Cannabis in the Marshall Islands explained

Medicinal:Illegal
Recreational:Illegal

Cannabis is illegal in the Marshall Islands.

Law

The possession, sale, disposition, cultivation, production, and prescribing of cannabis is regulated by the Narcotic Drugs (Prohibition and Control) Act 1987.[1]

Possession

It is illegal to possess cannabis under Section 903 of the Narcotic Drugs (Prohibition and Control) Act 1987.[1]

Exceptions for medical use

An individual may possess cannabis if it is obtained pursuant to a valid prescription of a medical practitioner under Section 904 of the Act. Despite this section, medicinal cannabis is not available on the islands.[1]

Sentence

First offence: Possession of one ounce or less

If an individual is convicted of possession of one ounce or less on a first offence, they are subject to a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 or imprisonment between six months and one year, or both.[1]

First offence: Possession of more than one ounce

If an individual is convicted of possession of more than one ounce on a first offence, they are subject to a fine between $5,000 and $25,000 or imprisonment between one and five years, or both.[1]

Second offence: Possession of one ounce or less

If an individual is convicted of possession of cannabis of one ounce or less on a second or subsequent conviction, they are subject to a fine between $5,000 and $25,000 or imprisonment between one and five years, or both.[1]

Second offence: Possession of more than one ounce

If an individual is convicted of possession of more than one ounce on a second or subsequent conviction, they are subject to a fine between $25,000 and $50,000 or imprisonment between five and fifteen years, or both.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Narcotic Drugs (Prohibition and Control) Act 1987 - 7 MIRC Ch.9 . rmiparliament.org . Republic of the Marshall Islands Parliament . May 8, 2019.