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Cannabis — ProhibitedOceania

Papua New Guinea

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

Papua New Guinea prohibits cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act 1981 and the Dangerous Drugs Act. Despite strict legal prohibitions, cannabis (locally known as 'spak brus' or 'marijuana') is widely cultivated and consumed across the country, particularly in the Highlands region, making it one of the most commonly used illicit substances in PNG.

Ask the Expert about Papua New Guinea
Regulator
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
Key Legislation
Controlled Substances Act 1981; Dangerous Drugs Act
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Cannabis is classified as a dangerous drug under the Controlled Substances Act 1981 and the Dangerous Drugs Act, with penalties including fines and imprisonment of up to 5 years for possession and longer terms for cultivation and supply
  • Despite prohibition, cannabis is the most widely cultivated illicit crop in Papua New Guinea, with large-scale growing operations in the Highlands provinces including Eastern Highlands, Simbu, and Western Highlands
  • The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary conducts periodic crop destruction campaigns, but limited resources and difficult terrain across the country's mountainous interior hamper consistent enforcement
  • Cannabis is used both recreationally and in some traditional contexts across PNG's diverse cultural groups, with the drug deeply embedded in the informal rural economy
  • There is no active legislative debate regarding decriminalization or medical cannabis in Papua New Guinea, and drug policy reform is not a prominent political issue

Key Legislation

Controlled Substances Act 1981; Dangerous Drugs Act (Chapter 228)

Regulatory Body

Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) — Drug Enforcement Unit, and the National Department of Health

Country Info
ISO Code
PG
Region
Oceania
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
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.