Did you know Guatemala is home to over 18 million people, yet only 3% of adults admit to using cannabis? A 2023 United Nations report shows that Guatemala’s illegal drug trade makes about $1.5 billion each year. Cannabis is a major contributor to this figure. But what does the law say about using, growing, or selling cannabis here?
Is Cannabis Legal in Guatemala? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is not legal in Guatemala for recreational, medical, or industrial use. The country has strict drug laws in its Penal Code. Cannabis is a controlled substance. Possession, use, cultivation, and trafficking of cannabis can result in severe penalties. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis (using it for fun) is illegal. Guatemala’s government follows strict anti-drug laws. Even small amounts can lead to fines or jail time. For example, carrying 5 grams (about a teaspoon) could mean up to 4 months in prison.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is partially allowed but rare. Since 2021, Guatemala has allowed CBD. This non-psychoactive part of cannabis helps treat epilepsy and chronic pain. However, getting approval is hard. Only 2 clinics in the country legally provide CBD oil, as per 2024 health reports.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) is not legal. Unlike neighbors like Colombia, Guatemala bans hemp farming. This limits opportunities for eco-friendly products like hemp paper or clothing.
Cannabis Law and Control in Guatemala
1. How Guatemala Applies Cannabis Laws
Police actively enforce cannabis bans. In 2023, over 4,000 people were arrested for drug crimes, with 60% linked to cannabis. First-time offenders might get community service, but repeat offenders face jail time.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Guatemala has a strong illegal cannabis market due to its location between South America and the United Kingdom. In 2024, authorities seized 12 tons of cannabis worth $24 million. Cartels often hide drugs in trucks or ships heading to Mexico or the U.S.
Cannabis Use and Its Impact in Guatemala
1. Recreational Drug Use
About 540,000 Guatemalans (3% of adults) use cannabis yearly, says a 2024 health survey. Most are young adults in cities like Guatemala City. But, 80% of users also admit to using harder drugs like cocaine.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Researchers link heavy cannabis use to anxiety and memory issues. A 2025 study found that 1 in 10 users under 18 developed mental health problems. Guatemala has only three public rehab centers, making treatment hard to find.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
No legal industrial use exists yet. If hemp were allowed, experts say it could create 5,000+ farming jobs. Mexico earned $300 million from hemp in 2024, but Guatemala lost out.
Cannabis Cultivation in Guatemala
Growing cannabis is illegal without a special license. Licenses are only for research or medical CBD. In 2024, police destroyed 45 illegal cannabis farms, mostly in rural areas like Petén. Farmers growing even 1-2 plants risk 3+ years in prison.
Cannabis Penalties in Guatemala
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Up to 4 months in jail or 100 hours of community service. |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis can mean 5-15 years in prison. |
| Growing | 3-8 years in jail. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Guatemala
Change is slow but possible. In 2024, a bill to legalize medical cannabis failed by 10 votes. Activists argue legalizing hemp could reduce poverty in farming regions.
Public opinion is shifting: 35% of Guatemalans now support medical use (up from 18% in 2020). With countries like Mexico and Canada easing laws, Guatemala might follow—but not before 2030.
Key Stats to Remember
- 12 tons of cannabis seized in 2024.
- 3% of Guatemalan adults use cannabis.
- 5,000+ jobs are possible with hemp legalization.
