What is the legal status of cannabis in Maldives?
The use, possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis is illegal in the Maldives. The country has strict drug laws and is known for its harsh penalties for drug offenses. This is in line with the country’s conservative Islamic values, which prohibit the consumption of intoxicants, including alcohol and drugs like cannabis.
What is the public opinion on cannabis in Maldives?
Public opinion on cannabis in the Maldives is generally negative, with many people considering it to be a dangerous and immoral substance. This is largely due to the influence of conservative Islamic beliefs and the strict legal environment surrounding drug use. However, there is a small but growing movement calling for the decriminalization of cannabis, as well as the introduction of medical cannabis programs. This movement is mostly led by younger, more progressive Maldivians who have been exposed to different perspectives on cannabis through international travel and the internet.
What are the penalties and enforcement for cannabis use in Maldives?
The penalties for cannabis-related offenses in the Maldives are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, fines, and even corporal punishment. The specific penalties depend on the nature of the offense:
- Use or possession of cannabis: Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to MVR 50,000 (approximately USD 3,240).
- Sale or trafficking of cannabis: 10 to 25 years in prison and a fine of MVR 100,000 to MVR 1 million (approximately USD 6,480 to USD 64,800).
- Cultivation of cannabis: Up to 25 years in prison and a fine of MVR 100,000 to MVR 1 million (approximately USD 6,480 to USD 64,800).
Enforcement of these laws is strict, and the Maldivian government has been known to conduct drug raids and arrest tourists for drug possession. Foreigners caught with cannabis in the Maldives may also face deportation in addition to other penalties.
What is marijuana called in Maldives?
In the Maldives, marijuana is commonly referred to as ganja or bango, which are local slang terms for the plant.
What is the legal status of CBD in Maldives?
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, is also illegal in the Maldives. This is because the Maldivian government makes no distinction between CBD and other forms of cannabis, classifying all products derived from the plant as illegal substances.
Is medical cannabis use allowed in Maldives?
Medical cannabis is not currently allowed in the Maldives. The strict drug laws in the country make no exceptions for the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and there is no established medical cannabis program.
Can I grow cannabis in Maldives?
Growing cannabis in the Maldives is illegal, and those caught cultivating the plant can face severe penalties, including up to 25 years in prison and substantial fines.
What are the government laws and links regarding cannabis in Maldives?
The main legislation governing drug offenses in the Maldives is the Drugs Act 17/77. This law outlines the penalties for various drug-related offenses, including the use, possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis. More information on Maldivian drug laws can be found on the Maldives Police Service website here.