10 Most Anti-Cannabis Countries: Where Weed Can Land You on Death Row
If you’re a traveler or cannabis advocate, it’s crucial to know where the law takes an extreme stance against cannabis. Here are the 10 most anti-cannabis countries, where getting caught with weed could mean serious consequences.
1. Singapore: Zero Tolerance, Maximum Punishment
- Penalty: Death penalty for trafficking; caning and imprisonment for possession.
- Why so strict? Singapore has one of the world’s harshest drug policies, classifying cannabis as a highly dangerous substance.
Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act enforces mandatory death sentences for those caught trafficking over 500 grams of cannabis. Even possession of small amounts can lead to long prison sentences, hefty fines, and corporal punishment (caning). The government actively promotes an anti-drug stance, considering cannabis as harmful as heroin.
2. Saudi Arabia: Harsh Punishments Under Sharia Law
- Penalty: Long prison sentences, public floggings, or even execution for large-scale trafficking.
- Why so strict? Cannabis use is prohibited under strict Islamic law, and drug-related offenses are taken seriously.
Even possessing a small amount of cannabis in Saudi Arabia can lead to years in prison or public lashings. Foreigners caught with cannabis face deportation after serving time. Those caught trafficking can face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
3. China: Harsh Laws and Hidden Crackdowns
- Penalty: Life imprisonment or death penalty for trafficking; severe sentences for possession.
- Why so strict? China sees cannabis as a major social threat and enforces heavy penalties for drug crimes.
While some regions in China are involved in the legal hemp industry, the country’s stance on recreational cannabis is unforgiving. Simple possession can result in years in prison, and trafficking can lead to capital punishment. Even foreign nationals are not exempt from these strict policies.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE): No Exceptions for Tourists
- Penalty: Minimum 2-year prison sentence for possession, even in microscopic amounts.
- Why so strict? UAE has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, including cannabis.
Bringing cannabis—even in trace amounts—into the UAE can result in immediate imprisonment. Authorities have arrested travelers for having weed residue in their bloodstream or even CBD oil in their luggage. There are no leniencies, even for medical cannabis patients.
5. Indonesia: The Death Penalty for Drug Crimes
- Penalty: Death penalty for trafficking; long prison sentences for possession.
- Why so strict? Indonesia enforces some of the toughest drug laws in the world.
Possession of any drug, including cannabis, is a serious crime in Indonesia. Even a small amount can lead to four or more years in prison, while larger amounts result in life sentences or execution. The Indonesian government views drugs as a severe national problem, enforcing harsh penalties to deter use.
6. Japan: A Stigma Against Cannabis Use
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison for possession, with harsher penalties for distribution.
- Why so strict? Japan has strong cultural and legal opposition to drugs, including cannabis.
Japan’s anti-cannabis laws are deeply ingrained in its culture. Even possession of a small amount can lead to immediate arrest and imprisonment. Japanese citizens can be prosecuted for using cannabis abroad, and foreign residents have been deported for drug-related offenses.
7. Philippines: Duterte’s War on Drugs
- Penalty: Life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, execution (before abolition of the death penalty in 2006).
- Why so strict? Former President Duterte’s brutal drug war targeted all drugs, including cannabis.
Although the Philippines has discussed legalizing medical cannabis, recreational use remains illegal. The country has an aggressive anti-drug policy, with thousands of users and dealers killed extrajudicially under Duterte’s rule. Simple possession can result in long prison sentences.
8. Malaysia: Death for Traffickers, Prison for Users
- Penalty: Death penalty for trafficking; minimum 5 years in prison for possession.
- Why so strict? Malaysia’s drug laws consider cannabis a dangerous narcotic.
In Malaysia, anyone caught with over 200 grams of cannabis is automatically labeled a trafficker and faces the death penalty. Even smaller amounts lead to mandatory prison sentences. Despite recent discussions about medical cannabis, the laws remain extremely strict.
9. South Korea: Harsh Laws, Even Abroad
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison for possession. South Korean citizens can be punished for using cannabis outside of Korea.
- Why so strict? South Korea maintains a deeply ingrained anti-drug stance.
One of the strictest aspects of South Korea’s cannabis policy is that its citizens can be prosecuted for using cannabis in countries where it is legal. Even if a Korean citizen smokes weed in Canada or the Netherlands, they could face charges when they return home.
10. Thailand (Before Legalization in 2022)
- Penalty (before 2022): Harsh prison sentences, including decades for possession.
- Why so strict? Thailand had a history of severe drug laws before becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize cannabis.
For years, Thailand had some of the world’s toughest cannabis laws, with possession punishable by decades in prison. However, in 2022, the country legalized cannabis for medical and recreational use, making it the first in Asia to do so.
Honorable Mentions: Other Countries with Harsh Cannabis Laws
- Egypt: Long prison sentences for possession.
- Turkey: Up to 24 years in prison for trafficking.
- Russia: Heavy fines and long prison terms for possession or sale.
Conclusion: Know the Laws Before You Travel
Cannabis may be gaining acceptance worldwide, but in these 10 countries, even a small mistake can lead to severe consequences. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, always check the local drug laws before carrying or using cannabis.
Many governments view cannabis as a serious threat and enforce extreme punishments to discourage its use. If you plan to travel to any of these countries, it’s best to leave the weed at home—the risks simply aren’t worth it. 🚫🌿
