Is Marijuana Legal in Liberia?

It’s illegal to possess or use cannabis in Liberia, which formally criminalized all forms of the plant in 2014.

As such, Liberia has no medical marijuana in place, and the country imposes harsh punishments on those caught with small amounts in their possession.

With its tough stance against cannabis and other drugs, law reform seems off the table.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Liberia

While historians are uncertain when the plant first arrived in West Africa, marijuana use in Liberia escalated in the post-WWII years when service members returned home with seeds.

In the 1960s and 70s, its popularity began to spread, particularly as an alternative form of income for farmers.

Liberia’s civil war, stretching from 1989 to 2003, was intertwined with much of the cannabis trade in those years, with warlords reportedly using sales to fund operations and even giving cannabis to their soldiers to reduce stress and induce dependence.

At the war’s end, several veterans were still using marijuana, spurring the growth of a domestic market.

In response, the Liberian government began eradication efforts of crops, seizures of supply, and increasingly harsh punishments on those involved in the cannabis trade.

The farmers impacted by these raids reacted strongly to such treatment, sometimes leading to violent clashes between groups and government officials.

Ultimately, Liberia passed the Controlled Drug and Substances Act in 2014, which stated that those caught using Schedule 1 drugs, including cannabis, would receive one-year imprisonment, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Repeat offenders or those found guilty of marijuana possession near a school or public institution could be sentenced to up to 20 years. However, at their discretion, judges can offer treatment and rehabilitation for cannabis use instead of jail time.

Despite Liberian authorities’ efforts to crack down on cannabis use, the plant is still widely available and cultivated in the West African country.

But there is no medical marijuana program in place, nor will there likely be any time soon.

There’s some interest from United States companies and other institutions abroad in sourcing Liberia crops for medical marijuana products, citing the country’s well-suited environment and climate for cultivation.

This interest could pave the way for potential marijuana legalization and set up Liberia to economically benefit from an international cannabis export.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Liberia

You cannot access medical or recreational cannabis in Liberia. 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.

Cannabis Is Illegal

Per Liberian law, cannabis possession, use, cultivation, and sale are illegal for medical or recreational use.

CBD Is Illegal

Liberia’s laws don’t differentiate between cannabis and CBD, as the cannabinoid comes from the plant. Therefore, CBD is illegal to possess, purchase, or sell in the country.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Liberia?

Liberia has outlawed the cultivation of cannabis and imposes harsh punishments on those who violate the rules.

However, many farmers risk illegal cultivation to support their families, particularly in Bong County, where it is a highly favored crop. Underfunded law enforcement means that many cannabis crops grow across Liberia, but those who do so cultivate at their own risk.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis is against the law in Liberia and historically has been a contention between law enforcement and Liberia’s citizens.

There’s no medical marijuana program in place, and those who violate the country’s drug laws face steep punishments of up to 20 years in prison for simple possession, even for small quantities of cannabis.