Cannabis remains strictly illegal in Senegal as of 2025, with no legal recognition for recreational, medical, or industrial use. The country enforces a zero-tolerance policy under its Drug Code (Law No. 97-18), criminalizing all cannabis-related activities, including possession, cultivation, and trafficking. Despite global trends toward legalization, Senegal maintains its prohibitionist stance, influenced by conservative societal norms and concerns over public health and security.
Is Cannabis Legal in Senegal? Legal Status in 2025
In Senegal, cannabis is fully prohibited. The law does not differentiate between recreational cannabis, medical marijuana, or industrial hemp. All forms are considered illegal, and involvement with cannabis will lead to severe legal consequences. This strict approach aligns with the policies of several West African nations, where drug laws are generally restrictive.
Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis use is entirely illegal in Senegal. Possession of any amount is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment ranging from one to five years and substantial fines. Repeat offenses or possession of larger quantities can result in harsher penalties. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor and prosecute individuals involved in the use, possession, or distribution of cannabis.
Medical Cannabis
Senegal has no legal framework for the use of medical cannabis. The government has not indicated any interest in exploring medical cannabis policies or research. Patients seeking cannabis-based treatments have no legal avenues for access within the country. This contrasts with countries like Morocco, which legalized medical cannabis in 2021 for therapeutic and industrial purposes, and South Africa, where medical cannabis is permitted under specific regulations.
Industrial Hemp
The cultivation of industrial hemp is also prohibited in Senegal. The law does not distinguish between hemp and psychoactive cannabis, leading to a blanket ban on all cannabis plants. There are no regulatory frameworks or licensing systems in place for the cultivation or production of industrial hemp, and its economic potential remains unexplored.
Enforcement and Penalties
Senegal enforces strict penalties for cannabis-related offenses:
- Possession: Even small amounts can lead to arrest and prosecution, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
- Trafficking: The sale, transportation, or trafficking of cannabis is considered a serious crime, punishable by long-term imprisonment and heavy fines.
- Cultivation: Unauthorized cultivation of cannabis is illegal and subject to significant penalties, including imprisonment and property confiscation.
Law enforcement agencies are particularly vigilant in urban areas and ports, which are key points for monitoring drug trafficking. However, enforcement may be less aggressive in rural areas, where cannabis cultivation has been reported, particularly in the southern Casamance region.
Cultural Attitudes
Cannabis use carries a negative stigma in Senegalese society, where it is often associated with criminality and substance abuse. Public advocacy for cannabis reform is virtually nonexistent, and societal attitudes largely oppose legalization. The government prioritizes prevention and punishment over harm reduction strategies, reflecting a conservative legal framework resistant to cannabis reform.
Future Outlook
The prospects for cannabis legalization or decriminalization in Senegal are minimal. While global acceptance of cannabis is growing, Senegal has not indicated any intention to align with these changes. The government’s focus remains on economic development and addressing other social issues, leaving little room for cannabis policy reform. Given the current legal and cultural climate, significant changes to cannabis legislation in Senegal appear unlikely in the near future.
