Is Cannabis / THC legal in Panama?

Legal status

Cannabis recreational illegal — NO formal decrim threshold; small personal 'single dose' = discretionary lighter penalty (Art 320); medical legal (Law 242/2021); hemp/CBD ≤1% THC legal since Mar 2025

Consequences if caught

Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in Panama under Ley No. 23 of 1986 (consolidated with Law No. 13 of 1994) and the Penal Code. Recreational use is illegal in Panama and there is NO formal decriminalization threshold. Under Penal Code Art 320, where a court or forensic examiner determines the amount is a 'small quantity' for personal consumption (a single dose), penalties are lighter — fines, community service, weekend detention or 2–4 years, or therapeutic measures (dependency plus a small amount leads to rehabilitative rather than custodial measures) — but this is discretionary, not a fixed threshold, and possession remains illegal. Possession for distribution (Art 321) draws 8–12 years; trafficking/import/export/transit (Art 313) 10–15 years; cultivation or manufacture (Art 314) 10–15 years; organized-crime leaders (Art 322) 20–25 years.

If prescribed or medical

Medical cannabis is legal (Law 242 of 2021, the first in Central America; MINSA-regulated; licensed pharmacies; oils and extracts only, no smokable flower; home cultivation banned; first pharmacy opened in early January 2026); hemp/CBD of 1% THC or less has been legal since March 2025 (Law 464).

Documentation

Recreational drug use is ILLEGAL in Panama and there is NO formal decriminalization threshold — do not treat Panama as 'decriminalized.' Under Penal Code Art 320, where a court or forensic examiner determines that the amount is a 'small quantity' for personal consumption (a single dose), penalties are lighter — fines, community service, weekend detention or 2–4 years, or therapeutic measures; dependency plus a small amount leads to rehabilitative rather than custodial measures. This is discretionary, not a fixed statutory threshold, and possession remains illegal. Possession for distribution (Art 321) draws 8–12 years; trafficking, import, export or transit (Art 313) 10–15 years; cultivation or manufacture (Art 314) 10–15 years; organized-crime leaders (Art 322) 20–25 years. Medical cannabis is legal (Law 242 of 2021, the first in Central America; MINSA-regulated; licensed pharmacies; oils and extracts only, no smokable flower; home cultivation banned; first pharmacy opened in early January 2026), and hemp/CBD of 1% THC or less has been legal since March 2025 (Law 464). Panama has NO death penalty for drugs. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Panama’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.