Is Cannabis Legal In Samoa in 2025?
Cannabis is illegal in Samoa for both recreational and medical use. The Narcotics Act 1967 classifies cannabis as a Class B narcotic, prohibiting its possession, sale, cultivation, production, and prescription.
Recreational Use
- Prohibited or Decriminalized?: Recreational cannabis use is fully prohibited in Samoa.
- Penalties:
- Possession: Illegal under Section 7 of the Narcotics Act 1967, with a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.
- Cultivation: Illegal under Section 6 of the same act, also punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.
- Enforcement: Law enforcement in Samoa strictly enforces cannabis prohibitions, with significant penalties for violations.
Medical Use
- Legality: Medical cannabis is not legalized in Samoa.
- Access: There are no legal provisions for the use or prescription of medical cannabis.
Industrial Hemp
- Permitted or Banned?: Industrial hemp is not distinguished from psychoactive cannabis in Samoan law and is therefore prohibited.
- Regulations: The cultivation or possession of cannabis plants, regardless of THC content, is illegal under current legislation.
Cultural Attitudes
Despite its illegal status, cannabis is reportedly used by locals in Samoa. However, any possession or use is subject to severe legal penalties.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Possession: Can result in imprisonment of up to 14 years.
- Cultivation: Also punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.
- Trafficking: Involvement in the sale or distribution of cannabis can lead to severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.
Future Outlook
In 2015, the Samoa Law Reform Commission reviewed the Narcotics Act and, in its 2017 report, recommended establishing a regulated regime for medicinal cannabis. Despite these recommendations, the government has rejected proposals to legalize cannabis for medicinal or recreational use, citing various concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Recreational Cannabis: Fully illegal, with strict penalties for possession and cultivation.
- Medical Cannabis: Not permitted; no legal framework exists for medical use.
- Industrial Hemp: No distinction from cannabis; cultivation and possession are illegal.
- Penalties: Severe, including imprisonment of up to 14 years for possession or cultivation.
- Future Potential: Despite past recommendations for medicinal regulation, the government currently maintains a firm stance against legalization.
