Chile
Is Weed Legal in Chile?
Status
Decriminalized
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational cannabis is decriminalised in Chile for personal, private use under Law No. 20,000 of 2005. The statute prohibits public consumption, supply, and trafficking, but Article 4 explicitly excludes "immediate personal consumption in a private setting and exclusive use, in a place free of public access." Quantities deemed personal — generally understood by jurisprudence as up to 10 grams — are not criminalised when consumed privately, though the law leaves judicial discretion over thresholds.
The Servicio Nacional para la Prevención y Rehabilitación del Consumo de Drogas y Alcohol (SENDA) leads policy, with the Carabineros and Policía de Investigaciones handling enforcement. Cultivation of up to six plants for personal use is broadly tolerated where judicial findings confirm non-trafficking intent, though arrests for home cultivation remain common and outcomes vary by court. Public consumption carries a fine of 1 to 10 UTM.
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 ·
Chile
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Personal-use exception; no statutory gram limit
Regulator
Servicio Nacional para la Prevención y Rehabilitación del Consumo de Drogas y Alcohol (SENDA); Instituto de Salud Pública
Key regulation
Law No. 20,000 of 2005
Effective
February 16, 2005
Adult-use cannabis
Decriminalized
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of recreational cannabis is prohibited. The Instituto de Salud Pública (ISP) licenses medical cannabis imports for pharmaceutical use; trafficking attracts five to fifteen years' imprisonment.
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