Cannabis is a hot topic around the world. In Djibouti, many people wonder if it is legal. In 2025, the law is clear. Only a few countries in Africa have changed their laws, but Djibouti has maintained a strict stance.
In Djibouti, around 1,070,000 people live. Almost everyone uses khat, a legal and popular natural plant. Studies show that up to 40% of some household budgets are spent on khat.
Is Cannabis Legal in Djibouti? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal in Djibouti. This ban covers all uses: recreational, medical, and industrial. The country has strict drug laws. It follows a zero-tolerance policy on weed. This includes possession, cultivation, and trafficking. Djibouti takes a strong stand against drugs. This approach shows the region’s legal and cultural views on the issue.
1. Recreational Use
For recreational use, cannabis is banned in Djibouti. If authorities catch a person smoking or possessing even a small amount, they can face up to five years in prison.
No matter how little is found, the law treats it as a serious crime. Statistics from local news say that there are very few cases of marijuana use because most people prefer it.
2. Medicinal Use
There is no legal pathway for medicinal cannabis in Djibouti. Some studies say cannabis may help with pain and other health issues. But, doctors in Djibouti cannot prescribe it.
All forms of cannabis, even for healing, are not allowed. This is in contrast to many other countries that have special rules for medical use.
3. Industrial Use
Cannabis has a plant called hemp that is used in some parts of the world for making fabrics, paper, and food. In Djibouti, industrial use is also not allowed.
The climate is very dry, and there is little interest in growing hemp. No laws permit the cultivation or use of hemp for industrial purposes.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Djibouti
1. Recreational Drug Use
Because cannabis is illegal, very few people in Djibouti use it. In other countries, surveys show that about 15%–20% of people may try cannabis in their lifetime.
In Djibouti, this number is much lower. The main reason is that khat, a legal stimulant, is far more popular. For example, while only a small fraction of people have ever tried cannabis, more than 50% of adults use khat daily.
2. Mental Health Concern
Even though cannabis can cause mental health problems when used a lot, this issue is not seen much in Djibouti. Since almost no one uses cannabis, most mental health concerns come from other causes. Experts warn that more cannabis use may lead to increased anxiety, depression, and thinking issues.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
The industrial use of cannabis in many countries is growing. Hemp is used to make eco-friendly products and building materials. In Djibouti, but, there is little demand.
The dry climate and lack of investment make it hard to grow any cannabis plants for the industry. As a result, the industrial impact of cannabis is almost zero in this country.
Cannabis Cultivation in Djibouti
The land is mostly desert with very little water. This makes it very hard to grow any plants that need extra water, like cannabis. Even if someone wants to start a small garden, the weather does not allow it.
Most farmers grow khat because it is well-suited to the dry climate and is very profitable. Khat growing makes up about 4% of the country’s total GDP. There is no legal farm or trial for cannabis cultivation in Djibouti.
Cannabis Law in Djibouti and Control
1. How Djibouti Enforces Cannabis Laws
The government of Djibouti uses strict rules to stop cannabis use. Police patrol the streets and check people for any signs of cannabis.
If someone is caught with cannabis, they are arrested immediately. In the capital city, special checkpoints help authorities find illegal drugs. The country has a small police force and limited resources. Still, they work hard to keep cannabis off the streets.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Because authorities have banned cannabis, a black market for it exists. But, in Djibouti, this market is very small. The country is used more as a transit point than as a market for buying or selling cannabis.
Traffickers often use Djibouti’s busy port. They move drugs from Asia to Africa and Europe.
Despite smugglers bringing in illegal cannabis, local use remains low. Most people prefer it.
Cannabis Penalties in Djibouti
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal | First-time offenders face up to five years in jail. Repeat offenses lead to stricter penalties. |
| Trafficking | Small-scale offenses carry 10–20 years in prison, while large-scale crimes result in life imprisonment. |
| Growing | Growing even one plant can lead to 5 years in jail, though this is rare due to the climate 6. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Djibouti
When we look to the future, it seems unlikely that Djibouti will change its laws on cannabis soon. The government has made it clear that cannabis is not allowed for any reason.
Although some countries in Africa are starting to use cannabis for medicine or industry, Djibouti continues to focus on khat. Public opinion in Djibouti does not push for cannabis legalization because most people do not use it.
In addition, the harsh desert climate and low levels of cannabis use make it unlikely that lawmakers will relax the rules.
Some experts believe that if other African nations begin to see benefits from legalizing cannabis for medicine or industry, there might be a slow change in Djibouti.
