Is Cocaine legal in Dominican Republic?
- Legal status
- Controlled under Law 50-88 — statutory tiers (Art 5, amended 17-95): ≤1 g simple possession (still an offence), >1–5 g distributor, >5 g trafficker
- Consequences if caught
- Cocaine possession tiers (Art 5 as amended by Law 17-95): ≤1 g = simple possession ('recreational user') — STILL a punishable offence; >1–5 g = distributor; >5 g = trafficker. CRITICAL: 'simple possession' is STILL A PUNISHABLE OFFENCE — it is a lesser charge, NOT decriminalization. Trafficking (Arts 58/59) carries up to 5–20 years. The US Embassy warns of zero-tolerance enforcement: small quantities can mean arrest, and US cannabis/medical cards are not recognized.
- If prescribed or medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- There is no medical-cannabis programme; CBD is treated the same as THC, and US cannabis or medical-marijuana cards are not recognized. The US Embassy warns of zero-tolerance enforcement — even small quantities can lead to arrest.
- Law No. 50-88 (1988), as amended by Law 17-95 (1995) & Law 35-90 (1990), Arts 5/6/58/59
- oas.org
- do.usembassy.gov
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Dominican Republic’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →