Benin

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Benin. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Cannabis is illegal in Benin for all purposes, including medical and recreational use. The country's drug laws impose criminal penalties for possession, cultivation, and trafficking, with enforcement led by national police and gendarmerie forces.

Ask the Expert about Benin

Regulator

Comite National de Lutte contre la Drogue

Key Legislation

Law No. 97-025 on the Control of Drugs and Precursors

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Cannabis possession, use, cultivation, and sale are criminal offenses under Benin's 1997 drug control law
Penalties for cannabis trafficking can include 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and substantial fines
Benin serves as a transit point for cannabis and other drugs moving through West Africa, prompting regional cooperation on enforcement
Despite prohibition, cannabis is widely cultivated in rural areas, particularly in the northern regions of the country
There is no active legislative movement toward decriminalization or medical cannabis legalization in Benin

Key Legislation

Law No. 97-025 on the Control of Drugs and Precursors (1997)

Regulatory Body

Comite National de Lutte contre la Drogue (CNLD); Ministry of the Interior

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

UNODC — Benin Country Profile

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Cannabis regulations change frequently. Always verify with official sources and local legal counsel before making compliance decisions.