7 COUNTRIES WITH THE STRICTEST CANNABIS LAWS

Cannabis and cannabis products have been in high demand in recent years, mainly due to increasing legalisation and acceptance in Europe, Canada and the USA. However, in many countries around the world, all forms of cannabis and related products are strictly prohibited. In this article, we've compiled a list of countries with the strictest laws to inform you of the penalties for its use.

Singapore

Singapore has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the world. Possession of even the smallest amount of cannabis carries up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. If you are caught with more than 15 grams of marijuana, you are automatically labeled a smuggler and can face up to life in prison. If you are found with more than 500 grams, you face the death penalty. In addition, the Singapore police can test you for drugs at any time and without warning.

United Arab Emirates

All countries in the UAE are known for their strict cannabis laws. Law 14, passed in 1995, prohibits the use, possession, purchase, sale and cultivation of cannabis. If caught with even a minimal amount of cannabis, you face a minimum of 4 years in prison and a fine of $36,000. If you are caught smuggling drugs in the Emirates, you face the death penalty. A detectable amount of any drug in your blood is considered drug possession. If the police test you for drugs and you test positive for THC, this will be enough to charge you with drug possession.

Philippines

Cannabis law is very strict in the Philippines. Cannabis is listed as a dangerous drug, the sale, possession, use, importation, production and cultivation of which is prohibited and punishable by fines and imprisonment. Possession of 500 grams of cannabis resin carries up to life imprisonment and a hefty fine of $210 million. Under the Dangerous Drugs Act 2002, the first time you are caught with cannabis you face a six-month rehab. The second time you are caught, you face a minimum of six years in prison. In some cases, it can go up to 12 years.

Indonesia

All forms of cannabis are illegal in Indonesia. Under Indonesian law, cannabis use is punishable by a minimum of 4 years imprisonment. Possession of larger quantities can be punished by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of 8 billion rupiah (approximately 550,000 US dollars). Cannabis substances (such as CBD, CBG, etc.) are also illegal and carry the same penalties as the use or possession of, for example, cannabis sticks.

Malaysia

Malaysia also has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the world. Possession of 50-200 grams of cannabis carries a minimum five-year prison sentence and in some cases ten lashes. Selling cannabis to others carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Smugglers, importers and exporters face life imprisonment or the death penalty. CBD is also illegal in Malaysia.

Turkey

Unlike other EU countries, Turkey has a relatively strict drug policy. Turkey has very strict laws against all illegal drugs, including cannabis. Intentional possession and use of cannabis can lead to up to five years in prison. Smuggling and trafficking in cannabis or any other illegal drug carries a penalty of up to 10-15 years imprisonment. Although legislation regarding the legalisation of medicinal cannabis was passed in 2016, many Turkish residents who might be eligible for a prescription are hesitant to apply for one due to the country's well-known history of harsh penalties for drug use.

Japan

Japan has relatively strict drug laws. Cannabis was completely banned in the late 1940s and is banned again in 2023. Possession carries a prison sentence of 5-7 years and a fine of up to US$20,000. If arrested for growing, trafficking or selling cannabis, the penalty is a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years.

One of the biggest obstacles in Japan is the risk of stigmatisation. Possession or use of drugs often results in social stigma, school expulsion or loss of employment. However, CBD was legalised in 2016 and is widely available throughout the country.

Countries with the strictest cannabis laws

If you're going to visit any of the countries listed in this article, don't even think about cannabis. You could easily be arrested or even sentenced to death. Maybe one day the laws around the world will change for the better, but until then , remember to respect the laws of other countries.

In the Czech Republic, fortunately, the laws regarding cannabis are a bit more lenient. So explore our wide range of cannabis products and order yours today!