Sao Tome and Principe

Medical cannabis is prohibited in Sao Tome and Principe. Severe criminal penalties may apply for possession, use, or trafficking.

Cannabis is illegal in Sao Tome and Principe under the country's penal code and drug control legislation. As a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, Sao Tome has limited law enforcement resources but maintains prohibition of all cannabis activities. There is no medical cannabis framework and no public discussion of legalization.

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Regulator

Policia Judiciaria

Key Legislation

Penal Code

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

All forms of cannabis cultivation, possession, sale, and consumption are criminal offenses under Sao Tomean law
The Judicial Police (Policia Judiciaria) is the primary agency responsible for drug enforcement on the islands
Sao Tome and Principe's strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea has made it a transit point for drug trafficking, prompting international cooperation on narcotics control
The country has received assistance from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for strengthening drug control capacity
With a population of approximately 225,000, the country has no pharmaceutical or medical cannabis infrastructure

Key Legislation

Penal Code (Lei de Drogas — Drug Law provisions)

Regulatory Body

Policia Judiciaria (Judicial Police) and Ministry of Justice

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Government of Sao Tome and Principe

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.