Cape Verde

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

Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) prohibits all forms of cannabis under its national drug control legislation. The island nation classifies cannabis as an illicit substance, with penalties for possession, trafficking, and cultivation. Despite its proximity to West African cannabis transit routes, the government maintains a strict prohibitionist stance with no public reform movements.

Ask the Expert about Cape Verde

Regulator

Policia Judiciaria

Key Legislation

Decreto-Legislativo No. 4/2003

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Cannabis possession for personal use can result in fines and imprisonment of up to 1 year under Cape Verdean drug laws
Drug trafficking offenses carry prison sentences of 4 to 12 years, with enhanced penalties for organized trafficking networks
Cape Verde serves as a transit point for drug shipments between West Africa and Europe, making enforcement a national security priority
The Judicial Police (Policia Judiciaria) leads drug interdiction efforts with international cooperation through UNODC and ECOWAS
There are no known legislative proposals or civil society movements advocating for cannabis legalization or decriminalization in Cape Verde

Key Legislation

Decreto-Legislativo No. 4/2003 (Law on Drug Prevention and Control)

Regulatory Body

Policia Judiciaria (Judicial Police); Ministry of Internal Administration

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Government of Cape Verde — Official Portal

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.