Cannabis — Fiji

Cannabis is illegal in Fiji, and possessing any amount is a criminal offence — including for tourists. Fiji's Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004 lists cannabis (plant, resin, fruit, seed and oil) as an illicit drug, and unlawful possession carries a statutory maximum of a fine of up to FJ$1,000,000, life imprisonment, or both; the Act itself has no lighter tier for small amounts. Courts sentence small cannabis cases far below that maximum, but people are still arrested and convicted over a few grams. The Act has no recreational or medical cannabis scheme — its only exemption covers lawfully prescribed medication, up to a one-month supply, for people under medical treatment.

Unlawful possession, cultivation, supply or use of an illicit drug: fine not exceeding FJ$1,000,000 or imprisonment for life, or both (Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004, s.5). Same maximum for unlawful import or export (s.4); attempts carry up to FJ$500,000 or 14 years (s.9). The Act sets no reduced penalty for small amounts. Sentencing bands come from case law, not the Act — Supreme Court cannabis tariff (Kaitani v State [2024] FJSC 50): up to 1 kg normally non-custodial; 1–5 kg: 1–4 years; 5–10 kg: 4–8 years; 150 kg and above: life imprisonment. Two evidentiary rules make a charge easy to bring: anything found in premises, a craft, a vehicle or an animal under your control is presumed to be in your possession until you prove otherwise (s.32), and proof of lawful authority lies on the accused (s.4(2)). Where an officer suspects internal concealment you can be detained for internal examination for up to 10 days under a High Court order (s.17), and on conviction any property used in the offence is forfeited to the State (s.31).

Verified Aug 31, 2026