Is LSD legal in Samoa?

Also known as: acid

Legal status

LSD is controlled under the Narcotics Act 1967, the official version as at 31 December 2023, though the Act does not use the abbreviation LSD as an entry heading. First Schedule item 17, Class A narcotics, names "LYSERGIDE (N, N-diethyllysergamide or lysergic acid diethylamide)", lysergic acid diethylamide being the full chemical name for which LSD is the standard abbreviation. The same Schedule separately names lysergic acid itself, the immediate precursor from which LSD is synthesised, at items 15 and 16, both reading "LYSERGIC ACID (essential precursor for manufacture of LSD)" in the cached text; lysergic acid is additionally named as a controlled precursor at Fourth Schedule item 11, so it carries a dual listing as both a Class A narcotic in its own right and a controlled precursor.

Consequences if caught

As a Class A narcotic, dealing in, possessing, selling, supplying or using LSD (lysergide) carries imprisonment for life under section 18, with the same exposure for import or export under section 17 and for unlawful manufacture under section 18A; section 18's proviso reduces a non-wilful or procedural contravention to a fine of up to 5 penalty units or imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both. Lysergic acid itself carries the same Class A exposure as a narcotic, in addition to being a controlled precursor under section 17A, which separately penalises its unlicensed import or export by up to 14 years or a fine of up to 500 penalty units, or both.

If prescribed or medical

Section 7(2)(c) exempts a person from the possession and use prohibition where the narcotic was supplied, or prescribed, by a licensee authorised under section 11 to supply or prescribe narcotics. LSD has no recognised Samoa medical approval; no Pharmacy Act 2007 or Drugs Act 1967 approval naming lysergide or LSD was located in the sources searched.

Documentation

The Narcotics Act 1967 (1967 No. 3), the official version as at 31 December 2023, is the authority for the position stated. Whether a later Gazette amendment or a Head of State Order under section 5 of the Act has varied it since that date could not be established from the sources searched this session, so the position given is as at the version read and is not asserted as current beyond it. Import or export of LSD requires a licence granted by the Chief Executive Officer under sections 10(2) and 11; no Samoa specific traveller documentation requirement beyond this was located in the sources searched.

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.