Is Marijuana Legal in Vietnam?

Cannabis for medical use or recreational use is illegal in Vietnam. Additionally, the country has no medical marijuana laws in place and treats all components of the marijuana plant as a narcotic substance on the same level as cocaine or heroin.

CBD oil is allowed in the country only if sourced from industrial hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC. But besides CBD products, the purchase, sale, possession, and cultivation of marijuana are prohibited and considered a criminal offense.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Vietnam

The history of cannabis use in Vietnam stretches back hundreds of years, with some sources dating the plant’s use in food and medicine to the 16th century. During the Vietnam War, recreational marijuana consumption became increasingly popular among U.S. soldiers and locals.

The United States and Vietnamese governments collaborated on strict drug laws to curb its use, using air raids and military units to destroy crops in the late 1960s. Since 1970, Vietnamese law has remained a zero-tolerance country, with neither medical nor recreational marijuana use permitted.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Vietnam

Medical cannabis programs are varied, and many nations still do not formally recognize cannabis’s medicinal benefits in the form of state-licensed dispensaries or a medical certification program for patients.

Medical Marijuana Is Illegal in Vietnam

There is no medical marijuana program in Vietnam. Cannabis medicine cannot be purchased legally in Vietnam, and its use is criminalized even if you have medical marijuana documentation from a certifying body in another country.

CBD Products Are Allowed

Cannabidiol (CBD) is legal in Vietnam. CBD products must be sourced from industrial hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC. Products that have more than the designated amount of THC are considered cannabis and are criminalized.

Penalties Are Less Strict Than on Paper

While Vietnam purports to have some of the most stringent drug laws — even enacting the death sentence for those convicted of drug trafficking — travelers claim that the police are not inclined to terrorize tourists for minor infractions. However, we cannot recommend relying on these anecdotal accounts. It’s always best to stay on the good side of the law, especially if you are a guest in another country.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Vietnam?

No, it is illegal to grow, sell, use, or transport marijuana in Vietnam. Growing marijuana for medical or recreational purposes is prohibited. Cannabis cultivation of any kind can incur severe penalties.

The Bottom Line

Vietnam does not allow cannabis use of any kind within its borders. If you’re traveling in Southeast Asian countries but require medical marijuana on your journey, you may want to choose another country to visit.