Is Marijuana Legal in Bhutan?

It is illegal to use, possess, cultivate, or distribute cannabis in the Kingdom of Bhutan. However, cannabis grows in the wild in Bhutan, and it is most commonly used as feed for pigs or as a fiber for textile production.

Cannabis use as a whole is considered a small but growing problem in Bhutan. With that said, the use of cannabis as a narcotic is not typical in the country.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Bhutan

As cannabis is illegal in Bhutan, there are no medical marijuana laws allowing people to access it under prescription or recommendation.

However, cannabis use is rising amongst the youth in Bhutan as the country opens itself up to the world and new products and influences take hold in the country. It is also worth noting that cannabis grows in the wild in Bhutan, and given its proximity to India and the use of medicinal cannabis amongst some Hindu and Buddhist sects, it would be beneficial for the government to think about legalizing medical cannabis to some extent in the future.

In the meantime, cannabis is classed under Schedule III of the Narcotics and Drugs Act, and selling it is classified as a misdemeanor (if the amount is over 50 grams). If caught selling cannabis, the offender may be sentenced to five to nine years in prison.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Bhutan

Cannabis is illegal in Bhutan, and there is no medical cannabis available on prescription or recommendation in Bhutan.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Bhutan?

It is illegal to cultivate cannabis in Bhutan. The plant does, however, grow in the wild.

There may be some villages around the foothills of the Himalayas that cultivate cannabis in Bhutan, but this does not seem to be a common practice.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis use, possession, cultivation, and distribution are illegal in Bhutan. Interestingly, prior to the 1970s, Bhutan did not consider cannabis to be a drug.

However, in 1988, Bhutan became a party to the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, as authorities saw an increase in drug use in the country.

The Kingdom of Bhutan now burns cannabis plants in the wild and offers counseling for young people to discourage them from smoking it.