Cannabis — Philippines

Bringing any amount of cannabis into the Philippines is charged as importation of a dangerous drug -- a separate and far heavier offence than possession. Section 4 of Republic Act 9165 imposes life imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 to 10,000,000 pesos on anyone who, unless authorised by law, imports or brings into the Philippines any dangerous drug "regardless of the quantity and purity involved", so one gummy or one vape cartridge is punished the same as a shipment. Section 26 punishes an attempt or conspiracy to import exactly like the completed act, so being stopped at customs before you clear is not a lesser charge.

Importation of a dangerous drug: life imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 to 10,000,000 pesos, regardless of quantity or purity (RA 9165 s. 4). Acting as a protector or coddler of an importer: 12 years and 1 day to 20 years plus a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 pesos. Organising, managing or financing an importation, or using a diplomatic passport or diplomatic facilities to bring drugs in, draws the maximum penalty under the section, and the diplomatic passport is confiscated and cancelled. An attempt or conspiracy to import carries the same penalty as the completed offence (s. 26).

Verified Aug 24, 2026

Cannabis is completely illegal in the Philippines, including for medical use: a foreign prescription or medical-marijuana card counts for nothing. You do not have to be holding anything to be charged. Knowingly visiting a place you know is used for drugs is an offence in its own right, carrying 12 years and 1 day to 20 years in prison, and the law defines such a place as anywhere a dangerous drug is used in any form, so an ordinary house party or hotel room can qualify. Being found with any quantity at a party or in the company of at least two other people automatically raises the penalty to the maximum, and simple possession of under 300 grams already carries 12 years and 1 day to 20 years plus a fine of 300,000 to 400,000 pesos. Bringing in any amount, even a vape cartridge or a gummy, can be charged as drug importation, which carries up to life imprisonment regardless of quantity.

Knowingly visiting a place you know is used for drugs, or working at one: 12 years and 1 day to 20 years plus a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 pesos (s. 7). Maintaining or running one: life imprisonment plus a fine of 500,000 to 10,000,000 pesos (s. 6). Possession of under 300 g of marijuana: 12 years and 1 day to 20 years plus a fine of 300,000 to 400,000 pesos. 300 g to under 500 g, or 5 g to under 10 g of resin or resin oil: 20 years and 1 day to life imprisonment plus a fine of 400,000 to 500,000 pesos. 500 g or more, or 10 g or more of resin or resin oil: life imprisonment plus a fine of 500,000 to 10,000,000 pesos. Importing any quantity: up to life imprisonment. Possession at a party, social gathering, or in the company of at least two people: the maximum penalty regardless of quantity and purity (s. 13). Cultivation: life imprisonment plus a fine of 500,000 to 10,000,000 pesos (s. 16). First offence for use: a minimum of 6 months rehabilitation in a government centre; a second offence carries 6 years and 1 day to 12 years plus a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 pesos (s. 15).

Verified Sep 11, 2026