Belgium advanced in FIFA competition, but when it comes to cannabis laws, the United States holds a commanding lead.
Belgium celebrated a major victory over the United States on the soccer field, advancing after an impressive FIFA World Cup performance ending the Americans’ tournament run. But away from the stadium, Belgium beat the U.S. on the pitch, but what about legal cannabis?
When comparing marijuana laws, legal access, and the overall cannabis industry, the United States has opened a much wider lead than Belgium.
Belgium occupies an interesting middle ground in Europe. Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use under national law, but the country has adopted a relatively tolerant approach toward possession of small amounts for personal use. Adults who possess up to three grams of cannabis or cultivate a single female cannabis plant for personal consumption generally face the lowest enforcement priority, provided there are no aggravating circumstances such as public nuisance or use around minors.
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That does not mean marijuana is legal.
Police still have the authority to confiscate cannabis, issue citations, or pursue criminal charges depending on the circumstances. Selling cannabis remains illegal, and there is no regulated adult-use cannabis market comparable to those operating in many U.S. states or neighboring countries such as Luxembourg, which has taken steps toward broader legalization.
Medical cannabis is also much more limited in Belgium than many people realize. Access exists, but only under narrow circumstances and through a highly regulated medical system. Unlike the United States, where dozens of states have comprehensive medical marijuana programs covering conditions ranging from chronic pain to cancer-related symptoms, Belgium’s medical cannabis program remains relatively small.
CBD products occupy another gray area.
Hemp-derived CBD with very low THC content is available in Belgium, although regulations surrounding food, supplements, cosmetics, and consumer products continue evolving under both Belgian and European Union law. Consumers can find CBD oils, creams, and wellness products in specialty retailers, but the market remains considerably smaller than the rapidly expanding CBD industry in the United States.
The contrast becomes even more striking when looking across America.
Today, medical cannabis is legal in a majority of U.S. states, while many have also legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. Americans now purchase more than $30 billion worth of legal cannabis products annually through licensed dispensaries. The industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs while generating billions of dollars in tax revenue for education, infrastructure, healthcare, veterans’ services, and community programs.
Cannabis has also become increasingly mainstream in American culture. Legal cannabis beverages, wellness products, culinary experiences, tourism, and educational programs continue expanding as more consumers seek alternatives to alcohol or traditional pharmaceuticals.
Belgium, by comparison, continues taking a far more cautious approach.
Public attitudes toward cannabis have become more accepting over the past decade, particularly among younger adults. Surveys suggest many Belgians support reforms  which would simplify enforcement or expand access to medical marijuana.
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However, lawmakers have yet to embrace the kind of comprehensive legalization seen across much of North America.
Like many European countries, Belgium continues balancing public health concerns with growing public acceptance of cannabis. Policymakers remain focused on reducing criminal activity while avoiding the commercialization which has accompanied legalization in parts of the United States.
Ironically, Belgium’s reputation for world-class beer also shapes the conversation. Beer remains deeply woven into Belgian culture and the country’s economy, while cannabis has yet to achieve anything close to the same level of social acceptance or regulatory clarity.
So while Belgium earned bragging rights on the soccer field, the United States continues to lead when it comes to cannabis access, market development, consumer choice, and industry innovation.
The two countries may have faced each other in one global competition, but in the evolving world of cannabis policy, they are still playing by very different rules.
