Over the last decade, many countries have changed their cannabis laws in some form or other. The most recent one is Germany this year, and the right to grow four plants at home. Thailand did a complete 180 and went from locking people up in prison for a joint to opening countless coffee shops. But what about the countries still in the Stone Age when it comes to cannabis or the ones that will get you stoned in all the wrong ways? It might feel like the world is opening its arms to cannabis, but our beloved plant is still illegal in more countries than it's not. Where can cannabis get you killed?
Where Can Cannabis Get You Killed?
Yes, this is a bleak topic, but we should consider it. There are plenty of countries where green tea is prohibited, but you can still buy and consume it without going to jail. However, some countries have zero tolerance for the sweet lady Mary Jane. If you get caught in her company in the wrong place, there's a chance she will be your last dance. In this article, we will explore some places you least want to get caught blazing a fat one, from time banged up to being boxed away. Grab your passport, but leave the weed; we're off to where cannabis can get you killed.
USA
Yes, the US. It's not legal everywhere in the US, but it won't cost you your life directly. In Idaho and Nebraska, possession of small amounts can still lead to up to 1 year in prison and heavy fines. In Texas, possessing small amounts can lead to up to 6 months in jail. We don't know what prison life in places like that is like, and you can bet our lives we don't want to find out.
Mexico
Upto 5 grams in Mexico and you live; any more than that, and it could lead to 15 years in a Mexican prison, and that's Adiós amigo mío for a European tourist who's had too much to smoke.
Russia
Did you hear the one about the Russian who got high? They sent him to jail. Small amounts in your possession can land you two years in prison, and if you dare traffick with a bag of green, you could get up to 10 years. Good luck in the penal colony. Take a sweater.
France
You might not get sent to a penal colony if caught in France. However, French prisons won't be pretty, and possession of cannabis is punishable with up to 1 year in jail and a fine of almost 4,000 euros. Maybe stick to the crossings and baguettes the next time you're in France.
Japan
Japan has just changed its laws to make cannabis more illegal. For just a tiny amount of this wonderfully medical plant, you can spend five years in prison doing hard labour. If this writer were sentenced to that, it would be the death of them.
South Korea
The South Koreans go one further on the illegal front. It is even prohibited for their citizens to consume cannabis abroad. Get caught (who knows how), and you will get slapped with a 5-year sentence. Have you ever seen a South Korean in a coffeeshop? Now you know why.
Philippines
You're in the Philippines, you got your bag of pretty green, and there is a good chance it will get you 12 years to life imprisonment in one of the harshest penal systems in the world. It's not for us; we will stick to the cocktails on the beach.
Nigeria
Cannabis is illegal in Nigeria, and possession can result in 12 years imprisonment. Nigeria is Africa's most populated country and 6th in the world overall. It has over 230 prison facilities you might spend over a decade in if you get caught rolling the herb.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudis might want you to focus on those sports they are buying, but we want you to know that they have some very harsh punishments for cannabis, and they include the death penalty.
Iran
Iran follows a similar vein to the Saudis; you might argue they are even harsher, as it is common for drug offenders to be executed. That usually happens when trafficking is involved, but why take the chance when the lines between trafficking and possession are blurry?
Southeast Asia
Three for one, with this next one, in Malaysia, possession of large quantities of cannabis (over 200 grams) is considered drug trafficking. It can lead to the death penalty. In Singapore, possession of more than 500 grams of cannabis can be regarded as trafficking, which is punishable by death. Last but no means least, in Indonesia, cannabis possession in large amounts can lead to the death penalty. Drug trafficking, in general, is punishable by death.
China
A few years ago, evidence of the earliest cannabis use was found in China. Now, if they find cannabis in China, it could lead to death. China is known for its strict drug policy and has executed people for drug-related crimes.
Where Can Cannabis Get You Killed?
These examples are the worst cases; the likelihood of facing death often depends on whether the charge is for the more severe trafficking rather than mere possession. In some cases, enforcement may vary based on diplomatic or political considerations, especially for foreign nationals. However, some countries don't give two hoots where you're from if they've caught you with the canna and will lock you up and throw away the key.