• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

2

Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50

3

Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers

1

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year

2

Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50

3

Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
FinanceMarijuana

Fortune 5: The most potent pot economies in the world

By
Chris Matthews
Chris Matthews
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Chris Matthews
Chris Matthews
Down Arrow Button Icon
February 18, 2015, 10:47 AM ET
Droplets of oil form on the surface of a Cannabis plant in a state-owned agricultural farm in Rovigo
Droplets of oil form on the surface of a Cannabis plant in a state-owned agricultural farm in Rovigo, about 60 km (40 miles) from Venice, September 22, 2014. Italy legalised marijuana for medical use last year, but the high cost of buying legal pot in a pharmacy meant few people signed up. Starting next year, a high-security lab in a military compound in Florence will grow cannabis for Italy's health care system in an experiment the government says could bring safe, legal and affordable marijuana to suffering patients. To match Feature ITALY-MARIJUANA/ Picture taken September 22, 2014. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: HEALTH DRUGS SOCIETY BUSINESS AGRICULTURE POLITICS) - RTR49U7KPhotograph by Alessandro Bianchi — Reuters

The liberalization of cannabis laws has been one of the biggest and most surprising business stories of the past decade.

Over the past 10 years, several states in the U.S. have legalized medical marijuana, while four—Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Alaska—have legalized recreational use. Meanwhile, poll data shows that a majority of Americans support outright legalization for the first time. As of January, 23 states and the District of Columbia have laws that allow marijuana use of some kind, and we can expect to see additional ballot measures addressing the issue in the years to come.

The legal changes have been a boon for legitimate businesses, which are scrambling to get a piece of the more than $40 billion U.S. consumers spend per year on the drug, according to an estimate from the Rand Corporation.

These companies must tread lightly since cannabis remains illegal on the federal level and in most countries around the world. At the same time, many analysts believe that the pot industry is ripe for consolidation as more legal barriers come down. After all, the weed market would benefit from economies of scale, and the company that successfully captures the public’s imagination with the right branding could be a nationwide player.

David Sealy, an analyst with The Boston Company, argues that Big Tobacco companies are well positioned to use their experience selling cigarettes and dealing with zealous regulators to create a cannabis oligopoly. But any empire builder worth his salt won’t be satisfied just with the U.S. market. The rest of the world is also rethinking marijuana prohibition, with countries like Uruguay allowing a legal and regulated cannabis industry to form this year.

Here are the biggest pot economies in the world, according to data compiled by the Rand Corporation. Rand ranks these countries not by total size of the market for cannabis, but by the percentage of GDP devoted to cannabis in each country, as this measure gives us a better idea of the depth of popularity of the drug in each country.

You’ll notice the U.S. doesn’t make the cut. While Americans spend more on pot than any other developed country, the U.S. also has the largest economy in the world. When you compare American pot purchases to its massive economy, we only spend 0.14% of our total income on the drug, good for 14th place.

1. Latvia—0.64% of GDP

The Nativity of Christ cathedral stands surrounded by snow in Riga, Latvia, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. The country of 2 million will become the 18th member of the euro area in January after transforming its finances and recovering from the world's deepest collapse in output four years ago. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The fact that cannabis is unlawful to buy, sell, or produce in this former Soviet Republic has not stopped the marijuana trade from bringing in over $97 million of the plant per year, according to Rand Corporation data. In a country of just under 2 million citizens, that's about $48.50 spent on pot per year for every man, woman, and child.

2. Australia—0.47% of GDP

Any way you cut it, Australia's cannabis market is huge. In nominal terms, the Rand Corporation estimates that Aussies spend roughly $3.2 billion per year on pot, even though it is illegal to possess the drug across the country. Penalties for marijuana use vary from state to state, with some jurisdictions issuing fines for those caught with small amounts, while getting caught in others might lead to mandatory treatment.

3. Czech Republic—0.45% of GDP

Skyline of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, from the Castle. (Photo By: Education Images/UIG via Getty Images)

Like the United States, the Czech Republic has liberalized its attitude toward cannabis in recent years. The eastern European nation legalized marijuana for medical purposes in 2013, and recreational users can carry up to 15 grams of pot without risking a criminal charge.

4. Slovenia—0.36% of GDP

SLOVENIA - MAY 27: Aerial view of buildings in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Marijuana possession in Slovenia is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine, but enthusiasts in the country are increasingly turning toward non-profit cannabis clubs that only help members get their supply. Though the pot industry in the country has a turnover of about $120 million, that number is pretty significant for a small country of just over 2 million people.

5. New Zealand—0.35% of GDP

Boats are moored in waters in front of the Auckland city skyline, New Zealand on February 10, 2014. New Zealand's central bank left the official cash rate (OCR) unchanged at a record low of 2.5 percent on January 30 but warned it will rise soon as the economy gains momentum. AFP PHOTO / Michael Bradley (Photo credit should read MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP/Getty Images)

Getting caught with pot can put you in prison for three months in New Zealand, but that hasn't quelled the island nation's demand for cannabis. According to polls, nearly half of the country thinks pot should be made legal or decriminalized. And Kiwis are voting with their wallet, too: Rand estimates that the turnover in the marijuana industry is roughly $366 million, or more than a third of a percent of New Zealand's GDP.

About the Author
By Chris Matthews
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Finance

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Finance

f
Energyfraud
Nonprofit fraud isn’t surging. Enforcement is
By Sarah Webber and The ConversationMay 24, 2026
57 minutes ago
w
Personal FinanceWhite House
From Hobbes to the 14th amendment: the ancient and modern cases against Trump’s $1.8 billion fund
By Austin Sarat and The ConversationMay 24, 2026
1 hour ago
m
Real EstateSpain
‘We want neighbors, not tourists.’ Madrid’s renters march with message for the boom economy
By Alicia Leon and The Associated PressMay 24, 2026
2 hours ago
SpaceX’s next-gen rocket is the key to its sky-high valuation, early investor says: ‘Starship also enables all kinds of frontier markets’
Startups & VentureElon Musk
SpaceX’s next-gen rocket is the key to its sky-high valuation, early investor says: ‘Starship also enables all kinds of frontier markets’
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezMay 24, 2026
4 hours ago
40 is the new 50: Millennial jobseekers are giving their resumes a facelift by hiding years of experience to land jobs
Future of WorkCareers
40 is the new 50: Millennial jobseekers are giving their resumes a facelift by hiding years of experience to land jobs
By Jacqueline MunisMay 24, 2026
4 hours ago
bofa
AIProductivity
BofA says you’ll be 10x more productive with AI. Ignore the 0.1% result so far
By Nick LichtenbergMay 24, 2026
5 hours ago

Most Popular

Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
Success
Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
By Preston ForeMay 21, 2026
3 days ago
Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50
Success
Apple’s Steve Wozniak says he cofounded the tech giant after 5 rejections from HP—not to ‘make money.’ For years, his paycheck was just $50
By Preston ForeMay 22, 2026
2 days ago
Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
Success
Indeed chief economist says we’re entering an era of ‘great mismatch’ thanks to a generational imbalance of workers
By Emma BurleighMay 22, 2026
2 days ago
Microsoft reports are exposing AI's real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees
AI
Microsoft reports are exposing AI's real cost problem: Using the tech is more expensive than paying human employees
By Jake AngeloMay 22, 2026
2 days ago
This 39-year-old quit his lineman job during the pandemic and built a $50 million company in his backyard
Success
This 39-year-old quit his lineman job during the pandemic and built a $50 million company in his backyard
By Nick LichtenbergMay 23, 2026
1 day ago
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
5 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.