Is Weed Legal in Namibia?
May 29, 2026
Marijuana is illegal in Namibia under Act 41 of 1971. Trafficking can lead to 15 years' imprisonment. No medical cannabis programme exists.
Marijuana is illegal in Namibia under Act 41 of 1971. Trafficking can lead to 15 years' imprisonment. No medical cannabis programme exists.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Namibia. The Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act 41 of 1971 — inherited from the South African pre-independence regime — criminalises cultivation, possession, and supply of cannabis (dagga). Possession can attract fines and imprisonment; trafficking can lead to up to fifteen years.
Enforcement is led by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Drug Law Enforcement Division. In 2023 the High Court of Namibia in Acheson v Minister of Justice considered constitutional challenges to private cannabis use, but as of 2026 the legislative position has not changed. The Ministry of Health and Social Services has not authorised a medical cannabis programme. Reform legislation has been mooted in the National Assembly without enactment.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Illegal
Namibian Police Force (NamPol); Ministry of Justice
Prohibited
Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act 41 of 1971
Import and export of cannabis are prohibited. The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and NamPol coordinate interdiction at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), Walvis Bay (WVB), and at border posts with South Africa (Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer), Botswana, Zambia, and Angola.
