Eritrea
Is Weed Legal in Eritrea?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Eritrea. Cannabis is controlled under the Penal Code of the State of Eritrea 2015 (Proclamation No 4/2015), specifically Articles 269 to 274 on dangerous drugs, and the predecessor Transitional Penal Code of Eritrea 1991. The Eritrean Police Force and the Ministry of Justice prosecute drug offenses.
Possession, cultivation, sale, and trafficking are criminal offenses with imprisonment terms, and aggravated trafficking can attract substantial sentences. Eritrea acceded to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The closed political system, limited published case law, lack of an independent legal profession, and the indefinite national service system constrain practical understanding of enforcement; foreign nationals and businesses should obtain qualified Eritrean counsel before any in-country activity.
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 ·
Eritrea
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Eritrean Police Force; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Health
Key regulation
Penal Code of the State of Eritrea Proclamation No 4/2015 Articles 269-274
Effective
May 15, 2015
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Cannabis import and export are prohibited under the Penal Code and Eritrean Customs Department regulations. Asmara International Airport and the port of Massawa are the primary inspection points. Land borders with Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti are tightly controlled by the Eritrean Defence Forces.
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