Which countries have decriminalised and how?
Some form of decriminalisation has been adopted in 30 countries – with significant differences and levels of effectiveness.
Drug Decriminalisation Across the World - Interactive Map: This interactive map provides an overview of these models, offering insights into decriminalisation laws, their implementation and impact. This map was developed by a partnership of Release, the International Drug Policy Consortium, and Accountability International. View the map
Countries (and States) that have decriminalised drug use
- Antigua + Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australian States: South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Australia
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Germany
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- South Africia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United States of America: Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nervada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C.
- Uruguay
- Virgin Islands (US Territory)
Release, the UK centre for expertise on drugs and drug laws in their 2016 report ‘A Quiet Revolution: Drug Decriminalisation Across the Globe,’ analysed over 25 jurisdictions around the world that have decriminalised drugs.