South Sudan

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

Cannabis is illegal in South Sudan under the Penal Code Act 2008, which was inherited from Sudan and carried over when South Sudan gained independence in 2011. As the world's newest country, South Sudan has limited institutional capacity for drug enforcement amid ongoing political instability. There is no medical cannabis program or reform discussion.

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Regulator

South Sudan National Police Service

Key Legislation

Penal Code Act 2008

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

The Penal Code Act 2008 criminalizes the possession, cultivation, and trafficking of cannabis, with penalties including imprisonment
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and inherited drug prohibition laws from the pre-independence legal framework
Cannabis is cultivated in parts of the Equatoria region, but law enforcement priorities have been dominated by the civil conflict that erupted in 2013
The South Sudan National Police Service has limited capacity for drug enforcement, with international organizations noting the country's fragile institutional infrastructure
There is no pharmaceutical regulatory framework for medical cannabis, and the country's healthcare system remains one of the least developed in the world

Key Legislation

Penal Code Act 2008 (Chapter XVIII — Drug Offenses)

Regulatory Body

South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) and Ministry of Interior

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Africa

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Government of South Sudan

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.