Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation known for its oil wealth and Islamic traditions, has some of the strictest drug laws globally. In 2024, the country reported a 33% increase in drug-related arrests compared to the previous decade, with cannabis ranking as the second most seized drug after methamphetamine.
So, is cannabis legal in Brunei? Let’s take a look.
Is Cannabis Legal in Brunei? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal in Brunei for recreational, medical, and industrial use. The country enforces extremely strict drug laws, and possession, use, cultivation, or trafficking of cannabis is considered a serious crime. Brunei applies a zero-tolerance policy toward all drug-related offenses, with severe penalties.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is fully prohibited. Even small amounts (e.g., 15 grams) can trigger charges of drug trafficking, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fines up to USD 20,000. Law enforcement conducts regular raids, particularly at borders, to curb illegal trade.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is not recognized in Brunei. Patients cannot access cannabis-based treatments, and the government has rejected proposals to explore therapeutic use.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is banned. The government treats all cannabis plants as illegal, regardless of THC content.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Brunei
1. Recreational Drug Use
Despite harsh penalties, a clandestine cannabis market persists. In 2016, authorities arrested 43 individuals and seized 5.97 kg of cannabis—equivalent to $66,743 in street value. Most users are unemployed men over 31, reflecting socioeconomic challenges.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Brunei links drug abuse to moral decay. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) runs rehabilitation programs like Rumah Al-Islah, focusing on religious counseling and vocational training.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
No legal industry exists. Cultivation is punishable by 3–20 years in prison and fines of up to USD 40,000.
Cannabis Cultivation in Brunei
Growing cannabis is strictly illegal. A single plant can lead to prosecution. In 2017, authorities seized 97 grams of cannabis plants and seeds, highlighting their vigilance. The NCB collaborates with Malaysia to intercept cross-border trafficking.
Cannabis Law in Brunei and Control
1. How Brunei Enforces Cannabis Laws
The NCB uses random drug tests, border checks, and public tip-offs to combat trafficking. Foreigners face the same penalties as locals, including caning and imprisonment.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
A hidden market thrives due to high demand. Cannabis costs $11 per gram, but transactions are risky. In 2014, a Malaysian man was sentenced to death for smuggling 6 kg of cannabis.
Cannabis Penalties in Brunei
| Offense | Possessing cannabis can lead to 5–10 years in prison and fines of up to USD 20,000. Consumption requires mandatory urine tests, with a $5,000 fine for refusal. |
| Personal Use | Possessing cannabis can lead to 5–10 years in prison and fines up to USD 20,000. Consumption requires mandatory urine tests, with a $5,000 fine for refusal. |
| Trafficking | Possessing over 500 grams of cannabis in Brunei can result in the death penalty. For 15 to 500 grams, the punishment is 20 to 30 years in prison, along with caning. |
| Growing | 3–20 years in prison + fines up to $40,000 |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Brunei
Brunei shows no signs of legalizing cannabis. The government prioritizes Islamic values over global trends, and public support for strict laws remains strong. While countries like Thailand (medical cannabis legal) and Malaysia (decriminalization debates) are softening policies, Brunei’s laws are unlikely to change.
