Guides

14 COUNTRIES WITH THE DEADLIEST CANNABIS LAWS

August 22, 2025 06:00 am ET Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes

Fact checked by Precious Ileh

14 COUNTRIES WITH THE DEADLIEST CANNABIS LAWS

If you think the current U.S. cannabis laws are 420-unfriendly, repressive, and in dire need of reform, you’re not entirely wrong, but it could be far worse. In the U.K., recreational cannabis is illegal, and getting a prescription for medical use is no cake walk. Australia is not much better, with only the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) permitting recreational use, and the rest of the country requiring a prescription.

All that, however, is nothing compared to these countries, where breaking cannabis laws could literally cost you your life:

1. SINGAPORE

In 2023, Singapore executed Tangaraju Suppiah for conspiring to traffic over one kilogram (two pounds) of cannabis. The international community pleaded for clemency, but the government proceeded with the execution.

Under Singaporean law, anyone caught with more than 500 grams of cannabis may face the death penalty. Possession of smaller quantities may attract jail time, flogging, and/or a fine, depending on the quantity and reason for having it. These laws apply to citizens, residents, and tourists alike, making Singapore’s anti-cannabis laws one of the strictest in the world.

2. MALAYSIA

The Malaysian government takes a hard stance against recreational cannabis use, with strict laws and severe penalties for offenders. Under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, possession of less than 50 grams can result in imprisonment, caning, and/or a fine, depending on the circumstances.

Authorities consider possession of more than 200 grams as drug trafficking, which can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, but not before a whipping. However, Malaysia is slowly easing its position, allowing medical cannabis use if you can get ministerial approval.

A gavel and a name plate with the engraving Death Penalty — Photo Credit: iStock

3. INDONESIA

Indonesia classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, and anyone caught trafficking may face death by firing squad as their punishment. A trafficker or grower caught with more than two pounds of cannabis could be lucky; they may face life imprisonment or a steep fine instead. Those caught possessing, growing, or supplying smaller quantities may face four to 12 years in prison and hefty fines, depending on the quantity.

Again, these laws apply to citizens and visitors alike, so think twice before bringing cannabis on your next Bali vacation. In May 2025, Indonesian authorities caught American citizen Jarred Dwayne Shaw with edibles. Now, his life hangs in the balance, as he faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

4. SAUDI ARABIA

Unlike other countries that’ve gradually become less strict on cannabis, Saudi Arabia has only gotten stricter. Between 2024 and 2025, the country executed at least 68 people for non-lethal drug offenses, and 46% of those cases involved cannabis. Even scarier, most of the executed individuals were foreign nationals.

Possessing even a small amount of cannabis in Saudi Arabia can lead to jail time and flogging. Foreigners might get off with deportation if they’re lucky, but that’s not guaranteed. Repeat offenders, on the other hand, are far more likely to face the harshest penalties.

5. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

The UAE might be getting plenty of buzz for its booming, ultra-modern tourism scene, but its cannabis laws are still ancient and unforgiving. This is likely due to the country’s deep Islamic roots that view most intoxicating substances as haram (sinful).

Possessing even trace amounts of cannabis in the UAE can lead to spending at least two years in jail if you’re a first-time offender. A repeat offender may face up to ten years in jail and a hefty fine. And if you’re caught with enough cannabis to suggest trafficking, the death penalty is very much on the table. For convicted foreigners, deportation is mandatory, but only after serving their full sentence.

6. CHINA

China is another country with the death penalty for cannabis-related offenses, specifically trafficking large quantities of marijuana. Both citizens and foreigners have historically faced execution or life imprisonment for breaking these laws.

Penalties for cannabis offenses involving smaller quantities are less severe, with offenders facing fines and up to 15 days of detention for personal use. Trafficking or distributing more than 50 grams can lead to at least five years in prison. Even the rich, powerful, or connected aren’t exempt from these laws – Just ask Jackie Chan’s son. That said, China’s hardline cannabis stance is ironic, considering its historical connections to the herb, especially in Chinese medicine.

READ: What’s Up With All These Strict Hemp Regulations?

7. IRAN

While countries like China and Malaysia permit cannabis for limited medical or research purposes, Iran maintains a zero-tolerance policy. All forms of cannabis use are illegal, including recreational, medical, cultivation, and sale, with penalties ranging from flogging to execution. In fact, Iran has one of the highest execution rates for cannabis and other drug-related offenses, topping even Saudi Arabia.

That said, the Iranian government typically reserves the death penalty for repeat offenders caught with over 30 grams of cannabis. First-time offenses involving trace amounts may lead to a whipping or fines, but if you’re caught with more than one gram, it can attract a fine, caning, and jail time. Despite these harsh punishments, marijuana use in Iran seems to be thriving.

8. PHILIPPINES

Prior to 2006, the death penalty was on the table for cannabis-related offenses in the Philippines. When Rodrigo Duterte became president in 2016, he advocated for restoring the death penalty, but it didn’t happen. However, his hardline anti-drug stance led to widespread reports of extrajudicial killings and harsh sentences for cannabis users.

Today, Philippine law still imposes life imprisonment for possessing over 500 grams of cannabis or for cultivating, selling, or trafficking any amount. First-time users might avoid severe punishment, but repeat offenders can face six to 12 years in prison.

9. VIETNAM

In Vietnam, marijuana is illegal, but thankfully, the Southeast Asian country has abolished the death penalty for cannabis-related offenses. However, life imprisonment sentences can still occur for possessing or distributing large quantities of cannabis. Smaller amounts can lead to serving two to seven years in jail plus fines.

10. EGYPT

Egypt is generally lax when it comes to enforcing its anti-cannabis laws. It’s why people puffing on blunts and hookahs at cafés are a common sight. However, don’t expect Egyptian authorities to extend this courtesy to you if you’re a tourist. Punishments for possession or trafficking are particularly severe for high quantities. For example, a British man received the death penalty in 2013 for allegedly attempting to smuggle three tons of cannabis into Egypt.

11. LIBYA

A rope

Cannabis is strictly illegal in Libya for both recreational and medical use. If you break the law, expect penalties to be severe, with cultivation and trafficking attracting life imprisonment, hefty fines, and asset seizure in many cases. Sentences like death by hanging or firing squad may also occur, depending on where you are in Libya and the crime’s severity. Even possessing small amounts can lead to harsh punishments that include prison time, fines, and caning.

12. MAURITANIA

Cannabis in all of its forms is strictly illegal in Mauritania, attracting harsh penalties like fines, imprisonment, and even corporal punishment. You can’t grow, sell, possess, or use it without risking arrest. In a few rare cases, the country has sentenced offenders to life imprisonment and even death for trafficking. Despite its harsh laws, multiple reports point to Mauritania being a transit point for cannabis smugglers shipping from Morocco to Europe.

13. BRUNEI

Brunei practices Sharia law, which has zero tolerance for cannabis and other intoxicating substances. Whether you are a tourist or a citizen, you can face up to ten years in prison if the authorities catch you with marijuana. If you have more than 500 grams of cannabis, the authorities will presume trafficking, which can attract the death penalty.

14. MYANMAR

Lastly, we have Myanmar, another Southeast Asian nation that’s tough on cannabis. Violating its cannabis laws can result in a minimum sentence of three to five years in prison. More serious offenses like trafficking or distribution can lead to at least 15 years imprisonment, or worse, life imprisonment or the death penalty. This strict stance also applies to cannabidiol (CBD) products that don’t cause psychoactive effects.

PRO TIP FOR TRAVELING CANNABIS USERS

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Just because cannabis is legal in your state doesn’t mean it’ll be at your travel destination. So, before your next vacation or business trip, do some quick research to confirm your destination’s cannabis laws, this is especially important if you use cannabis for medical reasons. For instance, countries like Australia prohibit recreational use but allow limited access for medical purposes under strict conditions. Knowing your destination’s rules can help you travel with peace of mind and avoid legal trouble when you land.

Author, Share & Comments

Posted by Tobi Moyela

Tobi Moyela is an avid cannabis enthusiast who enjoys creating helpful, educational content that helps others better understand cannabis, especially its potential uses and benefits. When he's not researching or writing for brands, you can find him watching anime, cooking, or reading his latest fiction finds.