Is Marijuana Legal in Suriname?

The sale, possession, and consumption of medical and recreational cannabis is illegal in Suriname. Cannabidiol (CBD) products and other marijuana derivatives, such as delta-8, are also prohibited.

Medical Marijuana Laws in Suriname

All forms of marijuana are banned in Suriname, and recreational and medical use of cannabis is expressly prohibited. Cultivation has been decriminalized. While cannabis is reportedly the most popular illegal drug in the country, substance abuse is uncommon among Surinamese people.

Details regarding drug-related penalties in Suriname are vague and conflicting. According to the Global Crime Index, authorities are rather permissive of public marijuana use. On the other hand, travel advisories consistently warn of severe drug sentencing in Suriname, which may result in large fines and lengthy prison sentences.

As a major transit hub for cocaine and heroin, Suriname is classified as a narco state. It is also a country of origin, and transshipment point, for marijuana.

The tropical climate of this small Latin American country is ideal for marijuana growth. Once cannabis cultivation was decriminalized in 2018, Surinamese officials approved a new law for the production and sale of commercial hemp to manufacture CBD products. The Industrial Hemp Cultivation Act establishes and implements regulations for producing and exporting hemp.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Suriname

In recent years, efforts to legalize cannabis have steadily gained momentum. Led by former president Desi Bouterse, the National Assembly aimed to advance legislation that would legalize medical cannabis use and home cultivation for Surinamese residents.

While the election of President Chan Santokhi in 2020 halted these efforts, the new administration supports the expansion of the industrial hemp industry.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Suriname?

Under the Industrial Hemp Cultivation Act, farmers can produce industrial hemp on behalf of foreign companies that produce CBD oil and other cannabis products. It remains illegal to cultivate cannabis for both medical purposes and personal use.

The Bottom Line

Although a growing number of South American countries have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, cannabis (and its derivatives) remains illegal in Suriname. While law enforcement is reportedly lax about public marijuana use, drug-related offenses are known to incur severe penalties — including jail time.

Lastly, federal laws authorizing the commercial production and exportation of hemp may one day lead to legal cannabis for recreational and medicinal use.