I still can't read French, but I'll take your word on the translation. But this leaves me in a quandry. None of the labels seem to apply very well. It seems that shops in SOME areas operate and are tolerated by the law but in others they are not. I originally had Switzerland labelled "varies by region" which was a designation used only for Switzerland. I was using a quote from this source on wikipedia: "Though all possession and cultivation remains illegal in most parts of the country, coffee shops can still be found in Bienne and Interlaken." It sounds like perhaps I should change it back to 'varies by region'. Switzerland sure is an unusual case!  :) CL8 21:55, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

This has been changed! Thanks for all the help! CL8 20:15, 7 February 2007 (UTC)

Medical Cannabis

Hi, we're working on an article in the french wikipedia about medical cannabis. I've just translated your very interesting maps (Image:CarteEuropeCannabisMedical.gif and Image:CarteMondeCannabisMedical.gif). Should we create a link between the different versions? Ajor 15:15, 1 March 2007 (UTC)There is a article about Cannabis gowning new brain cells in new scientist done by Canadian scientists in Saskatchewan and the Map of New Mexico needs the Cyan color on the map 4 plants is legal now.

Russia

Cannabis is completely illegal in Russia, although it is formally not a crime (only administrative violation of the law) to have less than 6 grams with yourself. Anyway, it will cause LOTS of problems if you get caught. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Varnav (talk • contribs) 10:23, 7 March 2007 (UTC).

Again. Give me a source and I'll change it.  :) CL8 17:25, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

What source do you want? The Russian criminal code? Do you read Russian? The map is absolutely misleading in it's existing form - it shows that cannabis is becriminalized in Russia. This is opposite of the truth. The laws are getting tougher on drugs if anything. If you're not sure, paint it grey or something.

Russia

In Russia cannabis is a Schedule I drug. According to the Criminal Code of Russia (Article 228) possession, storage, transportation and preparation of "large amount" of cannabis is illegal and is punishable by either a substantial fine (about 1500 USD), corrective work (up to 2 years) or imprisonment (up to 3 years), harsher sentences apply for "extremely large amount" (3-to 10 years imprisonment). Government Decree No. 76 from February 7, 2006 further elaborates the definition of "large amount" of cannabis as being equal to 6 grams (0.211 ounces) dried, and "extremely large amount" - 100 grams (3.512 ounces) dried.

With lesser amounts, you will be penalized under administrative law (articles 6.8, 6.9), with fine (up to $40) OR IMPRISONMENT up to 15 days. But user:Varnav (above) is right, it will cause you LOTS of problems if you get caught. You will get beaten hard in the police, or they can add more hemp to what you have, and threat you with criminal responsibility, expecting bribe. Overall, it's highly misleading to colour Russia in teal. It is much more likely being red :(

--- I'm from Russia and I study in Czech Republic. Both of them are blue on your map. It is totally FALSE. In Czech Rep. I can smoke ween right on the street next to policemen. The only thing they can do is to tell me not to smoke in such a big crownd, but they never punished me for that. It is easy and very cheap to buy marijuana in Czech, it is totally available. In Russia if you get caught - you're done - they will take all your money and you may and WILL get to the prison. There's no any decriminalization in Russian, the same as other CIS countries which you rightly marked red. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.218.205.90 (talk) 12:42, August 30, 2007 (UTC)

Australia

Just want to say, Cannabis is entirely illegal in Australia, and is policed quite seriously. You cannot grow it or possess even the slightest amount, although small amounts used medicinally by elderly citizens is usually not policed or investigated. Peace Franz T. Speeling 16:04, 25 April 2007 (UTC)

Brazil

Good idea to post this map, but, as somebody up there already said, the use of Cannabis or any other drug, except cigarette and alcoholic beverage is confirmed illegal in Brazil. Brazilian law:

“ Importar, exportar, remeter, preparar, produzir, fabricar, adquirir, vender, expor à venda, oferecer, ter em depósito, transportar, trazer consigo, guardar, prescrever, ministrar, entregar a consumo ou fornecer drogas, ainda que gratuitamente, sem autorização ou em desacordo com determinação legal ou regulamentar: Pena – reclusão 5 (cinco) a 15 (quinze) anos e pagamento de 500 (quinhentos) a 1.500 (mil e quinhentos) dias-multa. ”

Translating: Import, export, send, make, buy, sell, expose to sell, offer, prescript, keep [...] or deal drugs, even if for free: 5 to 15 years of jail and R$ 500 to R$ 1500 fine.

Thank you for your attention. User:MatheusWahl

Image:Diadem.jpg

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Montenegro

In MNE if you get caught with a small amount (say, one or two joints) you'll simply get a "friendly" warning from the police officer not to do anything stupid. I never heard that anyone was sent to jail or even fined for possesion of small amounts (and I know a lot of people that were caught with a joint, including myself). --195.66.176.119 16:49, 23 May 2007 (UTC)

Namibia

In Namibia, it is completely illegal. Please change this immediately. And I also think highlighting most of Africa as "Probably legal" is irresponsible and incorrect. Athough for medical purposes it is legal. Do not make assumptions and give the whole continent a bad name. If you want to put in a map, do your research, don't just act on your ignorant impulses.

South Africa

You put South Africa in orange, however, the webehigh pages that you cite indicate that small amounts are only punishable by a fine. Unless there is more authoritative evidence that SA is criminalized, please turn it light blue

Netherlands

Age: Marijuana = 18+

Possession of marijuana in the Netherlands is still illegal, although the law is not enforced. (= Gedoogbeleid)
Marijuana products are sold till a maximum amount of 5 grams per person per visit in Coffeeshops.
(Headshops are parafinallia shops selling pipes and nice shirts, but NO WEED.)

Hemp Oil is a HARD DRUG in the Netherlands and can cause arrests!

- Possession of more than 5 grams of marijuana, or hash is officially illegal and can be used to label one as dealer.
- When home growing a person has officially a maximum of 5 plants.
- Homes rented from someone OFTEN have a clauses in their contract stating growth of marijuana is not accepted by the owner of the premises. Tossing this aside and still starting growth of marijuana can cost you your home in those cases.
- After harvest you are only allowed to have 30 grams at home.
(A normal plant with good treatment can produce 100-500 grams! of marijuana)

- Driving while under the influence is unwise. Officially it's ILLEGAL! When in an accident it's automatically the user's fault, as well as any bodily harm can and probably will be prosecuted.
- Normally police and justice will not act unless you cause disturbance (odour/noise) or when you are dealing (especially to MINORS!)/growing...

Some cities have less problems with use, some villages (probably the more Christian ones) will have more problems.
DO NOT BUY IN THE STREETS! Average price for a gram of weed in Coffeeshops is between 7 and 9 euro's with extreme as low as 3.5 and as high as 17 euro's a gram.

Dutch weed is no outdoor weed and often grown indoors(better), THC for the original weed is about 3-7% the more worked on variaties can have up to 25+ %! This WILL be dangerous for inexperienced users.

-3 tips for safe use:

1) Never use alone
2) Make sure you have eaten.
3) Be Careful and start with a normal variety...

Medical Marijuana; Though it exists (when started the main problems were the availability and strength); it's mostly prescribed to patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, AIDS, Giles de la tourette and in a lesser degree to people suffering from Epilepsy, Eating disorders, spasms.... There is still a LOT of research going on.

IRAN

Hi!

There is an error on the map. Cannabis has never been decriminalized in Iran. It should be colored red ("confirmed illegal"). Use, Sale or posession of any amount of cannabis (hash, grass , etc) is highly illegal and severely punished.(dealing narcotics in Iran has penalty of Death)

software

What program are you using to make these maps?

Kind regards Crasshopper 19:21, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

UK map colour

I know this has been pointed out before, but in the 595x599 pixels preview of the map, the UK is still incorrectly showing light blue (decriminalized), despite reloading as per your suggestion. The full-size map is correct. This isn't just a 'slight' error. As a drug education consultant, I am acutely aware that after the recent change in classification of cannabis to Class C (Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971 as amended) there is still some confusion about whether cannabis remains illegal. (It does) And controlled under Criminal Law. (It still is). I routinely suggest to teachers that they send school students to the Wikipedia sites for good data, but currently they could be seriously misled. I should add that I am using Safari 2 on a Mac running OS 10.4.10. If there are platform inconsistencies, these need to be addressed.

Fair use rationale for Image:Book7-06-algul-siento-destroyed.jpg

Thanks for uploading or contributing to Image:Book7-06-algul-siento-destroyed.jpg. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in Wikipedia articles constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use. Suggestions on how to do so can be found here.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to ensure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If you have uploaded other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on those pages too. You can find a list of 'image' pages you have edited by clicking on the "my contributions" link (it is located at the very top of any Wikipedia page when you are logged in), and then selecting "Image" from the dropdown box. Note that any non-free media lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you. BigrTex 15:10, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

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Uruguay and Argentina

Suposedly consuming cannabis is legal in uruguay and argentina, although it is illegal to buy or sell it, to grow it and to smoke it in public places. It is also legal to have a small amount "only for personal use" of cannabis, that is less than 5 grams, but in practice every time you smoke or carry it you may be stopped by the police. This doesn't stop some people from smoking in the streets and parks. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 190.64.49.38 (talk) 22:28, 27 April 2007 (UTC).

Switzerland in Image:European-cannabis-laws.png

Hi. I've completely updated Legal issues of cannabis#Switzerland on Sluzzelin's request. The situation is a bit convoluted, but basically, cannabis use is illegal but tolerated to a very varying degree. Based on that, I believe Switzerland should be coloured orange on your map. Thanks! Sandstein 15:12, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

When I last visited Switzerland they legally sold and grew cannabis for other reasons. They can even fill a pillow with weed and call it an asthma pillow, but it is illegal to sell for smoking reasons. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.182.40.138 (talk) 23:50, 17 September 2007 (UTC)