Sao Tome and Principe
Is Weed Legal in Sao Tome and Principe?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Sao Tome and Principe. Law No. 7/2008 on the prevention and repression of drug trafficking and consumption (Lei sobre Prevencao e Repressao do Trafico Ilicito e Consumo de Estupefacientes e Substancias Psicotropicas), modelled on Portuguese narcotics law, classifies cannabis as a Table I substance. Trafficking is punishable by four to twelve years' imprisonment, and personal-use possession is treated as an administrative or minor criminal offence depending on quantity.
Enforcement is led by the Policia Judiciaria and the Policia Nacional, with customs control by the Direccao das Alfandegas. The archipelago's small size and reliance on tourism mean visible enforcement at Sao Tome International Airport (TMS) and at the Ana Chaves port; tourists detained with cannabis face prosecution and deportation.
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 ·
Sao Tome and Principe
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited for recreational use
Regulator
Ministerio da Justica; Policia Judiciaria; Direccao das Alfandegas
Key regulation
Lei No. 7/2008 (Regime Juridico Aplicavel ao Trafico Ilicito e Consumo de Estupefacientes)
Effective
July 27, 2008
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of recreational cannabis are prohibited. The Direccao das Alfandegas screens shipments at Sao Tome International Airport (TMS), the Principe airstrip (PCP), and at the Ana Chaves and Neves ports. Trafficking under Law No. 7/2008 carries four to twelve years' imprisonment.
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