Vanuatu

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

Vanuatu prohibits cannabis under its Penal Code and Drugs and Precursor Chemicals Control Act, though enforcement in this Pacific archipelago nation is relatively limited. Kava remains the dominant traditional intoxicant, and cannabis use, while present, is not a major policy priority for the government.

Ask the Expert about Vanuatu

Regulator

Vanuatu Police Force and Ministry of Health

Key Legislation

Drugs and Precursor Chemicals Control Act No. 18

Year Legalized

N/A

Program Size

N/A — Prohibited

Key Facts

The Drugs and Precursor Chemicals Control Act of 2003 classifies cannabis as a controlled substance with penalties including imprisonment for possession, cultivation, and supply
Kava (Piper methysticum) is the culturally dominant psychoactive substance in Vanuatu, with cannabis use being comparatively marginal in ni-Vanuatu society
Enforcement of cannabis prohibition is inconsistent across the archipelago's 83 islands, with rural and outer island communities having limited police presence
Vanuatu is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and cooperates with regional partners on drug control under the Pacific Transnational Crime Framework
Small-scale cannabis cultivation occurs in remote highland areas, but Vanuatu is not considered a significant production or trafficking hub in the Pacific region

Key Legislation

Drugs and Precursor Chemicals Control Act No. 18 (2003)

Regulatory Body

Vanuatu Police Force and Ministry of Health

Country Info

ISO Code

Region

Oceania

Tier

Tier 4 — Prohibited

Status

Cannabis — Prohibited

Sources

Government of the Republic of Vanuatu

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.