While the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use isn’t a punishable offense in Venezuela, possessing larger amounts, transporting and selling marijuana is illegal. The country does not allow medical marijuana for medical purposes.
Current Legislation
In Venezuela, the cultivation, production, trade, import, export, dispensing, sale and acquisition of cannabis is illegal. However, possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana or 5 grams of genetically modified marijuana, which is considered for “personal use,” is not punished. Rather, violators must participate in a drug treatment program for rehabilitation and detoxification. Upon release from the drug rehabilitation center, the individual is placed on parole and monitored. Foreign violators are deported. If an individual is caught with more than 20 grams of marijuana or 5 grams of genetically modified marijuana, or if the marijuana is found to not be for medical or personal consumption, is punishable by 1 to 2 years in prison, at a judge’s discretion.
The cultivation of industrial hemp is illegal in Venezuela. However, purchasing and consuming hemp oil is legal.
Medical Marijuana Laws
There is no legislation allowing for legal medical marijuana use in Venezuela.
References:
Venezuela. (n.d.). Drug Law Reform in Latin America. Retrieved from http://druglawreform.info/en/country-information/latin-america/uruguay/item/209-uruguay.
