Singapore: Cannabis Laws (Zero-Tolerance Enforcement)

Last updated: December 11, 2025

Legal notice: Informational only--not legal advice. Penalties in Singapore are severe, including long imprisonment and, for trafficking above thresholds, capital punishment. Verify on official portals below. See Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty.

Quick Summary

Singapore maintains one of the world's strictest anti-drug policies. Cannabis is classified as a Class A controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) of 1973. All cannabis-related activities--possession, consumption, cultivation, trafficking, import, and export--are criminal offenses carrying severe penalties, including the death penalty for trafficking above specified thresholds.

The law makes no distinction for personal use or small amounts. Medical cannabis is not permitted. Singapore enforces extraterritorial jurisdiction, meaning Singapore citizens and permanent residents can be prosecuted for cannabis use overseas upon return.

Legal Framework

Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1973

Singapore's primary narcotics control statute was enacted in 1973 and has been amended multiple times to strengthen enforcement. The MDA classifies controlled substances into Class A, B, and C, with cannabis listed as a Class A drug alongside heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Cannabis and cannabis mixtures (products diluted with other substances) are treated identically under Singapore law since a 2009 amendment. The law prohibits all forms of cannabis, including marijuana flower, concentrates, edibles, oils, and any product containing THC or cannabis derivatives.

Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

The Central Narcotics Bureau is Singapore's specialized anti-narcotics enforcement agency. Established in 1971, CNB operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and conducts:

• Border enforcement at checkpoints
• Undercover operations targeting dealers and traffickers
• Drug testing programs
• Public education campaigns
• Rehabilitation oversight

CNB works closely with Singapore Police Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and international drug enforcement agencies.

Penalties by Offense Type

Singapore's drug penalties are among the world's harshest. Courts have little discretion once trafficking thresholds are met.

Consumption (First Offense)

Under Section 8(b) of the MDA, cannabis consumption carries:

• Minimum 1 year imprisonment
• Maximum 10 years imprisonment
• Fine up to S$20,000 (approximately USD $15,000)
• Or both imprisonment and fine

The law criminalizes consumption itself, not just possession. Urine tests showing cannabis metabolites constitute proof of consumption.

Consumption (Repeat Offenders)

For those previously convicted of drug consumption:

• Minimum 2 years imprisonment
• Maximum 10 years imprisonment
• Fine up to S$20,000
• 3 to 6 strokes of the cane

Singapore retains corporal punishment (caning) for drug offenses. Caning is administered with a 1.2-meter rattan cane and causes permanent scarring.

Possession

Unauthorized possession of cannabis under Section 8(a):

• Maximum 10 years imprisonment
• Fine up to S$20,000
• Or both

For enhanced possession quantities:

• 330g to 500g: 20 years imprisonment + 10 strokes of the cane
• More than 500g: Up to 30 years imprisonment + 15 strokes of the cane

Presumption of Trafficking

Singapore law creates a statutory presumption of trafficking for possession of 30 grams or more of cannabis. This shifts the burden of proof to the defendant, who must prove the cannabis was for personal use, not distribution.

Once the 30-gram threshold is met, prosecutors need not prove intent to traffic. This presumption is nearly impossible to overcome in practice.

Trafficking, Import, Export

For trafficking, importing, or exporting cannabis:

Below death penalty threshold (less than 500g):

• Minimum 5 years imprisonment
• Maximum 20 years imprisonment
• 5 to 15 strokes of the cane

Above death penalty threshold (500g or more):

• Life imprisonment, or
• Death penalty

The death penalty is mandatory for trafficking over 500 grams unless the defendant qualifies for an exception (assisting authorities or having substantially impaired mental responsibility). Since 2012, courts have some discretion to impose life imprisonment instead of death if defendants cooperate with CNB.

Cultivation

Growing cannabis plants, regardless of quantity:

• Minimum 2 years imprisonment
• Maximum 10 years imprisonment
• Up to S$20,000 fine
• Possible caning for larger operations

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

Singapore's drug laws extend beyond its borders. Under Section 8A of the MDA, it is an offense for Singapore citizens and permanent residents to consume controlled drugs anywhere in the world.

How Extraterritorial Enforcement Works

When Singapore citizens or permanent residents return from overseas, they may be subjected to:

• Urine tests at checkpoints (detect use within past 7 days)
• Hair follicle tests (detect use within past 3-6 months)
• Random enforcement checks by CNB

Positive test results trigger prosecution as if the consumption occurred within Singapore. The law applies regardless of whether cannabis is legal in the country where consumption occurred.

2022 CNB Reminder

In July 2022, CNB issued a public reminder emphasizing that consuming drugs overseas remains a crime for Singapore citizens and PRs. The reminder noted that countries with legalized cannabis (such as Thailand, Canada, and parts of the US) provide no protection under Singapore law.

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement

Singapore's approach differs fundamentally from harm reduction models used in Western countries:

• No decriminalization: Unlike Portugal or Netherlands, Singapore criminalizes all use
• No medical marijuana program: Cannabis has no recognized medical value under Singapore law
• No personal use exception: Small amounts receive the same criminal treatment as larger quantities
• No drug courts: Singapore does not divert users to treatment-focused courts

Airport and Border Screening

Singapore's Changi Airport maintains rigorous screening:

• Drug-detection canines patrol arrival areas
• Random baggage inspections
• Mandatory declaration of all medications
• Cooperation with international drug enforcement databases

CNB officers are present at all major checkpoints, including land crossings to Malaysia. Travelers face urine testing if officers have reasonable suspicion.

Recent Legal Developments

2023 Enhanced Penalties

In 2023, Singapore updated the MDA to impose harsher mandatory minimums for possession quantities between 330g and 500g. This closed a gap where quantities near the death penalty threshold received inconsistent sentences.

2024 Execution Statistics

Singapore resumed executions for drug offenses in 2022 after a pandemic pause. In 2023 and 2024, several individuals were executed for cannabis trafficking above 500 grams. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, criticized these executions as arbitrary and unlawful.

Presidential Clemency Rare

Singapore's President may grant clemency to commute death sentences to life imprisonment, but such clemency is extremely rare. Between 1991 and 2023, only a small handful of drug traffickers received clemency.

Regional Comparison

Singapore's Southeast Asian neighbors enforce varied cannabis policies:

• Thailand: Decriminalized cannabis in 2022, allowing medical and some recreational use
• Malaysia: Strict prohibitions with mandatory death penalty for trafficking over 200 grams (though Malaysia introduced judicial discretion in 2023)
• Indonesia: Death penalty for trafficking; 4-12 years for possession
• Vietnam: Criminal penalties but generally less severe than Singapore

Important: Liberalized policies in neighboring countries provide no protection in Singapore. Singapore law applies to all conduct within Singapore's borders and, for citizens/PRs, worldwide cannabis consumption.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

Before You Travel to Singapore

• Do not bring any cannabis products, CBD oils, or THC-containing items
• Do not assume products legal in your home country are acceptable
• Do not rely on medical marijuana prescriptions from other countries
• Do not attempt to mail or ship cannabis products to Singapore
• Declare all medications at customs, with prescriptions and doctor's notes

CBD and Hemp Products

Singapore prohibits all cannabis derivatives, including CBD (cannabidiol) and hemp products. Even products labeled as "THC-free" or "legal CBD" are prohibited. CNB advises that trace amounts of THC found in supposedly pure CBD products can trigger prosecution.

While in Singapore

• Avoid all cannabis use, even in private settings
• Do not accept substances from strangers
• Understand that consumption overseas can be prosecuted upon return
• If prescribed opioids or benzodiazepines by a foreign doctor, carry full documentation
• Singapore's tourist-friendly reputation does not extend to drug tolerance

If Questioned by Authorities

• Remain calm and respectful
• Request consular access from your embassy immediately
• Do not sign documents you don't understand
• Seek legal representation before making any statements
• Do not attempt to negotiate or pay bribes (this is also a criminal offense)

Singapore's police and CNB officers generally speak English. Consular officials can provide lists of local defense attorneys but cannot interfere with Singapore's legal process.

Medical Exceptions

Singapore's MDA theoretically permits limited medical and research use of controlled drugs, but such exceptions:

• Are extremely rare
• Require approval from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
• Apply only to specific medical contexts (e.g., cancer pain management with pharmaceutical-grade synthetic cannabinoids)
• Are not available to individual patients or consumers
• Do not extend to natural cannabis products

As of 2025, no legal medical cannabis program exists. Patients seeking cannabis-based relief have no legal pathway.

Drug Rehabilitation

Singapore offers the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) as an alternative to imprisonment for certain first-time offenders. DRC placement is at the Director of CNB's discretion and involves:

• 6 to 12 months of residential treatment
• Mandatory counseling and vocational training
• Strict behavioral monitoring
• Supervised aftercare upon release

DRC is not "treatment in lieu of prosecution." Those admitted to DRC still acquire a drug offender record and face enhanced penalties for future offenses.

Keep Learning

• Regional context: Cannabis Laws by Country & Region
• Legal protections: Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty
• Southeast Asian neighbors: Indonesia Cannabis Laws, Malaysia Cannabis Laws
• Trust workflow: Information You Can Trust, How We Fact-Check
• Safety: Responsible Use Guide

Official Government Sources (Verify Here)

Always verify current law on these official Singapore government portals:

• Singapore Statutes Online - Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA): https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/MDA1973
• Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) - Home: https://www.cnb.gov.sg
• CNB - Misuse of Drugs Act Overview: https://www.cnb.gov.sg/drug-information/misuse-of-drugs-act
• CNB - Cannabis Information: https://www.cnb.gov.sg/singapore-drug-situation/myths-and-facts-about-drugs/cannabis
• CNB - Singapore's Anti-Drug Laws on Cannabis: https://www.cnb.gov.sg/singapore-drug-situation/myths-and-facts-about-drugs/cannabis/singapore-s-anti-drug-laws-on-cannabis

Additional Resources

• Ministry of Home Affairs: https://www.mha.gov.sg
• Health Sciences Authority (HSA): https://www.hsa.gov.sg
• Cannabis in Singapore (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Singapore
• Your embassy/consulate contact information (look up before travel)