Did you know that 1 in 20 adults in Peru has tried cannabis? More than 33 million people live in this South American country, and cannabis laws are changing quickly. But, is cannabis legal in Peru? Can you use it for fun, medicine, or business? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Is Cannabis Legal in Peru? Legal Status in 2025
Yes, cannabis is partially legal in Peru. While recreational use remains illegal, medical cannabis is legal under a regulated framework. You can have small amounts of cannabis for personal use without legal trouble. Yet, growing, selling, or trafficking cannabis is still against the law.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis is still illegal in Peru. Using it in public can lead to fines or mandatory drug education programs. Lawmakers are discussing a bill. It would let adults grow up to two plants at home. This is like the cannabis laws in Chile, where home growing is allowed.
2. Medicinal Use
Medical cannabis is legal! Patients with a doctor’s prescription can access oils, creams, or capsules. Over 4,000 Peruvians are registered medical users, and the market is growing by 15% yearly.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp is a kind of cannabis that has low THC. You can use it to make products such as textiles and paper. Farmers need government permits, and the government has approved only 12 licenses since 2021.
Cannabis Law and Control in Peru
1. How Peru Applies Cannabis Laws
Police can’t arrest you for having small amounts (under 8 grams), but they might confiscate them. Selling or sharing cannabis is illegal, even for medical users. Pharmacies require special licenses to sell medical cannabis products.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
About 70% of cannabis in Peru comes from illegal farms in the Andes Mountains. The black market is worth $150 million yearly, and gangs often smuggle it to countries like Ecuador, where cannabis legalization remains a hot topic.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in Peru
1. Recreational Drug Use
Around 5% of adults use cannabis recreationally, mostly in cities like Lima. While young people see it as safer than alcohol, public use is still frowned upon.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Heavy cannabis use is linked to anxiety and depression in 1 out of 10 users. Peru’s health ministry runs campaigns to educate teens about risks, similar to programs in Brazil, where weed in Brazil is partly decriminalized.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp could boost Peru’s economy! The country’s climate is perfect for growing hemp, which could create 5,000+ jobs. However, strict rules slow progress compared to cannabis in Colombia, a top hemp exporter.
Cannabis Cultivation in Peru
Growing cannabis at home is illegal unless you have a medical license. Licensed medical growers must follow strict rules. They need secure greenhouses and must have monthly police checks. Illegal farms in rural areas often harm the environment by using toxic chemicals.
Cannabis Penalties in Peru
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Having under 8 grams? You’ll get a warning or a small fine. |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis leads to 8–15 years in prison. |
| Growing | Growing up without a license means 3–8 years in jail |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in Peru
Peru’s government is looking at how cannabis legalization has worked in Uruguay. There, regulated sales have helped reduce crime. A 2024 poll found that 55% of Peruvians support medical cannabis. However, only 30% favor full legalization. Experts say Peru could legalize recreational use by 2030 if public opinion shifts.
Cannabis laws in Peru are a mix of old and new. While you can’t use it for fun yet, medical patients have hope, and industrial hemp is slowly growing.
