Is Marijuana Legal in Singapore?

International sentiment surrounding the value of medical marijuana is shifting towards acceptance, but Singapore remains one of the most strict countries in the world on its stance against legalization.

In Singapore, possession or consumption of marijuana can lead to a fine of up to $20,000, caning, and a maximum of 10 years in prison. The more severe crimes of trafficking or importing more than 500 grams of marijuana can result in the death penalty, and Singapore is unlikely to decriminalize cannabis anytime soon.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Singapore

Because cannabis is completely illegal in Singapore, the country has no laws allowing its citizens to access the medical benefits of marijuana. Recently, however, medical cannabis has been considered more seriously.

In January 2018, Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) began research into the development of synthetic cannabinoids as a means to eventually provide life-saving therapies to patients in need and sustainably create new medicines. Part of a broader multi-million investment by the institute into synthetic biology, the initiative is intended to lift Singapore’s push to build a “bio-based economy,” grow new industries, and create sustainable jobs.

In 2021, two patients were allowed to use medical cannabis to address treatment-resistant epilepsy. The Ministry of Home Affairs allowed the patients to use the pharmaceutical Epidiolex only after all other options had been exhausted.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Singapore

You cannot access medical or recreational marijuana in Singapore. 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 Cannabis Is Illegal, With Very Rare Exceptions

Marijuana for medical purposes (as well as recreational purposes) is illegal in Singapore, except in exceptional circumstances. The Singapore government has only allowed two very young patients to access Epidiolex for medical use after years-long application processes and after all other therapeutic options had been exhausted.

CBD Is Illegal

Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau considers CBD as part of the cannabis plant, so the same severe stance and punishments for possession or use of such drugs apply. These same rules apply to hemp, meaning all hemp fibers, seeds, proteins, and oils are illegal in Singapore.

Singapore Citizens Cannot Consume Cannabis Abroad

Singaporeans or permanent residents of Singapore are also considered under the jurisdiction of the country’s controlled drugs laws even while traveling abroad. This means that even if Singapore residents consume cannabis in a legalized country like Thailand, even for medicinal use, they are subject to the same maximum prison sentence and fines.

Singapore Has Some of the Harshest Drug Penalties

Possessing any amount of cannabis — even when possession is the detectable presence of cannabis metabolites in a urine test — can result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Possession of over 30 grams of cannabis is considered drug trafficking by the Central Narcotics Bureau, which can result in even more severe punishment, such as 24 strokes of the cane or a mandatory death penalty.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Singapore?

It is illegal to grow personal marijuana plants in Singapore, whether for medical or recreational use.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis is governed by strict laws and is considered one of the most severe narcotic drugs by Singapore officials. Both medical and recreational marijuana is illegal in the eyes of the government and invokes harsh, even deadly, punishments with a drug conviction.