Senegal

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

Cannabis is strictly prohibited in Senegal under Law No. 97-18 of 1997 on drug control. Senegal maintains some of the harshest cannabis penalties in West Africa, with mandatory minimum sentences for possession. Despite being one of the region's largest cannabis producers, the government has shown no inclination toward decriminalization or medical cannabis legalization.

Ask the Expert about Senegal

Regulator

Comite Interministeriel de Lutte contre la Drogue

Key Legislation

Law No. 97-18 of 1997

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

Law No. 97-18 of 1997 imposes mandatory minimum sentences of 2 years imprisonment for cannabis possession, with up to 10 years for trafficking
Senegal is one of the largest cannabis producers in West Africa, particularly in the southern Casamance region where cultivation is widespread despite prohibition
The Interministerial Committee on Drug Control (CILD) coordinates national drug enforcement policy across multiple government agencies
Senegal's cannabis laws do not distinguish between medical and recreational use, and there is no legal framework for medical cannabis
The country cooperates with UNODC and ECOWAS on regional drug control initiatives, and periodically conducts large-scale eradication operations in Casamance

Key Legislation

Law No. 97-18 of 1997 (Loi relative aux drogues — Drug Control Law)

Regulatory Body

Comite Interministeriel de Lutte contre la Drogue (CILD — Interministerial Committee on Drug Control)

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Government of Senegal — Official Portal

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.