About 192 million people around the world use cannabis. This makes it the most popular illegal drug. However, laws about cannabis vary widely. In some countries, like Canada, it’s legal for adults. In others, like Libya, the rules are much stricter. As of 2025, Libya remains one of the countries where cannabis is fully illegal. This article explains Libya’s cannabis laws, penalties, and why the plant is still banned. Let’s dive in!
Is Cannabis Legal in Libya? Legal Status in 2025
No, cannabis is completely illegal in Libya. The country has strict anti-drug laws that ban the use, sale, or possession of cannabis for any purpose. Libya sees cannabis as a dangerous substance. This is different from countries that allow medical or recreational use.
A 2023 United Nations report revealed that 98% of drug arrests in North Africa were for cannabis. Libya played a big role in these arrests. Even small amounts can lead to serious consequences.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis use is 100% illegal. Libya’s government does not distinguish between “casual” use and large-scale trafficking. If you’re caught smoking or carrying cannabis, even for personal enjoyment, you risk jail time.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is also banned. Germany and Thailand allow cannabis for health reasons. However, Libya has no legal framework for prescriptions. Patients with chronic pain or illnesses cannot access cannabis-based treatments.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp, a type of cannabis for making products like rope or clothing, is also illegal. Libya’s laws treat hemp and psychoactive cannabis the same. This misses chances for a farming industry that could improve the economy.
Cannabis Law and Control in Libya
1. How Libya Applies Cannabis Laws
Libya enforces cannabis bans through police raids, checkpoints, and border controls. Security forces often work with international agencies to stop drug smuggling. In 2024, Libyan authorities seized more than 2 tons of cannabis. This happened in one operation close to the Tunisian border.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite strict laws, illegal cannabis thrives. Experts estimate that 30–40% of Libya’s underground drug trade involves cannabis. Most cannabis is grown in nearby countries such as Algeria and Morocco. These regions have a high production rate.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Libya
1. Recreational Drug Use
Cannabis is the most used illegal drug in Libya, especially among young adults. A 2024 survey by a local health group found that 1 in 10 Libyans aged 18–25 had tried cannabis. Many see it as a way to cope with stress, but the legal risks are high.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Poor-quality cannabis (often mixed with chemicals) has led to rising mental health issues. Hospitals say that 15% of substance abuse cases in 2025 were related to cannabis-linked psychosis or anxiety.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Libya can’t grow industrial hemp, so it imports textiles and plastics instead of producing them locally. This costs the economy $50 million annually, according to trade experts.
Cannabis Cultivation in Libya
Growing cannabis is rare in Libya due to harsh penalties and dry climate. Most illegal cannabis is imported. Small secret farms exist in remote areas like the Nafusa Mountains. Authorities destroy 200–300 illegal plants yearly, per government data.
Cannabis Penalties in Libya
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Getting caught with even 1 gram of cannabis can mean 1–3 years in jail and fines up to $5,000 |
| Trafficking | Selling or smuggling cannabis can lead to life in prison. |
| Growing | Fines range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the farm’s size. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Libya
Libya’s political instability and conservative culture make legalization unlikely soon. While global trends lean toward relaxed laws, Libya prioritizes strict drug control. Activists pushing for medical cannabis reforms face little support. For now, cannabis remains fully banned.
Cannabis laws in Libya are among the strictest globally. There’s no legal use for medical, recreational, or industrial purposes. Penalties are severe, and the illegal market continues to thrive.
Unless political or social attitudes shift, Libya’s cannabis ban will stay in place. Always check local laws before traveling, and stay informed!
