Is Marijuana Legal in Kuwait?

Cannabis is 100% illegal in Kuwait, whether for medical or personal use. Kuwait cannabis laws do not tolerate marijuana possession in any amount.

Kuwait is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. As such, Kuwait has some of the strictest laws on illicit substances worldwide.

People caught using marijuana in any way can receive severe punishment. Despite the risk, some sources show that Kuwaitis partake in illegal marijuana use for recreational purposes.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Kuwait

Kuwait prohibits cannabis use in general and does not have a medical marijuana program. The middle eastern nation’s conservative stance on marijuana dates back to the 1960s when Kuwait signed three United Nations-led international drug control treaties. Kuwait is also a member of the Arab League, which prohibits marijuana use for all purposes.

The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

Kuwait signed the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which aimed to control narcotics and psychotropic substances such as marijuana globally. The treaty forbade participating countries from illicit trafficking of psychotropic substances.

Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971

Kuwait also aligned with the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, establishing measures against psychotropic substance abuse and limiting availability to medical and scientific purposes only.

United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988

The most recent anti-drug convention Kuwait signed provided additional legal mechanisms for enforcing the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

It also banned the possession of drugs for personal use while prioritizing penalizing manufacturers and traffickers over users.

Kuwaiti Law

Kuwaiti law also reinforces its strict stance against drugs. Law Number 16 of 1969, known as the Penal Code, imposes penalties for drug-related offenses.

Article 207 of the Penal Code states that people involved in trafficking, sales, or manufacturing can face imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine. Article 208 imposes penalties on those who buy or possess narcotics for personal use or intend to deal, including imprisonment for up to two years and a fine.

What to Know About Medical Cannabis in Kuwait

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its recommendations to recognize the therapeutic value of cannabis-based medications.

The world is shifting toward a progressive view on medical marijuana, but Kuwait remains firm in its anti-drug stance. As such, patients don’t have direct access to medical cannabis in this Middle Eastern nation.

No Legal Framework for Medical Cannabis

The Kuwaiti government has been reluctant to make policy changes to cannabis laws despite some petitions to legalize medical marijuana.

Additionally, Kuwait does not appear to import cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals like Sativex or Dronabinol, so Kuwaiti doctors have no way of prescribing cannabis-based medications.

No Legalization Movement

Kuwait is a conservative Islamic country; most devotees believe they should not consume intoxicating substances. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining public order, following the law, and upholding traditional values.

Deviation from these norms, including drug use, is often stigmatized. Recreational marijuana use is generally viewed as morally wrong and socially unacceptable within Kuwaiti society.

Kuwait’s religious-led anti-drug sentiment means that most politicians and citizens do not advocate for medical marijuana use.

Penalties Can Be Harsh

Using illicit drugs and controlled substances like marijuana can trigger severe consequences in Kuwait.

As per Article 208, people arrested for marijuana consumption can get a jail term of up to two years, regardless of the quantity at the time of arrest. Likewise, offenders can be liable to a fine not exceeding KD 2,000 or about $6500.

Growing or selling marijuana elicits even more severe punishment. In Kuwait, culprits can get hefty prison time for smuggling cannabis. In rare cases, they may even face the death penalty.

Additionally, anyone who assists another person in using cannabis in any way can get a prison term of up to seven years. Likewise, such an offense warrants significant fines amounting to KD 7,000 or roughly $22800.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Kuwait?

Kuwait forbids its people from growing cannabis for any reason. The nation’s drug laws classify marijuana as a controlled substance and don’t make exceptions for medical use, scientific research, or personal use.

Kuwait doesn’t distinguish between intentions or quantities when prosecuting someone for illegally growing cannabis. Anyone can get hefty prison time, a life sentence, or worse, should they get caught. In 2010, a criminal court sentenced a Kuwaiti to death after accusing him of planting marijuana in his home.

Still, many Kuwaitis are willing to take the risk, as cannabis is the most seized illicit substance in the country.

The Bottom Line

Medical and recreational cannabis use is entirely illegal in Kuwait. No legal framework exists to safeguard patients who want to use marijuana for specific health conditions.

Kuwaitis who wish to consume marijuana for personal or medical use must operate in the black market and risk severe punishment. Further, policymakers have not made any efforts to enact more progressive laws.