Is Marijuana Legal in Namibia?

In Namibia, cannabis is illegal for medical use and recreational purposes. The southwestern African country forbids the possession, consumption, and cultivation of cannabis.

According to Namibia’s 2006 Combating of the Abuse of Drugs Bill, those who break the law may be fined up to NAD 500,000 (approximately $27,000) or imprisoned for up to forty years.

This law has been designed to discourage illegal trafficking as the country is a noteworthy hub for the transit of cannabis.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Namibia

Medical marijuana is illegal in Namibia, with the exception of the cannabinoid-based medication, dronabinol, or synthetic THC, which is available upon prescription.

Cannabis, or dagga as it is known, is defined as a Schedule II undesirable dependence-producing substance according to the country’s 2006 Combating of the Abuse of Drugs Bill.

This Bill acts as a supplement to Namibia’s Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act of 1971 and emphasizes harsh penalties for individuals or groups who break the law.

The 2006 bill identifies the cannabis plant and all products derived from cannabis as illegal. However, it’s important to point out that the bill specifically states that people can lawfully consume drugs acquired legally and used for medicinal purposes (such as dronabinol).

There’s also a clause in section 16 of the bill that allows researchers to import, possess, or consume scheduled substances if research programs cannot be carried out without that drug and if the research program has sufficient scientific merit.

However, beyond these few exemptions, it’s illegal to consume, possess, import or export, traffic, sell, or cultivate cannabis in Namibia.

The bill outlines severe penalties for those who break the law, with most offenses punishable by hefty fines of up to NAD 500,000 and prison sentences of up to 40 years. The longest prison sentences are reserved for those found guilty of trafficking cannabis or other drugs.

What to Know about Cannabis in Namibia

Cannabis currently represents a source of friction in Namibia. While pro-cannabis lobbyists and the Rastafarian community petition for legalization, authorities cite concerns about the potentially harmful social effects.

Diverse Namibian Organizations Are Pushing for Legalization

The Cannabis and Hemp Association of Namibia is focused on raising awareness, sharing educational information, and working toward the ultimate goal of legalizing cannabis and industrial hemp for recreational and medical use in Namibia.

Similarly, Namibia’s Rastafari United Front and Ganja Users of Namibia have petitioned the Namibian Parliament, emphasizing the economic benefits of full legalization and citing the traditional medicinal uses of the plant.

However, Namibian politicians have long been resistant to the legalization of weed. Many state concerns about addiction, psychosis, and the pressure legalization may place on a society that is already suffering from diverse social ills.

Namibia Is a Hub for the Transit of Illegal Cannabis

At present, Namibia represents a hub for illegally trafficked cannabis, which is currently the most seized drug in the country. In May 2020 alone, the Namibian police seized 316,297 kilograms of cannabis valued at $214,000.

Most of the weed seized by local law enforcement authorities is intended for domestic consumption. According to a recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, about 3.9% of the adult population uses cannabis annually.

Other reports point out that cannabis use in Namibia has increased in recent years and that the country has become a haven for drug smugglers and trafficking.

In addition to a punitive stance towards cannabis possession and consumption, Namibian law enforcement agencies have also implemented drug education outreach programs.

These projects are designed to raise awareness among students and youth about the harmful effects of illicit drug consumption, smuggling, and trafficking.

Namibian law enforcement authorities are also collaborating with international and regional organizations to combat trans-border crimes. In other words, Namibia is working hard to target illegal cannabis activity.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Namibia?

Section 8 of Namibia’s Combating of the Abuse of Drugs Bill states that it is illegal to cultivate plants that are considered illegal drugs or grow plants from which illegal drugs can be extracted.

Cannabis cultivation is considered a criminal offense, and those found guilty of growing weed may be fined up to NAD 500,000 (approximately $27,000) or sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

In this context, cultivation includes planting, sowing, scattering seeds, taking care of seedlings, harvesting, or extracting cannabis resin from plants.

Despite the general illegality of growing cannabis in Namibia, however, illicit plantations persist. Some small-scale farmers grow weed for personal use in northern parts of the country where there is higher rainfall.

In recent years, Namibian authorities have arrested individuals with small-scale grow operations. However, most weed consumed in Namibia is not grown within the country’s borders but smuggled from South Africa, Angola, or Zambia.

The Bottom Line

Recreational cannabis and medical use are both illegal in Namibia. In 2006, the southwestern African country amended its drug laws to outline harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of possessing, consuming, or trafficking weed.

Nonetheless, cannabis remains widely used in Namibia. A number of groups continue to lobby the government to legalize the plant for recreational use and medicinal use.