Is Marijuana Legal in Eritrea?

Marijuana is against Eritrea’s law, whether for medical purposes or personal use. The country imposes severe penalties on those who violate the law, including imprisonment of up to 12 months and steep fines for simple possession.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Eritrea

Eritrea has a long history of incorporating marijuana into its plant medicine tradition.

Evidence of cannabis use in Africa dates back to the 14th century in nearby Ethiopia, suggesting its use in Eritrea. Known locally as etse-fares, healers used the plant to treat asthma and other medical conditions.

Cannabis wasn’t considered widely used as a narcotic in the country until it was brought back by returning nationals following Eritrea’s independence. Following the implementation of the new government, Eritrea banned cannabis and imposed harsh laws punishing those affiliated with the plant.

Despite the country’s drug policy, Eritrea is a prominent drug trafficking hub through which cannabis from Asian countries makes its way elsewhere in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Due to a lack of marijuana legalization, Eritrea has no medical marijuana program and is unlikely to make weed legal for medicinal use soon.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Eritrea

You cannot access medical or recreational cannabis in Eritrea. Similarly, you cannot bring it into the country. If you’re planning a visit to the area, it is recommended that you leave your cannabis (including CBD) at home, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

Marijuana Is Illegal

Eritrea’s Penal Code outlaws the sale or trafficking of cannabis and punishes offenders with lengthy prison time and fines. Those caught trafficking small amounts of cannabis can be sentenced to five to seven years in prison, while those with larger quantities face up to 10 years. The sale of cannabis to minors incurs more severe punishments, earning jail time of up to 18 years for those convicted of selling commercial-sized quantities.

Possession Is a Lesser Serious Offense

Personal marijuana use, purchase, and possession are considered lesser offenses than drug trafficking and have somewhat reduced penalties. Those who possess cannabis for personal use face imprisonment for six to 12 months and fines of up to 50,000 Nakfas, about $3,333.

CBD Is Illegal

Eritrean law makes no distinction between CBD and other types of weed. As such, CBD and CBD products are against the law.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Eritrea?

Cannabis cultivation is considered a criminal offense in Eritrea. Those caught cultivating up to six plants for personal use are charged with possession and punished for up to 12 months in prison. However, growing larger quantities of cannabis plants can earn up to a 10-year prison sentence.

Eritrea’s climate and terrain make cannabis cultivation challenging, meaning the plant doesn’t grow as prevalently in the country as in other African countries. Interestingly, however, Eritrea formerly had a hemp industry when it was still under Italian rule in the early 20th century.  As South Africa and other legalized countries pave the way for cannabis legalization, Eritrea may someday join the shifting tide — though no such plans exist yet.

The Bottom Line

Eritrea prohibits cannabis consumption, possession, and sale within its borders, and the laws don’t seem poised to change any time soon.