JurisdictionsTopicsUpdatesWorkflowsCompareChat with ExpertMarketplacePricing
🇳🇦
Cannabis — ProhibitedAfrica

Namibia

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

Namibia prohibits cannabis (locally known as 'dagga') under the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the country, and while enforcement is active, there has been growing public debate about potential decriminalization.

Ask the Expert about Namibia
Regulator
Ministry of Health and Social Services and Namibian Police Force
Key Legislation
Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act, No. 41 of 1971
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Cannabis is illegal under the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act of 1971, inherited from South African apartheid-era law
  • Possession of cannabis can result in fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years, while dealing or trafficking carries heavier penalties
  • Cannabis (dagga) is the most widely used illicit substance in Namibia, particularly among youth in urban and rural areas
  • In 2020, a Namibian High Court case challenged the constitutionality of cannabis prohibition for personal private use, sparking national debate
  • There is no medical cannabis program, though some advocates have called for reforms similar to those adopted by neighboring South Africa

Key Legislation

Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act, No. 41 of 1971

Regulatory Body

Ministry of Health and Social Services and Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL)

No documents yet

No regulatory documents available for this jurisdiction yet. We are expanding coverage — check back later.

Related jurisdictions

🇳🇪
Niger
Cannabis — Prohibited
🇳🇬
Nigeria
Prohibited
🇨🇬
Republic of the Congo
Cannabis — Prohibited
🇷🇼
Rwanda
Emerging Program
🇸🇹
Sao Tome and Principe
Cannabis — Prohibited
🇸🇳
Senegal
Cannabis — Prohibited
Country Info
ISO Code
NA
Region
Africa
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services
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.