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Cannabis — ProhibitedMENA

Iraq

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

Iraq prohibits all forms of cannabis under its Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, with penalties including lengthy imprisonment. Enforcement varies significantly between the federal government in Baghdad and the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government, and the country's ongoing security challenges have complicated consistent drug policy enforcement.

Ask the Expert about Iraq
Regulator
Ministry of Interior — Anti-Narcotics Directorate / Kurdistan Regional Government Security Forces
Key Legislation
Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law No. 68 of 1965
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Possession of cannabis is punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 7 years under the Narcotics Law, with trafficking offenses carrying sentences up to life imprisonment
  • Iraq's position between major drug-producing regions in Afghanistan and consumer markets in the Gulf has made it a transit country for cannabis and hashish smuggling
  • The Kurdistan Region of Iraq enforces its own anti-narcotics measures, with drug enforcement handled by the Asayish security forces
  • There is no medical cannabis program, and no legislative proposals for any form of cannabis reform have been introduced
  • Post-conflict instability has led to inconsistent enforcement, with drug offenses sometimes deprioritized relative to terrorism and sectarian violence concerns

Key Legislation

Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law No. 68 of 1965 (amended by Law No. 19 of 2017)

Regulatory Body

Ministry of Interior — Anti-Narcotics Directorate / Kurdistan Regional Government Security Forces

Country Info
ISO Code
IQ
Region
MENA
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
Iraqi Ministry of Interior
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.