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Cannabis — ProhibitedAfrica

Somalia

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

Cannabis is prohibited in Somalia under both the pre-civil war Penal Code (1962) and Islamic Sharia law, which is widely applied across the country. Due to decades of conflict and fragmented governance, formal drug enforcement is inconsistent, but cannabis use is culturally stigmatized and considered haram (forbidden) under Islamic law. There is no medical cannabis program.

Ask the Expert about Somalia
Regulator
Ministry of Internal Security and Federal Police
Key Legislation
Somali Penal Code
Year Legalized
N/A
Program Size
N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

  • Cannabis is prohibited under both the 1962 Somali Penal Code and Islamic Sharia law, which is the dominant legal framework in most of the country
  • Due to decades of civil conflict and fragmented governance, formal drug law enforcement varies significantly between the Federal Government, Somaliland, and Puntland
  • Cannabis (locally called 'bangi') is cultivated in some southern agricultural regions, though khat remains the far more prevalent psychoactive substance in Somali culture
  • The self-declared Republic of Somaliland and the semi-autonomous Puntland region each maintain their own drug enforcement agencies independent of the federal government
  • Somalia has no pharmaceutical regulatory infrastructure for medical cannabis, and international aid organizations focus drug policy efforts on khat rather than cannabis

Key Legislation

Somali Penal Code (1962, Articles 201-204 — Narcotics Provisions)

Regulatory Body

Ministry of Internal Security and Federal Police (where operative); regional authorities in Somaliland and Puntland

Country Info
ISO Code
SO
Region
Africa
Tier
Tier 4 — Prohibited
Status
Cannabis — Prohibited
Sources
Federal Government of Somalia
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.