In recent years, the world has seen a general loosening of cannabis laws, concerning both medicinal and recreational use of the drug. Today, over 60 countries have legalised cannabis for medicinal purposes while, earlier this year, Germany finally introduced legislation to legalise recreational cannabis, becoming the ninth country to do so.
Cannabis reform has certainly come a long way. Yet, with all these promising developments, there remain a number of countries in which you would never want to be caught with cannabis. We’re taking a look at the 6 countries with the harshest cannabis laws.
Singapore
The Asian city-state of Singapore, with its 5.7 million citizens, is known for its modern architecture, spotless streets, and low crime rate. But it is also known for having some of the strictest drug laws in the world. In fact, Singapore is one of 34 countries (more of which will also be featured in this list) that retains the death penalty for drug-related offences – including offences concerning cannabis.
Classified as a Class A drug under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act, possession or consumption of cannabis could land you up to 10 years in prison a S$20,000 fine (around £11,500), or both. In some cases, corporal punishment in the form of caning may also be ordered. But the worst sentences are reserved for those trafficking cannabis.
Singaporean law permits the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking more than 500g of cannabis. One of the most recent incidences of the death penalty being passed for cannabis offences in Singapore was in 2023 with the execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, who had been found guilty of abetting the trafficking of around 1kg of cannabis.
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been pushing to improve its global relations in recent years, having opened up to tourists in 2019. But the country’s ultra-conservative drug laws remain in place with the use and possession of cannabis (and any other recreational drug) being strictly illegal.
If caught in possession of cannabis for personal use, first-time offenders generally face one to six months in prison, with the potential addition of whippings. Dealing cannabis could yield a sentence of up to 10 years, again with whippings, while repeat offenders and traffickers could even face death by beheading.
While there may be some degree of leniency for foreign citizens (who are typically deported) it’s a good idea to steer away from cannabis altogether in this part of the world.
Malaysia
The cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis is strictly illegal in Malaysia. While being caught in possession of small amounts for personal use could land you five years in prison, a fine of up to RM20,000 (around £3,300), or both.
Cultivation of cannabis can see individuals facing a life sentence, and possession of more than 200g of cannabis will be presumed as trafficking in narcotics, for which, until July 2023, there was a mandatory death penalty if convicted. Even now, trafficking cannabis can earn you 30-40 years in prison and caning or the death penalty in Malaysia, depending on the judge passing the sentence.
In recent years, Malaysian lawmakers have made moves to reassess certain aspects of the country’s medical cannabis laws. Prompted by the public outcry over the death penalty imposed on a man who had sold cannabis oils to the sick, Malaysian lawmakers have vowed to reassess their approach to medical cannabis. Still, Malaysia’s cannabis laws remain among the harshest in the world.
Brunei Darussalam
Brunei is a tiny island nation located on the majority-Malaysian island of Borneo in the South China Sea. The country’s legislation is controlled by a sultanate and is strongly based on Sharia-Islamic beliefs. While cannabis is the second-most used drug in Brunei (after methamphetamine), penalties are extremely harsh.
The use and possession of cannabis can lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison in addition to a hefty fine (approx. £14,500). Cannabis trafficking, possession with intent to traffick, or import/export of cannabis can even result in a death sentence, depending on the quantity of the drug.
Indonesia
Indonesia is known for its ancient temples, stunning beaches – oh, and some of the harshest drug laws in the world. Under the country’s 2009 Narcotics Law, cannabis is listed as a type-1 narcotic (the most restrictive category), alongside opium, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This classification means cannabis is also forbidden for medicinal use.
Possession of cannabis can land offenders with a prison sentence of up to 12 years and a Rp 8 billion (approximately £380,000) fine. Harsher penalties are also handed out for producing, exporting, importing, and distributing cannabis (up to 15 years imprisonment and a Rp 10 billion fine (approx. £479,000).
While calls for cannabis reforms are on the rise in Indonesia, it seems they have so far fallen on deaf ears in the government.
China
China is one of the world’s largest producers of industrial hemp – low-THC cannabis plants that have traditionally been used to manufacture clothing, building materials, and other commodities. However the use of cannabis for recreational purposes is strictly illegal in the country, and penalties can be extreme.
Some reports indicate that travellers who test positive for cannabis use, even if the drug was consumed outside the country, will be subject to deportation and blacklisted for re-entry into the country
In many cases, cannabis is not distinguished from other narcotics, including heroin and cocaine. Possession, use, and distribution of cannabis for any reason can attract prison time, the length of which will vary depending on the amount in question. However, much is unknown about China’s approach to drug control, due to the secretive nature of the Chinese government.
Some reports indicate that travellers who test positive for cannabis use, even if the drug was consumed outside the country, will be subject to deportation and blacklisted for re-entry into the country. Furthermore, while figures remain unknown, China is known to pass the death penalty for some drug offences.
Despite ongoing cannabis reforms in many parts of the world, it is important to recognise the strict laws that still exist in many countries. While the countries on this list undoubtedly have a lot to offer from a tourist perspective, if you’re set on seeking out some weed on your travels, they are undoubtedly best avoided. The good news is that there are plenty of other cannabis-friendly destinations to explore!
