Burkina Faso

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

Cannabis is illegal in Burkina Faso under national drug control legislation. All forms of cannabis use, possession, cultivation, and sale are criminal offenses. Enforcement is conducted by national police and gendarmerie, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.

Ask the Expert about Burkina Faso

Regulator

Comite National de Lutte contre la Drogue et la Toxicomanie

Key Legislation

Law No. 017-99/AN on Drug Control

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Cannabis possession and use are punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 5 years and fines under Burkina Faso's drug control law
Trafficking and large-scale cultivation carry enhanced penalties of up to 10 to 20 years in prison
Cannabis is the most commonly consumed illicit substance in Burkina Faso, particularly in urban centers like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso
Burkina Faso participates in regional West African drug enforcement cooperation through ECOWAS frameworks
There is no active reform movement toward medical cannabis or decriminalization in the country

Key Legislation

Law No. 017-99/AN on Drug Control (1999)

Regulatory Body

Comite National de Lutte contre la Drogue et la Toxicomanie (CNLDT); Ministry of Security

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

UNODC — Burkina Faso

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.