Legal status in Philippines

Per-substance legal status for Philippines, from sourced statutes where available. Legal information, not legal advice; drug laws change, so confirm with the destination’s embassy or drug authority before you travel.

43 confirmed substances42 not individually verifiedLast updated July 14, 2026

Confirmed legal status

3-MMC

Legal status: 3-MMC (3-methylmethcathinone) is controlled — RA 9165 and Dangerous Drugs Board resolutions schedule NPS/cathinones, reaching 3-MMC by class; the specific DDB resolution is left to confirmation.
Consequences if caught: Dangerous-drugs offences carry long imprisonment and heavy fines. Death penalty was abolished (RA 9346, 2006) — no capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a dangerous drug.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

3-MMC in Philippines, full detail →

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)

Legal status: Neither 7-hydroxymitragynine nor kratom is a controlled dangerous drug in the Philippines: the Dangerous Drugs Board (April 2023) confirmed that Mitragyna speciosa and its alkaloids mitragynine and 7-OH are not among the dangerous drugs, so 7-OH shares the plant's unregulated status.
Consequences if caught: No RA 9165 penalty attaches to the alkaloid; kratom is not scheduled as a dangerous drug.
If prescribed / medical: No controlled kratom or alkaloid medicine exists; there is no dangerous-drug prescription tier for it.
Documentation: No dangerous-drug import controls apply; kratom and its alkaloids are unregulated.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in Philippines, full detail →

Adderall

Legal status: Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) has no separate legal identity — it is regulated AS amphetamine: prohibited/controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002).
Consequences if caught: Import/sale/trafficking carries life imprisonment + a large fine. The death penalty was abolished nationally by RA 9346 (2006), so RA 9165's capital wording is read down to reclusion perpetua — no capital exposure. (Note the documented risk of extrajudicial anti-drug violence.)
If prescribed / medical: Prescription stimulant via strictly controlled medical channels; carrying it without a local permit/prescription risks arrest.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

RA 9165 · RA 9346 (2006) abolished the death penalty · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Adderall in Philippines, full detail →

Alcohol

Legal status: Legal — alcohol (ethanol) is a licensed, age-regulated beverage, not a controlled drug; minimum purchase age 18, with local liquor bans during elections.
Consequences if caught: No penalty for adult consumption; sale to minors and election-period 'liquor ban' breaches carry penalties.
If prescribed / medical: n/a — a beverage, not a medicine.
Documentation: Widely sold in shops and sari-sari stores on proof of age; no traveller permit.

who.int · Updated July 14, 2026

Alcohol in Philippines, full detail →

Amphetamine

Legal status: Prohibited/controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002).
Consequences if caught: Import/sale/trafficking carries life imprisonment + a large fine. The death penalty was abolished nationally by RA 9346 (2006), so RA 9165's capital wording is read down to reclusion perpetua — no capital exposure. (Note the documented risk of extrajudicial anti-drug violence.)
If prescribed / medical: Prescription stimulant via strictly controlled medical channels; carrying it without a local permit/prescription risks arrest.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

RA 9165 · RA 9346 (2006) abolished the death penalty · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Amphetamine in Philippines, full detail →

Barbiturates

Legal status: Barbiturates are controlled dangerous drugs under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), listed by the Dangerous Drugs Board as 1971 Convention psychotropics — a class scheduled by compound (secobarbital/pentobarbital/amobarbital higher, phenobarbital/barbital lower).
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity (up to life for trafficking). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the statutory maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Phenobarbital is dispensed as a controlled antiepileptic (a WHO Essential Medicine); the sedative-hypnotic barbiturates are tightly controlled.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Barbiturates in Philippines, full detail →

Buprenorphine

Legal status: Buprenorphine is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 — internationally a 1971 Schedule III opioid, a lighter tier than methadone; the death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006), so the maximum is life, never death.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity (up to life for trafficking); there is no capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Buprenorphine in Philippines, full detail →

Cannabis / THC

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥500 g of marijuana — or ≥10 g of cannabis resin — carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; smaller amounts are graduated downward. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Cannabis / THC in Philippines, full detail →

Cathinone

Legal status: Controlled — cathinone (khat's natural principal alkaloid) is a 1971 Convention SCHEDULE I psychotropic and is a dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) via the Dangerous Drugs Board schedule. Mechanism: 1971 Sch-I transposition, named. As the parent compound it is DISTINCT from the khat PLANT (Catha edulis, not named) and from the synthetic cathinones (mephedrone etc., DDB-listed) that derive from it; cathinone is the named dangerous-drug alkaloid, cathine the milder metabolite (1971 Schedule III). No capital exposure — the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006); maximum is life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Dangerous drug: possession and trafficking of the alkaloid punishable by up to life imprisonment, not capital.
If prescribed / medical: 1971 Schedule I substance with no accepted medical use and no lawful prescription route for the isolated alkaloid.
Documentation: No licit personal-import route for a dangerous drug.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Cathinone in Philippines, full detail →

CBD

Legal status: CBD (cannabidiol) is controlled as cannabis — 'marijuana' (Cannabis sativa L., every kind) is a dangerous drug under RA 9165 with no THC threshold or CBD carve-out, so CBD oils, gummies and tinctures are dangerous-drug preparations.
Consequences if caught: Possession under s 11 (below 300 g) carries 12 years and 1 day to 20 years plus a P300,000-400,000 fine, and cultivation reaches life to death; importation or online purchase can trigger charges.
If prescribed / medical: A narrow route allows pharmaceutical-grade CBD (Epidiolex) via an FDA-PH Compassionate Special Permit, case-by-case for refractory epilepsy (finished pharmaceuticals only).
Documentation: No documentation legalises retail CBD; only pharmaceutical Epidiolex under an individual FDA-PH Compassionate Special Permit is lawful.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

CBD in Philippines, full detail →

Clonazepam

Legal status: Clonazepam is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), listed as a 1971 Convention Schedule IV benzodiazepine by the Dangerous Drugs Board.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity (up to life for trafficking). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the statutory maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Clonazepam in Philippines, full detail →

Cocaine

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥10 g of cocaine carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; 5–10 g carries 20 years to life; smaller amounts 12–20 years. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Cocaine in Philippines, full detail →

Codeine

Legal status: Codeine is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006), so codeine is not death-eligible; the statutory maximum is life imprisonment / reclusion perpetua.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity up to life; codeine is not death-eligible.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Codeine in Philippines, full detail →

Crack Cocaine

Legal status: Crack is the freebase (base) form of cocaine and has no separate legal identity in the Philippines: it is controlled AS cocaine, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), whose definitions cover cocaine, its salts and preparations and thus reach the base/freebase form. Crack is a dangerous drug on the same terms as cocaine, with the statutory maximum (life/formerly death, currently suspended) tied to quantity.
Consequences if caught: Possession, sale and use of crack (as cocaine) are serious crimes under RA 9165 (Secs 5, 11, 15); sale/trafficking carries life imprisonment and heavy fines.
If prescribed / medical: Cocaine has no recognised therapeutic use in the Philippines; the crack/freebase base has no medicinal preparation and cannot be prescribed.
Documentation: No prescription documentation exists for crack/freebase cocaine.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Crack Cocaine in Philippines, full detail →

Delta-8-THC

Legal status: Controlled — delta-8-THC (Δ8-THC) is caught as a tetrahydrocannabinol under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165), which covers THC and its isomers; delta-8 is controlled as an isomer of THC (any specific DDB resolution left to confirmation). Distinct from cannabis, a dangerous drug under RA 9165. Death penalty ABOLISHED (RA 9346, 2006).
Consequences if caught: Illegal; trafficking is life imprisonment and heavy fines (non-capital since RA 9346, 2006).
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; delta-8-THC is not a prescribable medicine.
Documentation: No lawful personal import of a dangerous drug.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Delta-8-THC in Philippines, full detail →

Diazepam

Legal status: Diazepam is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), listed as a 1971 Convention Schedule IV benzodiazepine by the Dangerous Drugs Board.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity (up to life for trafficking). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the statutory maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Diazepam in Philippines, full detail →

Ephedrine

Legal status: Regulated as a chemical PRECURSOR (1988 UN Convention Table I — a methamphetamine precursor), NOT as a scheduled narcotic; a Table I Controlled Precursor and Essential Chemical (CPEC) under RA 9165 (PDEA/DDB licensing).
Consequences if caught: No capital exposure — the death penalty was abolished entirely by RA 9346 (2006). Illegal import/manufacture of a CPEC: 12 years-1-day to 20 years + fine.
If prescribed / medical: Also a pharmacy/prescription decongestant-bronchodilator medicine subject to sales limits; carry documentation for a personal supply.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Ephedrine in Philippines, full detail →

Etizolam

Legal status: Etizolam is a controlled substance under RA 9165, listed by the Dangerous Drugs Board in its Updated Lists (Schedule IV).
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 possession scales by quantity (~12 years and 1 day to life). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Controlled as a Schedule IV dangerous drug.
Documentation: Declare controlled medicines and carry a prescription in original packaging.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Etizolam in Philippines, full detail →

GHB

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥10 g of GHB carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; smaller amounts are graduated downward. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

GHB in Philippines, full detail →

Heroin

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥10 g of heroin carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; 5–10 g carries 20 years to life; smaller amounts 12–20 years. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Heroin in Philippines, full detail →

Hydrocodone

Legal status: Hydrocodone is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002); it is not marketed in the Philippines. The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006), so the ceiling is life imprisonment / reclusion perpetua — not death.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity up to life / reclusion perpetua for trafficking; there is no death tier.
If prescribed / medical: No marketed Philippine hydrocodone product; a dangerous-drug opioid requires a PDEA licence and is dispensed under controlled-drug authority.
Documentation: A PDEA/FDA Permit to Import plus a prescription is needed for a personal controlled-drug supply; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Hydrocodone in Philippines, full detail →

Ketamine

Legal status: Dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), classified via Dangerous Drugs Board resolutions.
Consequences if caught: Import, sale or trafficking carries life imprisonment plus a fine of ₱500,000–₱10,000,000 regardless of quantity; possession is also heavily penalised. The death penalty was abolished nationally by RA 9346 (2006), so RA 9165's capital penalties are read down to reclusion perpetua — no capital exposure for any drug, including ketamine.
If prescribed / medical: Available only through controlled medical channels.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002) · RA 9346 (2006) abolished the death penalty · ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Ketamine in Philippines, full detail →

Kratom

Legal status: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is not controlled in the Philippines — the Dangerous Drugs Board confirmed (April 2023) that Mitragyna speciosa is not among the dangerous drugs, and PDEA records make no reference to it; neither mitragynine nor 7-hydroxymitragynine is listed. It is unregulated, not banned.
Consequences if caught: No dangerous-drugs penalty, as kratom is not a controlled substance under RA 9165; ordinary commercial rules apply.
If prescribed / medical: Not a scheduled medicine — no controlled prescription requirement; it is not a dangerous drug.
Documentation: No kratom-specific carry restriction; a reasonable personal quantity is not a dangerous-drugs matter.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Kratom in Philippines, full detail →

Lorazepam

Legal status: Lorazepam is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), listed as a 1971 Convention Schedule IV benzodiazepine by the Dangerous Drugs Board.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity (up to life for trafficking). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the statutory maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Lorazepam in Philippines, full detail →

LSD

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥10 g of LSD carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; smaller amounts are graduated downward. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

LSD in Philippines, full detail →

MDA

Legal status: Controlled — MDA is a dangerous drug under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165). NAMED mechanism. ABOLISHED: the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006); maximum is life imprisonment (reclusion perpetua) plus heavy fine.
Consequences if caught: Trafficking = life imprisonment plus fine; not capital.
If prescribed / medical: Dangerous drug with no recognised medical use; no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal import; trafficking caps at life, not death.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

MDA in Philippines, full detail →

MDMA

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥10 g of MDMA/ecstasy carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; 5–10 g carries 20 years to life; smaller amounts 12–20 years. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

MDMA in Philippines, full detail →

MDPV

Legal status: Controlled as a dangerous drug. MDPV is controlled under RA 9165 through Dangerous Drugs Board scheduling of NPS, as a 1971 Convention Schedule II psychotropic. There is no capital exposure: the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006).
Consequences if caught: Illegal; trafficking carries life imprisonment under RA 9165. Not death-eligible since RA 9346 (2006). Do not carry.
If prescribed / medical: MDPV has no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in the Philippines.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for a dangerous drug; do not carry.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

MDPV in Philippines, full detail →

Mephedrone (4-MMC)

Legal status: Controlled — NAMED. Mephedrone is individually added to the Dangerous Drugs Board controlled list (DDB Board Regulation) as a dangerous drug under RA 9165. No capital exposure — the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006); maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Dangerous drug: possession and trafficking punishable by up to life imprisonment, not capital.
If prescribed / medical: Dangerous drug with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No licit personal-import route for a dangerous drug.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Mephedrone (4-MMC) in Philippines, full detail →

Methadone

Legal status: Methadone is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002); the death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the ceiling is life imprisonment / reclusion perpetua, never death.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity up to life; there is no capital tier (abolished 2006).
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled dangerous drug (OST access limited).
Documentation: Carry a PDEA/FDA permit for controlled-drug import plus a prescription; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Methadone in Philippines, full detail →

Methamphetamine

Legal status: Dangerous Drug under RA 9165 — prohibited; possession/sale a serious crime (death is the statutory maximum, currently suspended)
Consequences if caught: Possession (Sec 11) of ≥50 g of methamphetamine ('shabu') carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine; 10–50 g carries life plus ₱400,000–500,000; smaller amounts 12–20 years. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second. NOTE: the death penalty remains in RA 9165 as the statutory MAXIMUM, but capital punishment is currently suspended and not carried out — in practice the penalties top out at life imprisonment.
If prescribed / medical: Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Methamphetamine in Philippines, full detail →

Methylone

Legal status: Controlled under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) — methylone was added by Dangerous Drugs Board resolution as a controlled synthetic cathinone (specific resolution left to confirmation). Death penalty ABOLISHED (RA 9346, 2006).
Consequences if caught: Illegal; trafficking is life imprisonment (non-capital since RA 9346, 2006).
If prescribed / medical: No recognised medical use; no lawful prescription route.
Documentation: No lawful personal import of a dangerous drug.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Methylone in Philippines, full detail →

Methylphenidate

Legal status: Prohibited/controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002).
Consequences if caught: Import/sale/trafficking carries life imprisonment + fine. No capital exposure (death penalty abolished RA 9346/2006).
If prescribed / medical: Prescription ADHD/narcolepsy medicine (e.g. Ritalin/Concerta) via controlled channels; carry the original prescription and any required import permit.

RA 9165 · RA 9346 (2006) abolished the death penalty · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Methylphenidate in Philippines, full detail →

Mitragynine

Legal status: Neither mitragynine nor kratom is a controlled dangerous drug in the Philippines: per the Dangerous Drugs Board (April 2023), Mitragyna speciosa is not among the dangerous drugs, and mitragynine, the principal alkaloid of kratom, is confirmed not listed either — so the alkaloid shares the plant's unregulated status.
Consequences if caught: No RA 9165 penalty attaches to the alkaloid; kratom is not scheduled as a dangerous drug.
If prescribed / medical: No controlled kratom or alkaloid medicine exists; there is no dangerous-drug prescription tier for it.
Documentation: No dangerous-drug import controls apply; kratom and its alkaloids are unregulated.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Mitragynine in Philippines, full detail →

Modafinil

Legal status: Prescription-only (FDA) — NOT scheduled as a dangerous drug under RA 9165.
Consequences if caught: Possession without a valid prescription is a regulatory violation; no capital exposure (death penalty abolished RA 9346/2006; also not scheduled).
If prescribed / medical: Carry the prescription; import may need PDEA/FDA clearance.
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Not scheduled under RA 9165 · RA 9346 (2006) · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Modafinil in Philippines, full detail →

Morphine

Legal status: Morphine is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002); the death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006), so morphine trafficking carries up to life imprisonment (reclusion perpetua), never death.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity up to life (reclusion perpetua); the maximum is life, never death, after RA 9346 (2006).
If prescribed / medical: Available on prescription as a controlled dangerous drug for severe and cancer pain.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging and declare controlled medicines; a PDEA/FDA permit may be required to import a personal supply.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Morphine in Philippines, full detail →

Nitrous Oxide

Legal status: Nitrous oxide is NOT listed as a dangerous or controlled drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002); the FDA classifies it as a prescription medicine, and the Dangerous Drugs Board and PDEA treat unauthorised recreational use as a health-product misuse issue rather than a narcotics offence.
Consequences if caught: Because nitrous oxide is outside RA 9165, it carries no dangerous-drugs penalty and is NOT death-eligible; unauthorised sale is addressed under FDA and health-product rules.
If prescribed / medical: Nitrous oxide is a lawful prescription medical/anaesthetic gas and food additive (E942); medical and culinary supply is permitted.
Documentation: Medical and food-grade nitrous oxide are lawful; the Dangerous Drugs Board warns against recreational inhalation but has not scheduled the gas as a controlled substance.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Nitrous Oxide in Philippines, full detail →

Oxycodone

Legal status: Oxycodone is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002) — a strong opioid; the death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006), so oxycodone is not death-eligible (ceiling life/reclusion perpetua).
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity up to life; the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006) — the maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled dangerous drug; a PDEA S-2 licence is needed to prescribe.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging and declare controlled medicines; a PDEA/FDA permit may be required to import a personal controlled-drug supply.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Oxycodone in Philippines, full detail →

Pink Cocaine / Tusi

Legal status: Pink cocaine (tusi) is not scheduled as such; it is a variable mixture (typically ketamine + MDMA) prosecuted through its constituents — both MDMA and ketamine are dangerous drugs under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), classified via Dangerous Drugs Board resolutions, and the Act reaches any preparation containing a dangerous drug. Because the blend varies batch to batch, exposure follows the most-severely-controlled detected component; the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006), so the statutory maximum is life imprisonment.
Consequences if caught: Possession, sale and use are serious offences under Secs 5, 11 and 15 of RA 9165, punishable by long imprisonment up to life (life/reclusion perpetua and heavy fines), charged on whichever constituent is detected.
If prescribed / medical: No lawful supply of the mixture; ketamine is a controlled medicine used as an anaesthetic, while MDMA has no accepted medical use.
Documentation: Sold as a party powder of unknown makeup; because the blend varies batch to batch, buyers cannot know its constituents, so severe legal exposure under RA 9165 is unknowable at purchase.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Pink Cocaine / Tusi in Philippines, full detail →

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice)

Legal status: Controlled as dangerous drugs. Synthetic cannabinoids are controlled under RA 9165 through Dangerous Drugs Board scheduling of new psychoactive substances, incorporating the synthetic cannabinoids added to Schedule II of the 1971 Convention. There is no capital exposure: the death penalty was abolished by RA 9346 (2006).
Consequences if caught: Illegal; trafficking carries life imprisonment under RA 9165. Not death-eligible since RA 9346 (2006). Do not carry.
If prescribed / medical: These synthetic cannabinoids have no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route in the Philippines.
Documentation: No lawful personal-import route for dangerous drugs; do not carry.

unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) in Philippines, full detail →

Tramadol

Legal status: Tramadol is a controlled 'dangerous drug' on the Dangerous Drugs Board list under RA 9165, and prescribing it requires a PDEA S-2 licence; the Philippines abolished the death penalty (RA 9346, 2006), so the maximum is reclusion perpetua (life), never death.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 offences carry graduated imprisonment up to life; there is no judicial capital exposure.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled dangerous drug by an S-2-licensed prescriber.
Documentation: Bring a PDEA/FDA Permit to Import for a personal controlled-drug supply, plus the prescription and records — carrying without a permit is scrutinised.

officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Tramadol in Philippines, full detail →

Xanax (Alprazolam)

Legal status: Alprazolam is a controlled dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002), listed as a 1971 Convention Schedule IV benzodiazepine by the Dangerous Drugs Board.
Consequences if caught: RA 9165 imposes graduated imprisonment by quantity (up to life for trafficking). The death penalty was abolished for all crimes by RA 9346 (2006) — the statutory maximum is life, never death.
If prescribed / medical: Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
Documentation: Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.

officialgazette.gov.ph · officialgazette.gov.ph · Updated July 13, 2026

Xanax (Alprazolam) in Philippines, full detail →

Zolpidem

Legal status: Zolpidem is a regulated dangerous-drug preparation under Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board rules (a listed psychotropic transposing its 1971 Convention Schedule IV status); it requires an S2-licensed prescriber and is dispensed on a special prescription.
Consequences if caught: Unauthorised supply or possession of this dangerous-drug hypnotic is an offence under RA 9165, enforced by PDEA, with heavy penalties.
If prescribed / medical: Zolpidem is prescribed short-term for insomnia via an S2 (PDEA-licensed) prescription, partial filling allowed and no refill.
Documentation: A traveller should carry prescribed zolpidem with the special prescription; dangerous-drug personal-import controls apply.

ddb.gov.ph · Updated July 14, 2026

Zolpidem in Philippines, full detail →

Not individually verified

For these 42 substances the governing national drug law is cited, but we have not verified that the substance specifically is scheduled under it. Treat them as unanswered, not as legal. Confirm with Philippines’s drug authority or your embassy.

1P-LSD

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

2-FDCK

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

25I-NBOMe

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

2C-B

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

2C-E

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

2C-I

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

2C-T-7

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

4-AcO-DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

4-HO-MET

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

6-APB

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Amanita muscaria

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Amyl Nitrite

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Ayahuasca

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Benzodiazepines

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Caffeine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

DMT

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

DOM

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

DXM

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Fentanyl

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Gabapentin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

GBL

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

HHC

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Khat

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

LSA (Morning Glory)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Memantine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Mescaline

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

MXE

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Nicotine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

PCP

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Peyote

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Phenibut

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Poppers

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Pregabalin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Psilocybin

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Quetiapine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Salvia divinorum

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Scopolamine (Devil's Breath)

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

THC-P

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Tobacco

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated July 14, 2026

Xylazine

Legal status: Not confirmed — verify with the Philippines' Dangerous Drugs Board / your embassy
Consequences if caught: The PHILIPPINES carries the death penalty as the statutory MAXIMUM under RA 9165 (currently suspended; penalties top out at life imprisonment in practice). This specific substance was not named in the reachable Philippine sources (RA 9165, Secs 5/11/15) — verify before travel. Sale, trading, manufacture, importation or transport (Sec 5) carries life imprisonment to death plus a ₱500,000–10,000,000 fine, regardless of quantity. Use (Sec 15) carries 6 months' rehabilitation for a first offence and 6–12 years for a second.
If prescribed / medical: If a controlled medicine, carry a valid prescription; an unlawful prescription is penalised (see documentation).
Documentation: Carry a valid prescription for any controlled medicine; an unlawful or fraudulent prescription is itself penalised under RA 9165. Foreigners receive no leniency.

Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Secs 5, 11 & 15 · Dangerous Drugs Board · officialgazette.gov.ph · ddb.gov.ph · unodc.org · Updated June 25, 2026

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary by country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with the destination’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 →

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