Maldives

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

The Maldives enforces strict cannabis prohibition under the Law on Drugs Act (Law No. 17/2011), which imposes severe penalties for possession, use, and trafficking. As an Islamic republic, the Maldives takes a zero-tolerance approach to all narcotics. Cannabis offenses can result in lengthy prison sentences and banishment to remote islands, and there is no distinction between medical and recreational use.

Ask the Expert about Maldives

Regulator

Maldives Police Service — Drug Enforcement Department

Key Legislation

Law on Drugs Act

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Cannabis is strictly prohibited under the Law on Drugs Act (Law No. 17/2011), with zero tolerance for possession, use, cultivation, and trafficking
Possession of cannabis can result in imprisonment of up to 25 years, with mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking offenses
The Maldives Police Service Drug Enforcement Department conducts active enforcement operations, particularly targeting drug importation via maritime routes
As an Islamic republic, the Maldives grounds its drug prohibition partly in Sharia principles, reinforcing the zero-tolerance stance
There is no medical cannabis program or any indication of legislative reform, and public discussion of drug policy liberalization remains rare

Key Legislation

Law on Drugs Act (Law No. 17/2011)

Regulatory Body

Maldives Police Service — Drug Enforcement Department

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Asia-Pacific

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Maldives Police Service

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.