Laws concerning the possession, use, manufacture, and distribution of drugs vary across the globe. Some countries have extremely harsh penalties, while others are liberal in allowing drug use. Here are some of the more lenient countries when it comes to drug offenses.
Canada is legalizing the non-medical use of marijuana in 2018. The consumption of illegal drugs in federally-approved supervised consumption services, such as supervised injection sites, is allowed.
Switzerland provides heroin safe rooms where clean needles are provided to help addicts safely inject.
Portugal has some of the most lenient drug laws. Possession of less than a 10 day supply of an illegal drug is considered an administrative violation and not a crime. Offenders may receive small fines or be sent to treatment.
In the Netherlands, cannabis may be used and sold in licensed “coffee shops.” People caught with small amounts of illegal drugs are sometimes not charged with a criminal offense. Supervised consumption sites are legal. People with substance use disorders may be ordered to get treatment instead of being sent to prison.
In Costa Rica, possession and use of illegal drugs is not a crime, although using them in public may be.
In the United States, many people feel that we punish drug offenses too harshly, and that we need to focus more on prevention and treatment. No matter what side of that argument you fall on, you’ll agree that in some ways Americans have it easy. Other countries can be extremely harsh in punishing drug related offenses.
In Malaysia, people who sell drugs can be sentenced to death. Being in possession of drugs can lead to you being fined, jailed, or deported.
China also executes people for some drug crimes. People who are caught with certain drugs are sent to a government-run treatment facility.
In Vietnam, people who are arrested with more than 1.3 pounds of heroin will automatically be executed.
In Iran, penalties can range from a large fine to death.
Thailand sentences drug traffickers to death, and drug users are sent to mandatory treatment.
In Dubai, drug offenders may be sentenced to four years in prison and then be deported. There are many prescription drugs that are legal in most of the world but illegal in Dubai.
In Saudi Arabia, the sale of drugs is grounds for the death penalty. Alcohol is illegal, and possession or use of alcohol or drugs can be punished by public flogging, fines, imprisonment, or death.
In Singapore, you can be put to death for selling drugs. Authorities there also assume that you are selling even if you’re found with fairly small amounts.
In Indonesia, possession of marijuana can lead to 20 years in jail. The sale of drugs is punishable by death.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.
