Iceland: a land known for its dramatic landscapes and cool climate.

But as progressive as this island may seem, where does it stand on cannabis?

Let’s delve into whether you can legally light up in the land of fire and ice.

Recreational cannabis use is illegal in Iceland. This might be surprising since the nation consumes between 1.5 – 2 metric tons of cannabis and hashish annually. About 30% of the population have smoked at one time or another, and 55,000 of the 320,000 people who call Iceland home light up on a regular basis. That’s 18.3%!

In the US, usage is estimated to be at 15%, even after legalization in almost half the states. Other countries that are small but have high smoking populations include Nigeria, Zambia, and, of course, New Zealand (hi Boss).

So what is the scene like in Iceland? You won’t see anyone lighting up in public, not only is it still illegal, but the fine for even 1 gram equals about $500 US dollars. President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has some promising views, though.

“We have to admit the war on drugs has been lost long ago. It is better to prevent marginalization of young people than jail them for soft drugs usage which are comparatively harmless. If we allow the sale of alcohol, there is no reason to ban the soft drugs any longer.”  – President Grimsson at the 2013 Global Commission on Drug Policy

Unlike the short-lived prohibition on alcohol in the United States, Iceland outlawed booze in 1915 and didn’t see legal liquor again until 1989! With that kind of dry spell, if you want a good time, you are going to have to look at the alternatives. Now, it is seen as a rather exotic indulgence, and so naturally a lot of people enjoy it. Now, Reykjavik is a mecca for heavy drinking, and many there don’t consider alcohol a drug.