Myanmar

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

Myanmar prohibits cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, with severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences. Despite prohibition, cannabis has traditional uses among some ethnic groups, and the country is a significant producer of illicit drugs in the Golden Triangle region.

Ask the Expert about Myanmar

Regulator

Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control

Key Legislation

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Cannabis is classified as a narcotic drug under the 1993 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, with all forms of use, possession, and sale prohibited
Penalties for cannabis possession can range from 5 to 10 years imprisonment, with trafficking offenses carrying up to life imprisonment or the death penalty
Myanmar is part of the Golden Triangle and has historically been a major illicit drug production area, though opium and methamphetamine are more prominent than cannabis
The 2018 amendments to the drug law introduced provisions for drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration for users
Political instability since the 2021 military coup has further complicated drug enforcement and any prospects for drug policy reform

Key Legislation

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law (1993, amended 2018)

Regulatory Body

Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) under the Ministry of Home Affairs

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Asia-Pacific

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

UNODC — Myanmar Country Profile

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.