Did you know that in Gambia, possessing just 0.1 grams of cannabis could land you in jail for up to a year? While many countries are relaxing their cannabis laws, Gambia remains one of the strictest in Africa.
Is Cannabis Legal in Gambia in 2025? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is illegal in the Gambia for recreational, medical, and industrial use. The country has strict drug laws. Possession, trafficking, or cultivation can lead to severe penalties. There is no framework for legal cannabis in any form.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is strictly illegal. Gambia’s Drug Control Act (2003) bans possession, sale, and use. Despite its natural growth, even small amounts (like a single joint) can lead to fines or jail time.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is also prohibited. Unlike countries like Lesotho or South Africa, Gambia has no program for patients. Even CBD—a non-psychoactive compound—is treated the same as THC-rich cannabis.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (used for textiles, fuel, or food) is illegal. Malawi and Zimbabwe allow hemp farming, but Gambia has strict laws with no exceptions.
Cannabis Laws in Gambia and Control
1. How the Gambia Applies Cannabis Laws
Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) enforces anti-cannabis rules. Police conduct raids and courts impose fines or prison terms based on the amount seized. For example:
- 0.1–150 grams: First-time offenders face 6–12 months in jail and fines of up to USD 1,676.
- Over 2.5 kilograms: Penalties jump to 10+ years in prison and $20,000+ fines.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, cannabis is widely available. Underground shops in cities like Banjul and Serekunda sell it. Online dealers also use cryptocurrency for discreet sales. Authorities find it hard to stop the black market. It thrives because of strong demand and few legal options.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Gambia
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis use is common, especially among youth. A 1993 study showed that hospital visits increased with cannabis use. This was partly because local strains had high THC levels.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Gambian officials blame cannabis for addiction and crime. But, limited healthcare resources mean that mental health support for users is rare.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
No legal industrial use exists. This misses economic opportunities—neighboring countries like Morocco export medical cannabis worth billions.
Cannabis Cultivation in Gambia
Growing cannabis is illegal, even if plants sprout naturally on your land. Property owners must prove they didn’t know about cultivation to avoid prosecution.penalties. Despite this, wild cannabis grows abundantly, and secret farms operate in rural areas.
Cannabis Penalties in Gambia
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | First offense (0.1–150g): 6–12 months jail + USD 1,676 fine. |
| Trafficking | 3 years jail + USD 4,200 fine. |
| Growing | Minimum 10 years jail + $20,000+ fine. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Gambia
Gambia shows no signs of legalizing cannabis. In 2019, the Interior Minister declared the government “totally opposed” to reform. Global trends support regulation, like Germany’s legalization. But the Gambia focuses on strict enforcement.
Ethiopia’s cannabis industry could be worth about $9.8 billion. Yet, this economic potential hasn’t convinced policymakers. For now, the country firmly upholds its status as a cannabis “off-limits territory.
Gambia’s cannabis laws are among the toughest worldwide. The plant is a risky choice here. There’s no legal medical or recreational use, and the penalties are harsh.
Plus, a black market is thriving. Until attitudes shift, visitors and locals should avoid cannabis entirely. Stay informed, stay safe!
