Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is one of the world’s most debated plants. Some countries allow it for medical or recreational use, but others ban it completely.
By the end, you will understand how laws differ across these nations and what the future may hold.
Did you know that Cabo Verde is a hotspot for cannabis use despite its strict laws? A 2023 report showed that cannabis is the most common illegal drug in the country. More than 15% of young adults say they have tried it. So “Is cannabis legal in Cabo Verde?“. Let’s dive deeper!
Is Cannabis Legal in Cabo Verde?
Cannabis is illegal in Cabo Verde for any use, recreational, medical, or industrial since 2025. The government maintains strict laws against possession, sale, or cultivation. Enforcement is uneven, especially in tourist spots like Santa Maria. Locals often ignore casual use there.
1. Recreational Use
Not possible to remove the adverb. Even small amounts can lead to fines or jail time, though the police rarely crack down on tourists.
2. Medicinal Use
No medical cannabis programs exist. Disregarding these rules can result in severe penalties.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (low-THC cannabis) is also illegal. The law treats hemp and psychoactive cannabis the same. This oversight results in missed economic opportunities, such as eco-friendly textiles.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Cabo Verde
1. Recreational Drug Use
Despite the ban, cannabis is easy to find. Tourists in Santa Maria often buy it from street vendors for around €10 per 2 grams. A 2022 survey found that 8% of teens aged 15–18 had tried cannabis.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Frequent use among youth is linked to anxiety and depression. With limited mental health services, this poses a public health challenge.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Cabo Verde could enjoy hemp farming, but strict laws block this. Illegal farms flourish in rural areas, such as Assomada. Here, cannabis is grown for local use and trafficking.
Cannabis Cultivation in Cabo Verde
Illegal cultivation is common, especially in Santa Catarina de Santiago. Farmers risk jail but continue to grow due to high demand and poverty. In 2023, authorities destroyed over 500 hectares of illegal crops.
Cannabis Law in Cabo Verde and Control
1. How Cabo Verde Enforces Cannabis Laws
Police focus on large-scale trafficking rather than personal use. In 2023, over 2 tons of cannabis were seized in raids.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Cabo Verde is a transit hub for cannabis smuggled from Africa to Europe. Moroccan traffickers often use its islands as a stopover.
Cannabis Penalties in Cabo Verde
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Possession of up to 25 grams is technically illegal but rarely punished. |
| Trafficking | Trafficking carries severe penalties: up to 12 years in prison. |
| Growing | Farmers caught cultivating cannabis risk losing their land and facing 5–10 years in prison. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Cabo Verde
No legalization plans exist as of 2025. The government prioritizes fighting harder drugs like cocaine and heroin.
Cannabis laws in Africa vary widely. While Cabo Verde and Tanzania enforce strict bans, Rwanda and Uganda allow medical or industrial use.
As global attitudes shift, these countries may revisit their policies. For now, travelers should always check local laws to stay safe.
