No, marijuana is not legal in Singapore.
The value of medical marijuana is increasingly being accepted globally, but Singapore continues to be one of the strictest nations in the world regarding its opposition to legislation.
In Singapore, marijuana possession or use can result in a $20,000 fine, and up to 10 years in prison. The more serious marijuana offenses of trafficking and importing more than 500 grams are punishable by the death penalty, therefore decriminalizing marijuana in Singapore is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Singapore Medical Marijuana Law
Singapore has no legislation allowing its residents to enjoy marijuana’s medical benefits because the drug is entirely outlawed there. Cannabis used for medical purposes has recently received greater attention.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) of Singapore started investigating the creation of synthetic cannabinoids in January 2018 with the goal of someday offering people in need life-saving therapies and sustainably developing new medications.
The program, which is part of a larger multi-million dollar investment by the institute into synthetic biology, aims to support Singapore’s efforts to develop a “bio-based economy,” expand new industries, and provide sustainable employment.
Two individuals were given permission to use medical cannabis in 2021 to treat their treatment-resistant epilepsy. Only after all other possibilities had been exhausted, the drug Epidiolex was approved for use by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What to Know About Medical Cannabis in Singapore?
Both medical and recreational marijuana are illegal in Singapore. In the same way, you cannot import it. Even if you have a medical marijuana card, it is advised that you leave your cannabis (including CBD) at home if you are planning a trip to Singapore
Is CBD Legal in Singapore?
The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore views CBD as a component of the cannabis plant, thus the same harsh policies and penalties for possession or use of such narcotics are in effect.
All hemp fibers, seeds, proteins, and oils are prohibited in Singapore under the same laws that apply to all other substances.
Singaporeans Are Not Permitted to Consume Marijuana Abroad
Even while traveling abroad, Singaporeans or permanent residents of Singapore are subject to the country’s regulated drug legislation. This implies that Singaporeans are susceptible to the same maximum prison term and fines even if they take cannabis in a nation where it is permitted, even if it is for medical purposes.
Singapore Has Some of the Harshest Drug Penalties
Possession of any amount of cannabis is punishable by a potential 10-year prison term and a fine of up to $20,000. Possession can also be defined as the presence of cannabis metabolites in urine. The Central Narcotics Bureau classifies possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis as drug trafficking, which carries even harsher penalties like 24 cane strokes or the mandatory death penalty.
Why Singapore Should Legalize Medical Marijuana?
Let’s start with the advantages of legalizing cannabis use, even if it is exclusively for medical purposes. Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating a number of diseases, including:
- Seizures
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Cancer
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Psoriasis
- Psychosis
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- High blood sugar
- Inflammation
If cannabis is legalized, individuals won’t have to buy illegal low-quality cannabis off the streets. It is possible that illegal cannabis from the streets can be produced using unidentified ingredients, which increases the danger of health issues for users who overdose since they are unaware of the unidentified compounds’ presence. Simply put, legalizing cannabis will make it safer for consumers and assist in eradicating the marijuana illegal market.
Conclusion
Singaporean authorities view cannabis as one of the most severe narcotic drugs, and it is subject to stringent legal restrictions. Both medical and recreational marijuana are prohibited by the government, and anyone found guilty of drug crimes faces severe, even fatal punishments.