Is Cannabis legal in Tanzania? – Update 2024

TL;DR

The use, possession, and sale of cannabis, for both medical and recreational purposes, is completely illegal in Tanzania.

	THC	CBD
Recreational	Illegal	Illegal
Medical	Illegal	Illegal

Introduction

With the global conversation around the use and legislation of cannabis products becoming more progressive. Many countries are reevaluating their currently held stances on its legality and cultural acceptance. However, as we will see, this is not necessarily the case in Tanzania.

Overview of Cannabis Legislation

Legal cannabis could take various forms, from legal medical use to decriminalization to full legalization for both medical and recreational purposes. Medical use involves prescribing cannabis or cannabis-related products to treat certain medical conditions. Recreational use, on the other hand, refers to any use of cannabis outside of medical applications, typically for leisure or personal enjoyment.

Legal Status

According to the Tanzanian government, the use, sale, and possession of cannabis is completely illegal, with punishments including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Historical Context

Since the 1920’s cannabis has been deemed an illegal substance in Tanzania. Despite this, Tanzania has developed into one of the largest exporters of illegal cannabis resin in Africa.

Possession and Use

The law explicitly prohibits any form of possession or use of cannabis. Therefore, there are no legal limits on the amount that can be possessed by an individual. Anyone found in possession is subject to prosecution.

Cultivation and Distribution

Cultivation of cannabis for personal or commercial use is completely illegal. There are no legal dispensaries in Tanzania, and the country lacks a system for the legal distribution of cannabis.

Enforcement and Penalties

The possession, cultivation, or sale of cannabis is considered a criminal offense, punishable by lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.

Medical Cannabis

Despite increasing acceptance worldwide, the Tanzanian law does not recognize cannabis as a legal substance for medical use.

Social and Economic Impact

There has been limited research into the effects of this strict law in Tanzania, and the effect it has had on public health and crime rates.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to many other countries, Tanzania’s stance on cannabis is highly restrictive. Lacking decriminalization laws and medical exceptions that other countries have implemented.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Debates

There are currently no known plans in place to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational use as per the Tanzanian government’s stance.

Conclusion

In summary, the use, sale, and possession of cannabis is completely illegal in Tanzania. Violation of these laws can result in substantial punishments, such as lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. As the conversation around cannabis begins to shift globally, it will be interesting to see if Tanzania’s stance on the substance evolves over time or remains strict and uncompromising.

Read about the legal situation in countries around Tanzania

• Kenya
• Uganda
• Rwanda