Is Weed Legal in New Caledonia?
May 29, 2026
Marijuana is illegal in New Caledonia. The French Code penal Articles 222-34 to 222-43 apply; trafficking up to twenty years.
Marijuana is illegal in New Caledonia. The French Code penal Articles 222-34 to 222-43 apply; trafficking up to twenty years.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in New Caledonia. As a sui generis French overseas collectivity (collectivite sui generis) under Title XIII of the French Constitution and the Noumea Accord of 1998, the territory applies the French Code de la sante publique and the Code penal to drug offences. Cannabis is classified as a stupefiant; Articles 222-34 to 222-43 of the Code penal punish trafficking by up to twenty years' imprisonment (or life for organised trafficking), while Article L.3421-1 of the Code de la sante publique punishes use by up to one year's imprisonment and a fine of 3,750 euros.
Enforcement is led by the Direction de la securite publique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (DSPNC), the Gendarmerie nationale, and the customs service (Douanes). Cannabis (locally called pakalolo) is grown clandestinely in the bush and seizures are frequent at La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) and Magenta Domestic Airport (GEA). Travellers between mainland France, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia are subject to customs control on the same terms as on the French mainland.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Illegal
Direction de la securite publique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (DSPNC); Gendarmerie nationale; Douanes; Haut-commissariat de la Republique en Nouvelle-Caledonie
Prohibited for recreational use
Code penal Articles 222-34 to 222-43; Code de la sante publique Article L.3421-1
Import and export of recreational cannabis are prohibited. The Douanes inspect shipments at La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) outside Noumea, Magenta Domestic Airport (GEA), and the Port autonome de Noumea. Trafficking under the Code penal carries up to twenty years' imprisonment, with life imprisonment available for organised criminal enterprises.
