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Cannabis — ProhibitedMENA

Iran

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

Iran enforces some of the harshest drug laws in the world, with cannabis fully prohibited under Islamic law and the Anti-Narcotics Law. Despite severe penalties including long prison terms and corporal punishment, Iran paradoxically has one of the highest cannabis usage rates in the Middle East, and wild cannabis grows abundantly in several provinces.

Ask the Expert about Iran
Regulator
Drug Control Headquarters
Key Legislation
Anti-Narcotics Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Possession of cannabis for personal use can result in fines, imprisonment of up to 5 years, and flogging under the Anti-Narcotics Law
  • Trafficking large quantities of cannabis (over 50 kg) could historically result in the death penalty, though 2017 reforms raised the threshold significantly to reduce executions
  • Iran is a major transit route for Afghan-origin cannabis and hashish, and the government spends billions annually on border interdiction efforts
  • Wild cannabis (Cannabis sativa) grows naturally across several Iranian provinces, and the country has a centuries-long historical tradition of hashish use
  • There is no medical cannabis program, and public discussion of drug policy reform is extremely limited under the theocratic government

Key Legislation

Anti-Narcotics Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1988, amended 2010 and 2017)

Regulatory Body

Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) / Iranian Anti-Narcotics Police (NAJA)

Country Info
ISO Code
IR
Region
MENA
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
Iran Drug Control Headquarters
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.