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Legal status of cannabis (medical use)

What this indicator measures

Shows whether cannabis can be used as a medicine in the country: prohibited, allowed only in the form of derivatives (for example CBD or cannabis-based medicines), or allowed.

How to read this?

“Derivatives only” means that only certain products (CBD, medicines) are permitted, not cannabis itself.

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180countries with data
2026data year(s)

In brief

Legal status of cannabis (medical use): 180 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Prohibited : 126 ; Derivatives only (CBD, medicines) : 9 ; Allowed : 45.

Why this indicator matters

Medical use of cannabis touches on health, justice and drug control at once. Comparing this status shows how laws balance access to treatment against narcotics control.

What makes this indicator vary

The rules depend on international drug conventions, medical debates, public health policies and the history of each legal system. Many laws have changed gradually in recent decades.

Reading precautions

The legal status does not tell whether patients can actually obtain treatment. Rules sometimes vary by region, product or illness. A collaborative source may lag in updates.

Legal status of cannabis (medical use)

Prohibited (126)

Derivatives only (CBD, medicines) (9)

Allowed (45)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Legal status of cannabis (medical use)" data come from?

It comes from Wikipédia, « Legality of cannabis ». Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “derivatives only” mean?

Only certain products are permitted, such as CBD or cannabis-based medicines. The plant itself, or other preparations, generally remain prohibited.

Are medical use and recreational use the same thing?

No. Medical use is supervised by a doctor in order to treat a condition. Recreational use refers to consumption for leisure, with legal rules that are often very different.

Source and update

Source : Wikipédia, « Legality of cannabis ». Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Justice and security