Gambia

Under the Drug Control Act as amended in 2014, a first-time offender with between 0.1 g and 150 g of cannabis faces a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 dalasi or six months to a year in prison, or both. The amendment was meant to ease prison overcrowding, but the fine is far beyond most people's means, so many serve the prison term in default.

• The Point — Penalty reduced for first-time cannabis offenders
• Gambiana — Man fined D150,000 for cannabis possession

Cultivation is a crime with heavier penalties.

• The Point — Penalty reduced for first-time cannabis offenders

Courts regularly impose six-figure fines for small amounts of cannabis, with imprisonment if unpaid.

• Gambiana — Man fined D150,000 for cannabis possession
• The Point — Penalty reduced for first-time cannabis offenders

Trafficking carries long sentences; the death penalty for drug offences has been abolished.

• Hands Off Cain — Gambia abolishes death penalty for drug-related offences

Use is prosecuted through possession.

• The Point — Penalty reduced for first-time cannabis offenders

None.

• The Point — Penalty reduced for first-time cannabis offenders