Countries Where You Would Rather Not Get Caught with Weed

Singapore

Singapore is one of the worst places in the world to get caught with weed or any drug whatsoever. Authorities have zero tolerance for substance use. Possession and use of cannabis can result in up to 10 years of prison, with a possible fine of $20,000, along with other amendments under the city-state's Misuse of Drugs Act. Along with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Brunei, Singapore has the death penalty for smuggling cannabis. Just recently, a Singaporean man was executed for an alleged attempt to smuggle a little over two pounds of weed. 

Malaysia

Malaysia is another Southeast Asian country where cannabis is classified as a highly dangerous substance with no therapeutic value. Possession of 20-50 grams of cannabis can result in 2-5 years jail time. The prison sentence can also be accompanied by a minimum of three and a maximum of nine lashes. The penalties get harsher if the weed quantities you're caught with are more significant. On the brighter side, some of the country's lawmakers are pushing a decriminalization bill. In some rare cases, if you are a tourist caught carrying a tiny amount of weed, you might be forgiven, and all you will have to do is pay a fine on the spot. But don't bet too much on that. 

Indonesia

The world's largest archipelagic country does not tolerate drug use at all. The laws are not as rigid as in neighboring Singapore or Malaysia. Still, nothing good awaits those caught trying to smuggle marijuana onto some of the country's islands. Cannabis, regardless if it's merely CBD or CBG, is punishable by a minimum of four years in prison. The greater the quantity, the greater the punishment, of course. The convict also has to pay a hefty fine. In 2015, Indonesian authorities executed two Australians for trying to smuggle cannabis into the country. 

Philippines

All cannabis extracts and tinctures are banned under the country's narcotics law. Use and possession of 500 grams of weed or 10 grams of resin could result in life imprisonment and again, a hefty fine. The Philippines has a dark history with the war on drugs in general. It did not help when former President Roderigo Duerte openly called for drug offenders to be killed, issuing "shoot-to-kill" orders to his police. So, drugs in the Philippines? No thanks. 

Saudi Arabia

Another country that has a hardcore stance against the use of cannabis or any drugs is Saudi Arabia. Getting caught with weed most often results in prison punishment. The punishments are harsher for Saudi citizens than for foreigners, but you would still rather not get involved in legal troubles there. From a Saudi viewpoint, the use of drugs is seen as a crime against God, therefore any such act must be punished, including executions for the more serious offenses.

United Arab Emirates

Things are not much different in the United Arab Emirates, a neighbor to Saudi Arabia. The disapproval of drugs is clearly outlined in UAE's anti-drugs law. Drugs should not be "brought, imported, exported, made, extracted, separated, produced, possessed or taken, and all other activities and connections thereof may not be performed." A person found possessing weed carries the risk of up to 15 years in prison, depending on the quantity. In 2021, a young British national ended up in jail for having CBD vape oils. 

Turkey

Turkey also has rigid drug laws. Cannabis is not something that you want to get caught in this country either. The country's penal code says that all drugs, regardless if they are plant-based or lab-made, are strictly prohibited. Simple possession can result in up to five years in prison. Trying to smuggle is punishable by up to 15 years. 

Brunei 

Brunei also follows the strict rule of Sharia law, which means a total ban on the use of any substance, even alcohol. The ban targets the local Muslim populations, but it's not any easier for tourists found in possession weed or other substances. Caught with fewer than 500 grams of pot can result in 20 years in prison. More than 600 grams could mean the death penalty. Surprisingly though, Brunei has drug rehabilitation centers that offer mental and religious support to drug abusers. 

El Salvador

If there is one place in Central America where you don't want to get caught with weed, that's El Salvador. The country is nestled between Honduras and Guatemala. Carrying a more significant amount of weed there is punishable with a lengthy prison sentence, between 10 and 15 years. Two grams could see you in prison for 1-2 years. What gives hope is that the country's authorities may relax rules on the medicinal use of weed in the coming years. 

Slovakia

Europe is generally a safer place when it comes to cannabis consumption. Still, there are some countries like Slovakia and even France where possession can get you into really big legal trouble. Slovak authorities in particular are very harsh on all drugs. All substances are prohibited under a law that was enforced in 2006. The law doesn't differentiate between soft and hard drugs. Meaning, it's the same whether you are caught carrying weed or heroin. Terrible, right? 

Conclusion

If you travel to any of these countries, just refrain from carrying or asking around for weed. Even if it's CBD prescribed to you by a physician. It's not worth it, and it can ruin your life. Just enjoy the country, its culture, cuisine, natural wonders... and make the time count in other ways than toking. This article does not cover all countries in the world where getting caught with weed can get you in serious legal trouble. It simply provides a brief account of the most unfriendly places for cannabis. Before you travel anywhere, take a look at the country's laws on drugs and narcotics and check if authorities practice law enforcement for personal consumption. Or if that's too much asking, you can always go to a place where it's totally okay to smoke some weed.