For travelers and digital nomads exploring the Americas this year, staying informed about cannabis laws is becoming increasingly important. Even if you’re only an occasional user or simply curious for reference, knowing the legal landscape can help you avoid unnecessary risks. Across North, Central, and South America, legislation is evolving, with many countries moving toward decriminalization, medical legalization, or full recreational access.
Cannabis regulations in the Americas remain a complex patchwork that varies significantly by country—and even within individual states or provinces. Navigating these ever-changing laws is key to ensuring a smooth and trouble-free journey in 2025.
A Shifting Legal Landscape
Over the past decade, attitudes toward cannabis have softened across the Americas, driven by economic, medical, and social factors. North America is leading the charge, with Canada legalizing recreational cannabis in 2018 and Mexico decriminalizing possession in 2021.
As of January 2025, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the United States, but state laws vary widely. Recreational use is legal in 24 states and Washington, D.C., while medical cannabis is permitted in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Verify any new states added post-2024 elections, as legalization trends are accelerating.
While more conservative, some countries in Central and South America have advanced cannabis-friendly legislation. Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalize recreational cannabis in 2013. Colombia and Argentina have decriminalized personal use, and Brazil has taken steps toward medical legalization.
Central America: A Conservative Approach
Central America’s cannabis policies remain relatively conservative compared to North America. While there is some movement toward decriminalization or medical legalization, most countries maintain strict penalties for recreational use.
- Mexico: Cannabis is decriminalized for possession of up to 5 grams, but the sale and distribution remain in a legal gray area. A full legalization framework is expected, but progress has been slow. Tourists should exercise caution, as the law is inconsistently enforced, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like Cancún. Verify whether legalization efforts have advanced in 2025.
- Belize: Possession of up to 10 grams is decriminalized, but public use and sale are illegal. Travelers should avoid carrying cannabis across borders or consuming it in public spaces.
- Costa Rica: Medical cannabis was legalized in 2022, but recreational use remains prohibited. Enforcement of these laws can be unpredictable, especially for tourists.
Other countries in the region, such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, have strict anti-cannabis laws. In these nations, even small amounts can lead to significant legal trouble.
South America: Leading the Way in Legalization
South America has emerged as a leader in cannabis reform, with Uruguay paving the way and other nations gradually following suit. However, the legal frameworks are far from uniform, and tourists must tread carefully.
- Uruguay: Cannabis is fully legal for residents, but tourists cannot purchase it legally. The system requires locals to register with the government to buy from licensed pharmacies. Consumption is allowed in private spaces, but public use can attract fines. Confirm if tourist accessibility has changed in 2025.
- Colombia: Possession of up to 20 grams is decriminalized, and personal cultivation of up to 20 plants is permitted. However, the sale of cannabis remains illegal, and enforcement can be uneven. Travelers should avoid carrying cannabis in public or near borders.
- Argentina: Medical cannabis is legal, and possession of small amounts for personal use has been decriminalized. While the laws are progressive, public attitudes vary, and tourists should avoid open consumption.
- Chile and Peru: Medical cannabis is legal, but recreational use remains prohibited. In both countries, possessing cannabis in public may lead to fines or confiscation, even if the quantity is small.
- Brazil: Despite its conservative stance on recreational use, Brazil has legalized the importation of cannabis-based medicines. However, travelers should avoid assuming this extends to personal possession or public use. Confirm any 2025 updates, as Brazil continues to discuss legalization.
Key Risks for Travelers
Despite the growing acceptance of cannabis in the Americas and the federal legality of hemp-derived THC products in the U.S., travelers should remain vigilant about local laws and enforcement practices. Laws in some countries may appear lenient on paper but are applied inconsistently in practice.
Transporting cannabis across international borders is universally prohibited and can result in severe penalties, even between countries or states where cannabis is legal. For instance, carrying cannabis from Canada to the United States or between Uruguay and Argentina is a crime.
Additionally, public attitudes toward cannabis vary. In some South American countries, traditional values may lead to social stigma, even where cannabis is decriminalized or legal.
Medical Cannabis Access
Medical cannabis is gaining ground across the Americas, but access is far from seamless. Countries like Argentina, Peru, and Brazil allow medical cannabis use with proper documentation, but the bureaucracy involved in obtaining legal access can be challenging for locals and tourists alike.
For travelers who rely on medical cannabis, it’s crucial to carry prescriptions and medical documentation and to confirm whether their medication is permitted in their destination. Many countries prohibit the importation of cannabis products, even for medical use.
The Path Ahead
As cannabis laws continue to evolve, more countries in the Americas may move toward legalization or decriminalization. Economic opportunities from cannabis tourism, public demand, and shifting cultural attitudes could accelerate reforms. However, the pace of change is uneven, and enforcement remains a significant concern.
Travelers in 2025 should approach cannabis use with caution. While opportunities to explore legal cannabis in the Americas are expanding, so too are the complexities of navigating these varied legal landscapes. By staying informed and respectful of local laws, tourists can enjoy their travels responsibly and avoid unnecessary risks.
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/green-cannabis-plants-during-daytime-MqISkm2iLGc

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.