Is DXM legal in Samoa?

Also known as: robo, dextromethorphan

Legal status

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is expressly excluded from the Narcotics Act 1967's Second Schedule item 71, LEVOMETHORPHAN entry, which reads in full, 'LEVOMETHORPHAN ((−)-3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan) but not including dextromethorphan ((+)-3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan) and dextrorphan ((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan)'. Dextromethorphan and dextrorphan are therefore not Class B narcotics under this entry, and no other item in any Schedule names dextromethorphan or dextrorphan. DXM is accordingly not controlled as a narcotic under this Act.

Consequences if caught

Because dextromethorphan is the subject of an express exclusion rather than a silent absence, no Narcotics Act offence attaches to its possession, sale, or use as an over the counter cough suppressant ingredient. Whether a concentrated or isolated DXM product attracts a separate poisons declaration under the Poisons Act 1968 is not established; the classification regulations under sections 3 and 5 of that Act were not located.

If prescribed or medical

DXM is an ingredient in registered cough and cold medicines; no specific Samoa medicine approval record for it was located under the Pharmacy Act 2007 beyond the general dispensing framework in section 28.

Documentation

No traveller documentation rule specific to dextromethorphan was located. A traveller carrying a labelled over the counter cough medicine containing DXM should expect ordinary medicines import treatment rather than narcotics control, given the express Schedule exclusion, but should confirm with Samoa Customs if carrying a concentrated or non retail form.

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