Where not to get Caught With Weed

1 – Singapore

Singapore has draconian drug laws. Possession of even the slightest amount of cannabis could result in a 10-year prison sentence and a $20,000 fine. If caught with 15 grams or more, you're automatically categorised as a trafficker, which could equate to life in prison. If encountered with 500+ grams, you could face the death penalty.

Also, it's worth noting that a positive drug test assumes possession in the eyes of the law, even if the police find no drugs on your person.

2 – United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has a Zero Tolerance attitude to all narcotics, including cannabis.The compulsory minimum sentence is four years in prison if found possessing the most trace amount of cannabis. You could also receive a fine of over $36,000.

Some tourists have even found themselves held for possession of legal prescription drugs. If UAE authorities drug test you and it returns positive, that still counts as possession!

Anyone caught trafficking drugs in the UAE may face the death penalty. At the least, you would face deportation, a prison sentence of 10-15 years and a hefty fine.

3 – Malaysia

Execution for the sale and trafficking of large quantities of illegal drugs is routine in Malaysia. Arresting someone possessing over 200 grams of weed will result in the death penalty. You will also face it if caught with over 40 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of heroin.

Possession of 50-200 grams of weed can result in at least a five-year prison sentence and ten lashes. Over three-quarters of prisoners on death row in Malaysia are there due to drug offences.

In 2019 the Malaysian health minister debated that it may be time to reform the country's attitude to cannabis. He said the drug war of 40 years had failed and that a new approach was necessary.

4 – Philippines

The Philippines are not as severe as the others listed but are still far harsher than most Western nations. First-time offenders can receive six months in rehab if caught with cannabis.

Second-time rounds and offenders will experience less leniency and face a mandatory prison sentence of 6-12 years. The cultivation of cannabis, however, could see you looking at a life sentence.

5 – Turkey

In Turkey, weed is legal for restricted medical and scientific use; however, illegal consumption results in extreme penalties. Under Turkish law, cannabis falls into the same category as heroin. The consumption of any illegal drug can put you behind bars for at least 2-5 years. The mandatory minimum jail sentence for selling cannabis is ten years, which is raised to 15 years if the sale is to a minor.

According to Turkish law, if you're implicated in a drug transaction involving two or more people covering all drug deals, you are assumed to belong to a criminal organisation. This factor makes prison sentences more severe. Turkish prisons are notorious for the barbaric treatment of inmates and poor conditions, with one cell being commonplace to house up to 50 people.

This list just goes to show the division of opinion and perception that cannabis still has around the globe. Whilst some countries are relaxing laws, others are tightening them up. If you want to enjoy a holiday and smoke weed, it's probably best to give these places a wide berth and go somewhere more weed-friendly.