Cannabis — Bahamas

Cannabis is illegal in the Bahamas. Despite widely reported reform, the parts of the Cannabis Act 2024 that would decriminalise possession and open medical and religious access were never brought into force, and the amendment that would have removed cannabis from the Dangerous Drugs Act has never commenced. Possession is still an offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act (Ch. 228), a US medical card or prescription makes no difference, and being found with two or more packets is presumed to be possession with intent to supply. You can also be prosecuted over drugs that are not yours: where a dangerous drug is found kept in a place, section 29(6) makes the occupier or owner of that place guilty unless they can prove it was deposited there without their knowledge or consent.

On summary conviction: a fine of $50,000 or 5 to 7 years' imprisonment, or both, plus forfeiture of property involved in the offence (Dangerous Drugs Act s.29(2)). On conviction on information: a fine of $125,000 or 10 years, or both. Possession with intent to supply: up to 30 years and a $500,000 fine, with a higher minimum if the offence occurs within one mile of a school (s.22). Two or more packets are presumed to be held for supply. Where the quantity of Indian hemp exceeds ten pounds, the maximum term for possession with intent to supply becomes life imprisonment (s.22(8)(a)). A court must forfeit any personal property used in or in connection with an offence even if nobody is convicted, and any real property once any person is convicted (s.33).

Verified Sep 17, 2026