Is Weed Legal in Central African Republic?

Recreational marijuana is illegal in the Central African Republic (CAR). Law No. 97.003 of 21 January 1997 on the suppression of the illicit production, trafficking and use of drugs and psychotropic substances classifies cannabis as a stupefiant. Possession for personal use is punishable by one to five years' imprisonment and a fine of XAF 100,000 to XAF 1,000,000; trafficking penalties reach ten to twenty years.

The Office Central de Repression du Banditisme (OCRB) and the Gendarmerie Nationale conduct enforcement primarily in Bangui. Ongoing armed conflict across large parts of the country means that statutory enforcement is uneven outside the capital, but this does not create any de facto tolerance: prosecutions in Bangui continue, and possession at Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) leads to arrest. Travelers should also factor in active United Nations travel advisories and significant operational security risk in the interior.

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