Is Marijuana Legal in Malaysia?

Malaysia carries extremely strict regulations and stringent punishments regarding its cannabis laws.

The Malaysian government imposes hefty fines and mandatory prison time for those who possess cannabis. And as recently as 2022, would-be drug traffickers earned a place on death row.

In 2018, the Malaysian government began slowly changing its opinion of the plant, starting talks on the future of medical marijuana legalization. The country is still in the earliest phases of its potential end to prohibition, but Malaysian officials are watching how Thailand handles legalization to form its future laws.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Malaysia

Today, no medical marijuana laws or patient protections exist in Malaysia. As such, even simple possession for medical use can incur strict legal punishments.

Since 2018, the Malaysian government has been researching the option of legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes, reportedly studying how Thailand handles its regulations to serve as a starting point.

In 2020, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin formally recognized the value of medical marijuana, stating that the existing rules that regulate cannabis, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952, Poisons Act of 1952, and the Sale of Drugs Act of 1952, don’t limit a patient’s medical marijuana use.

Per this proclamation, products containing cannabis — as long as they’re used for medicinal purposes — can be imported and utilized in Malaysia if that product complies with the legal requirements.

However, no products yet meet these regulations, so there is no medical marijuana system and no protections for those who’d rely on medical marijuana use.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Malaysia

You cannot access medical or recreational cannabis in Malaysia. 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.

Medical Marijuana Is Currently Illegal in Malaysia

Malaysian laws provide no protections or regulatory framework for patients to access cannabis for medical purposes.

Possession or use of up to 20 grams of cannabis can earn three to nine lashes — a form of physical punishment — and some prison time. Possession of up to 50 grams can earn up to five years of prison time and hefty fines.

Any larger amount classifies the offender as a drug trafficker who could have qualified for the death penalty by hanging per Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act. While this severe punishment ended in 2018, violators still can earn a lifetime prison sentence.

Certain Cannabis Products Can Be Sold

Per Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, the import and use of medical marijuana are allowed in rare cases, granted that the patient has a doctor’s prescription and the product is registered and licensed by the Malaysian Drug Control Authority.

However, few (if any) products have permission to transact in the country: would-be medical marijuana companies have to prove scientifically that their product is safe and effective based on evidence from a Malaysian-based study location.

And due to medical marijuana’s legal status, it’s nearly impossible to research narcotic drugs’ medical efficacy in the country.

CBD Is Also Illegal

While complicated readings of current narcotic drugs laws may suggest that medical marijuana and CBD are available for medical use, products must be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner and approved by the Malaysian government.

No cannabis or CBD products are permitted to be sold in Malaysia, and possession of illegal products is punishable by law.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Malaysia?

Growing even one cannabis plant for medical or recreational use can earn violators a lifetime prison sentence.

However, while cultivation is currently wholly illegal, the Malaysian government is currently exploring the possibility of allowing industrial hemp production. Officials have said that several laws would need to change to allow for such an industry, but the legalization of medical marijuana use could open the country to future legalization.

The Bottom Line

Currently, marijuana for both medicinal purposes and recreational use is strictly forbidden in Malaysia. While laws may change and allow for marijuana-based medical treatment in the future, current substance use regulations confer harsh, outsized punishments on even minor possession.