Legality2C-B in Zambia, full detail →Benzodiazepines in Zambia, full detail →Cannabis / THC in Zambia, full detail →Cocaine in Zambia, full detail →DMT in Zambia, full detail →Fentanyl in Zambia, full detail →GHB in Zambia, full detail →Heroin in Zambia, full detail →Khat in Zambia, full detail →LSD in Zambia, full detail →MDMA in Zambia, full detail →Mescaline in Zambia, full detail →Methamphetamine in Zambia, full detail →PCP in Zambia, full detail →Psilocybin in Zambia, full detail →
Legal status in Zambia
Per-substance legal status for Zambia, 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.
Confirmed legal status
2C-B
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- 2C-B is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Benzodiazepines
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Benzodiazepines is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Cannabis / THC
- Legal status
- Cannabis is a controlled drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, possession up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; no legal recreational regime; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cannabis is a controlled drug in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, with no legal recreational regime. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Cocaine
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Cocaine is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
DMT
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- DMT is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Fentanyl
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Fentanyl is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
GHB
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- GHB is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Heroin
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Heroin is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Khat
- Legal status
- Controlled, PLANT NAMED. 'catha edulis commonly referred to as khat or miraa' is expressly named in s.18(3) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealing Cap. 96 of 1993), and the alkaloids cathine and cathinone are on the psychotropic schedule. Mechanism: NAMED (plant). No capital exposure: Zambia's death penalty does not extend to drug offences (drug ceiling = imprisonment), and Zambia is abolitionist-in-practice.
- Consequences if caught
- s.18(3) gives khat the SAME special treatment as cannabis, on admission of guilt, a fine not exceeding 1,200 penalty units and NO custodial term, via the Criminal Procedure Code admission procedure (s.18(4)). The general 15-year possession ceiling (s.18(2)) applies only where the matter is not resolved by admission; trading (s.17) can reach up to 25 years.
- If prescribed / medical
- Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
- Documentation
- Khat is expressly named and controlled but treated like cannabis: the ordinary pathway is an admission-of-guilt fine (up to 1,200 penalty units), not the headline custodial term.
parliament.gov.zm · Updated July 14, 2026
LSD
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- LSD is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
MDMA
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- MDMA is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Mescaline
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Mescaline is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Methamphetamine
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Methamphetamine is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
PCP
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- PCP is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Psilocybin
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (which repealed Cap. 96 of 1993), possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute; the maximum penalty is imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Psilocybin is controlled in Zambia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021. In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment.
- If prescribed / medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Zambia, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021, which repealed the former Cap. 96 of 1993. Possession carries up to 15 years and trafficking up to 25 years; the precise quantity bands are left to confirmation against the current statute. The maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Zambia retains the death penalty for murder and treason only and is abolitionist in practice (commutations in 2022); it does NOT extend to drug offences, the maximum penalty for a drug offence is imprisonment. Cannabis is a controlled drug under the same Act, with no legal recreational regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 (repealed Cap. 96 of 1993) · zambialii.org · loc.gov · Updated June 28, 2026
Want an alert if Zambia changes its drug laws?
Drug-law changes, court decisions and research, once a month.
Free. We email you once to confirm. Unsubscribe with one click.
Not individually verified
73 substances are not individually verified for Zambia
For these 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 Zambia’s drug authority or your embassy.
| Substance | What we found |
|---|---|
| 1P-LSD | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 2-FDCK | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 25I-NBOMe | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 2C-E | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 2C-I | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 2C-T-7 | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 3-MMC | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 4-AcO-DMT | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 4-HO-MET | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo / Toad) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 6-APB | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Adderall | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Alcohol | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Amanita muscaria | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Amphetamine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Amyl Nitrite | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Ayahuasca | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Barbiturates | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Buprenorphine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Caffeine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Cannabinol | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Cathinone | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| CBD | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Clonazepam | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Codeine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Crack Cocaine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Delta-8-THC | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Diazepam | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| DOM | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| DXM | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Ephedrine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Etizolam | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Gabapentin | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| GBL | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| HHC | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Hydrocodone | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Ketamine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Kratom | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Lorazepam | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| LSA (Morning Glory) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| MDA | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| MDPV | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Memantine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Mephedrone (4-MMC) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Methadone | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Methaqualone (Quaaludes) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Methylone | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Methylphenidate | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Mitragynine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Modafinil | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Morphine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| MXE | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Nicotine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Nimetazepam | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Nitrous Oxide | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Opium | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Oxycodone | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Peyote | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Phenibut | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Pink Cocaine / Tusi | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Poppers | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Pregabalin | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Quetiapine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Salvia divinorum | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Scopolamine (Devil's Breath) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2 / Spice) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| THC-P | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Tobacco | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Tramadol | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Xanax (Alprazolam) | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Xylazine | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
| Zolpidem | Not confirmed, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 is the governing drug law; the... |
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 →