Laos
Is Weed Legal in Laos?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Cannabis is a Category I narcotic under the Law on Narcotics No. 50/NA of 2007 and the 2008 amendments, administered by the Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC).
Possession, use, cultivation, production, sale, transport, import, and export are all criminal offenses. Article 146 of the Lao Penal Code (2017 revision) and the Narcotics Law set graduated penalties: possession of small quantities can trigger 3 months to 5 years imprisonment plus fines; trafficking 500 grams or more carries 10 years to life imprisonment, and quantities above 3 kilograms can attract the death penalty. The Ministry of Public Security and LCDC anti-narcotics police enforce the statute at borders including Vientiane's Wattay International Airport and the Friendship Bridge crossings to Thailand.
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 ·
Laos
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC); Ministry of Public Security
Key regulation
Law on Narcotics No. 50/NA (2007, amended 2008); Penal Code Article 146 (2017)
Effective
December 21, 2007
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of cannabis are strictly prohibited. The Lao Customs Department screens shipments at Wattay International Airport, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges, and Boten border with China. Trafficking quantities trigger life imprisonment or the death penalty under Article 146 of the Penal Code.
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