Sierra Leone
Is Weed Legal in Sierra Leone?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Sierra Leone. The National Drugs Control Act 2008, as amended by the National Drugs Control (Amendment) Act 2017, classifies cannabis (locally diamba) as a controlled drug under Schedule I. Section 16 makes possession of any quantity of cannabis an offence, punishable on conviction by a fine of not less than Le 30 million or imprisonment of not less than five years, or both; trafficking carries a minimum of ten years.
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Sierra Leone Police Anti-Narcotics Unit, and Customs at the Freetown port lead enforcement. The 2017 amendment was intended in part to harmonise penalties with ECOWAS commitments; it did not introduce a personal-use diversion or decriminalisation threshold. Possession at Lungi International Airport (FNA) leads to prosecution; tourists receive no exemption.
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 ·
Sierra Leone
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited for recreational use
Regulator
National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Sierra Leone Police Anti-Narcotics Unit; Ministry of Health and Sanitation
Key regulation
National Drugs Control Act 2008, as amended by the National Drugs Control (Amendment) Act 2017
Effective
December 18, 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 National Revenue Authority (NRA) Customs and the NDLEA coordinate interdiction at Queen Elizabeth II Quay (Freetown port) and at land borders with Guinea and Liberia. No medicinal or industrial regime is in force.
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