Did you know Bhutan has one of the highest rates of adolescent cannabis use in South Asia? A 2017 report found that 12% of Bhutanese teens have tried marijuana, compared to just 5.3% in Thailand.
Bhutan’s relationship with cannabis is full of contradictions: the plant grows wildly across its hills but can land you in jail for possession.
Is Cannabis Legal in Bhutan?
No, cannabis is illegal for recreational, medical, and industrial purposes in Bhutan. The Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and Substance Abuse Act (NDPSSA) of 2015 classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has “no accepted medical use”. However, wild cannabis grows abundantly and is traditionally used as pig feed or to make textiles. Let’s check the current legal status of cannabis in Bhutan:
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is banned. Possession of any amount can lead to fines or imprisonment. For example, having 50 grams or more is treated as trafficking, punishable by 5–9 years in jail.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is also illegal. Unlike Thailand, which legalized medical marijuana in 2018, Bhutan has no programs allowing prescriptions. However, the government is exploring legalization for medical use, citing potential economic benefits.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is restricted but allowed for research. A 4-acre cannabis farm in Samtse, operated by Bhutan Nutraceutical, grows hemp for fiber and oil under government approval.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Bhutan
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use is rising among Bhutan’s youth, partly due to global influences. However, alcohol remains the #1 cause of death, with cannabis-related arrests making up less than 10% of drug cases.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Experts debate cannabis’s risks and benefits. While some studies suggest it could help anxiety or chronic pain, others warn about addiction risks.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Wild cannabis is used for textiles (kenam in Dzongkha) and animal feed. However, large-scale production is limited to approved research projects.
Cannabis Cultivation in Bhutan
Growing cannabis is illegal, but the plant thrives naturally. In 2023, authorities seized 4 kg of cannabis, up from 75 kg in 2011. The government destroys wild crops and promotes counseling over punishment for users.
Cannabis Laws and Enforcement in Bhutan
1. How Bhutan Enforces Cannabis Laws
Bhutan enforces a zero-tolerance policy. Police conduct raids in hotspots like Phuentsholing, a border town near India. Offenders face fines, jail time, or deportation (for tourists).
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, small-scale illegal trade persists. Most cases involve personal use, not trafficking.
H2: Cannabis Penalties in Bhutan
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Possession of less than 50 grams of a controlled substance may result in penalties of up to three months in jail or fines. |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting ≥50 grams: 5–9 years imprisonment. |
| Growing | Cultivation is banned, even for personal use. Violators face up to 5 years in jail . |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Bhutan
Bhutan is at a crossroads. Leaders like Foreign Minister Dr. Tandi Dorji have called for medical cannabis research to boost the economy. Proposals include:
- Medical Legalization: Following Thailand’s model to allow prescriptions.
- Economic Growth: Taxing cannabis could generate revenue and create jobs, as seen in Canada.
- Reduced Penalties: Decriminalizing small amounts to ease prison overcrowding.
However, Bhutan’s Buddhist values and concerns about youth addiction may slow reforms.
Bhutan’s cannabis laws are strict but shifting. While the plant remains illegal, its economic potential and global trends could drive change. For now, visitors and locals should avoid cannabis to stay safe. Stay tuned—Bhutan might soon join its neighbors in rethinking this green gold.
