There exists no global consensus on the legality of cannabis use for recreational and medical purposes.
While many Countries have adopted decriminalization policies that make possession of “weed” a non-criminal offense, other countries have severe penalties.
In some Middle Eastern and Far East Asian countries, possession of even the tracest amounts could have severe repercussions including jail time.
The recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in 18 US states, Mexico, South Africa, Malta, Mexico, Uruguay, Australia. In Holland (Netherlands), marijuana can be legally purchased in licensed coffee shops.
In terms of cannabis consumption, the USA, Canada, Nigeria and Australia have the highest consumption rates with over 15 percent of the population over the age of 15 having admitted to drug use.
Within the African continent, Nigeria is the country with the highest number of cannabis users.
Business Insider revealed that a report on tobacco use by a Public health campaign group and US based academics deatoled rising rates in smoking prevalence in at least 10 African countries.
A 2021 United Nations report stated that the prevalence in substance abuse in Abuse is set to rise by 40% within 9 years.
Data mines from New Frontier Data’s Global Cannabis Report 2019 Industry Outlook reveals the top 10 African countries in terms of cannabis smoking:
1. Nigeria – 20.8 million people
2. Ethiopia – 7.1 million people
3. Egypt – 5.9 million people
4. DR Congo – 5 million people
5. Tanzania – 3.6 million people
6. Kenya – 3.3 million people
7. Sudan – 2.7 million people
8. Uganda – 2.6 million people
9. Madagascar – 2.1 million people
10. Ghana – 2 million people
