JurisdictionsTopicsUpdatesWorkflowsCompareChat with ExpertMarketplacePricing
🇳🇮
Cannabis — ProhibitedLATAM

Nicaragua

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

Nicaragua maintains strict prohibition of all forms of cannabis under Law 285, the Narcotics, Psychotropic and Controlled Substances Law. Possession, cultivation, sale, and trafficking of cannabis are criminal offenses carrying significant prison sentences, with the country's anti-drug enforcement shaped by Central American regional security cooperation.

Ask the Expert about Nicaragua
Regulator
National Police Anti-Drug Division
Key Legislation
Law 285 — Narcotics, Psychotropic and Controlled Substances Law
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Cannabis is fully prohibited under Law 285 (1999), which classifies it alongside other controlled substances with no medical or recreational exceptions
  • Possession of any amount of cannabis can result in 5 to 15 years in prison, with penalties increasing significantly for trafficking and distribution offenses
  • Nicaragua participates in the Central American Integration System (SICA) regional anti-narcotics cooperation, which coordinates cross-border drug enforcement
  • Despite prohibition, cannabis cultivation occurs in remote rural areas, particularly in the northern highlands and along the Caribbean coast (RACCN and RACCS regions)
  • There is no active legislative movement or public debate toward decriminalization or medical cannabis legalization in Nicaragua as of 2025

Key Legislation

Law 285 — Narcotics, Psychotropic and Controlled Substances Law (Ley 285, 1999)

Regulatory Body

National Police Anti-Drug Division (Direccion de Investigacion de Drogas) and the Ministry of Health

Country Info
ISO Code
NI
Region
LATAM
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
UNODC — Nicaragua 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.