Is Marijuana Legal in Sao Tome and Principe?

Marijuana is illegal in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe for both medical and recreational purposes. While several African countries are making changes to current cannabis laws, as are many nations worldwide, there have not yet been any legislative changes in São Tomé & Principe regarding marijuana use.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Sao Tome and Principe

While specific penalties (prison time, fines, or other forms of punitive legal action) are unclear, what is clear is that no form of medical or recreational marijuana is legal in São Tomé and Principe.

This means that even if you have a valid medical card from another country, you cannot legally travel with, purchase, or consume cannabis in São Tomé and Principe in any form.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Sao Tome and Principe

Although the medical benefits of cannabis are clear, medical cannabis is illegal in most African countries. Some African nations have made legal changes in recent years, particularly concerning medicinal use.

Morocco, for example, legalized medical marijuana in 2021, and South Africa has decriminalized cannabis for personal use and maintained a regulated medical marijuana program.

São Tomé and Principe, however, have yet to implement any changes concerning medical or recreational marijuana. Still, there are some positive developments concerning cannabis access in São Tomé and Principe, in addition to other vital info you should know.

Progress Is Being Made

While the central African nation has not yet implemented any changes to federal laws prohibiting cannabis in São Tomé and Principe, the government does appear to be considering changes. In 2021, São Tomé and Príncipe Minister of Agriculture Francisco Ramos proposed that the nation’s government should legalize me

dical marijuana.

Ramos noted that the policy would create a cannabis industry, which could create hundreds of new jobs for the general public and establish significant new revenue streams for the country.

Still, while those proposed changes are a step in the right direction, it does not change the fact that all forms of marijuana use are currently entirely illegal in São Tomé and Principe.

There Is No Legal Difference Among Cannabis Products

In the eyes of the law, there are no significant differences among cannabis products. For example, while CBD was made federally legal in the United States due to the 2018 Farm Bill, there has been no such legislation in São Tomé and Principe.

There does not seem to be a legally recognized difference between cannabis flower, resin, edibles, or any other type of cannabis product. Even possessing products containing incredibly low amounts of THC could get you into a tricky legal situation.

However, as there is little legal literature available online about laws regarding CBD in São Tomé & Principe, it is difficult to give definitive information on this subject.

Can You Grow Cannabis in São Tomé  and Principe?

No, you cannot grow cannabis in São Tomé and Principe. Since cannabis is illegal in São Tomé and Principe under federal law, you cannot cultivate cannabis plants.

The Bottom Line

Although progress is being made, marijuana is against the law in São Tomé and Principe, both for medicinal use and recreational purposes.

You should keep up with the local laws to be as up-to-date as possible, but currently, it is not worth the risks to try accessing marijuana in São Tomé and Principe.