Is Cannabis / THC legal in Venezuela?

Legal status

Cannabis — personal dose (≤20 g; ≤5 g 'genetically modified') for consumption NOT a crime (LOD Art 131: rehabilitation, not jail); above personal dose 1–2 years; trafficking 15–25 years; all use (incl. medical) illegal; NO death penalty

Consequences if caught

Under Venezuela's Ley Orgánica de Drogas (LOD, 2010), possession of a personal dose for consumption is NOT a crime (Art 131) — not jail, but mandatory rehabilitation/treatment, possible driver's-licence suspension and community service. Illicit possession above the personal dose but not for trafficking (Art 153) draws 1–2 years; trafficking (Art 149) draws 15–25 years (12–18 years where 5000 g or less of cannabis or 1000 g or less of cocaine; 8–12 years where smaller but above the personal dose). Venezuela has NO death penalty (abolished 1863, constitutionally prohibited). For cannabis, the Art 131 personal-dose limit is up to 20 g (or 5 g or less of 'genetically modified marijuana'); the Art 149 trafficking band of 12–18 years applies where the quantity is 5000 g or less. All cannabis use — recreational and medical — is illegal; cultivation for trafficking draws up to 18 years.

If prescribed or medical

There is NO medical-cannabis program; CBD/hemp is illegal and only limited scientific-research licences exist.

Documentation

Personal-use possession is NOT a crime in Venezuela: under Ley Orgánica de Drogas (LOD) Art 131, possession of a personal dose for consumption is not an offence. The personal-dose limits (Art 131) are up to 20 g of cannabis or 2 g of cocaine (and 5 g or less of 'genetically modified marijuana'); a person within those limits is not jailed but is subject to mandatory rehabilitation/treatment, possible driver's-licence suspension and community service. Illicit possession above the personal dose but not for trafficking (Art 153) draws 1–2 years. Trafficking (Art 149) draws 15–25 years; where the quantity is 5000 g or less of cannabis or 1000 g or less of cocaine, 12–18 years; where smaller but above the personal dose, 8–12 years; cultivation for trafficking up to 18 years. All cannabis use — recreational and medical — is illegal: there is NO medical-cannabis program, CBD/hemp is illegal, and only limited scientific-research licences exist. Venezuela has NO death penalty (abolished 1863, constitutionally prohibited). 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 Venezuela’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.