Niger
Is Weed Legal in Niger?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Niger. Ordinance No. 99-42 of 23 September 1999 on the fight against drugs, ratified by Law No. 2000-09 of 14 August 2000, classifies cannabis as a stupefiant. Possession for personal use is punishable by two months to two years' imprisonment and a fine of XOF 100,000 to XOF 1,000,000; trafficking penalties reach ten to twenty years, with life imprisonment for aggravated offences.
The Office Central de Repression du Trafic Illicite des Stupefiants (OCRTIS) and the Gendarmerie Nationale lead enforcement in Niamey, Zinder, and Agadez. Niger sits on a major trans-Sahel trafficking corridor, and authorities prioritise interdiction over decriminalisation. Possession at Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) leads to prosecution; tourists receive no exemption. The post-2023 transitional authorities have not signalled any reform.
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 ·
Niger
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited for recreational use
Regulator
Office Central de Repression du Trafic Illicite des Stupefiants (OCRTIS); Ministere de l'Interieur et de la Securite Publique; Ministere de la Sante Publique
Key regulation
Ordinance No. 99-42 of 23 September 1999 on the fight against drugs, ratified by Law No. 2000-09
Effective
September 23, 1999
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of recreational cannabis are prohibited. The Direction Generale des Douanes and OCRTIS coordinate interdiction at Diori Hamani International Airport and at land borders with Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali. No medicinal or industrial regime is in force.
FAQ
Common questions
Latest