Does Weed Still Carry the Death Penalty in Some Countries?

Not for small possesion, but some popular countries among American tourists will still send your ass to jail for small amounts.

By Herbert Fuego

May 30, 2025

Westword

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Dear Stoner: Are there really still countries that will kill you for possessing weed? I saw a social media post about a basketball player in Indonesia facing the death penalty for being caught with THC edibles. What other countries are like that, so I can avoid them?
High Flyer

Dear High Flyer: Possession? No, but some might for distribution. Still, any stoner thinking about traveling (and smuggling) internationally should research cannabis laws at potential destinations. Asian and Middle Eastern countries generally have different views on the plant than the United States or Western Europe. A 34-year-old American basketball player found that out recently after getting arrested in Indonesia, where he was playing professionally, for owning dozens of THC edibles and allegedly admitting an intent to sell them. He's reportedly facing life imprisonment or the death penalty. And we all remember Brittney Griner's stint in a Russian jail after getting caught with a vape pen.

Countries popular among American tourists that will jail you over small amounts of weed include Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Smoking a joint after your hair transplant in Istanbul? Straight to jail (for two to five years). Caught with weed in your pocket on the Tokyo metro? Straight to jail (for up to seven years).

It's a risk you should always weigh before traveling, even in America.

Herbert Fuego is the alias of a longtime Westword staffer. Send him questions through [email protected]

Herbert Fuego is the resident stoner at Westword, ready to answer all your marijuana questions.

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