Is Weed Legal in Botswana?
May 29, 2026
Marijuana is illegal in Botswana under the Drugs and Related Substances Act. Possession can carry 10 years' imprisonment and BWP 50,000 fines.
Marijuana is illegal in Botswana under the Drugs and Related Substances Act. Possession can carry 10 years' imprisonment and BWP 50,000 fines.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Botswana. The Drugs and Related Substances Act (Cap 63:04) criminalises cultivation, possession, and supply of cannabis (matekwane). Possession can carry up to ten years' imprisonment and a fine of BWP 50,000; trafficking sentences are stiffer and can include forfeiture.
Enforcement is led by the Botswana Police Service Drug and Narcotics Squad. Botswana has no medical or industrial cannabis programme. Reform discussion has surfaced in parliament — notably around hemp's economic potential — but no enabling legislation has passed. Tourists are not exempt; the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) routinely produces prosecutions for cannabis possession.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Illegal
Botswana Police Service; Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security
Prohibited
Drugs and Related Substances Act (Cap 63:04)
Import and export of cannabis are prohibited. The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) and Botswana Police screen at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, at Maun (MUB), Kasane (BBK), and at land borders with South Africa (Tlokweng, Pioneer Gate, Ramatlabama), Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
