Antigua and Barbuda

Is Weed Legal in Antigua and Barbuda?

Status

Decriminalized

Covers

Cannabis / Marijuana

Jurisdiction

Independent Country

Last updated

May 29, 2026

The short answer

Recreational marijuana is decriminalized in Antigua and Barbuda. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2018 (Act No. 16 of 2018) amended the Misuse of Drugs Act Cap. 283 to remove criminal penalties for possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis and cultivation of up to four plants per household, while authorizing sacramental use by registered Rastafarian adherents.

Possession at or below 15 grams is non-arrestable and produces only confiscation. Possession of 15 grams to 30 grams remains a ticketable offense with a fine of EC$500 to EC$2,000 under the Schedule introduced in 2018, and quantities above 30 grams or any supply-related conduct are criminal, prosecuted in the Magistrate's Court at St. John's with penalties up to 7 years on indictment for cultivation beyond the household cap. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda Narcotics Division and the Customs and Excise Division at V.C. Bird International Airport screen arrivals from Miami, New York, and London.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.

Key facts ·

Antigua and Barbuda

Key facts

Rules at a glance

All countries

THC limit

Not specified (15g personal-use threshold)

Regulator

Ministry of Legal Affairs; Royal Police Force Narcotics Division

Key regulation

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2018; Misuse of Drugs Act Cap. 283

Effective

April 12, 2018

Adult-use cannabis

Decriminalized

Medical cannabis

Legal

For brands and importers

Import and export rules

Cross-border movement of cannabis remains prohibited despite domestic decriminalization. Customs and Excise screens at V.C. Bird International and the Heritage Quay and Deepwater Harbour cruise terminals. Concealments in courier parcels are routinely intercepted.

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