Sri Lanka
Asia
#137 of 196 worldwide
#15 of 48 in Asia
Illegal, but licensed Ayurvedic practitioners may legally dispense cannabis preparations.
Score breakdown ▏world average
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Possession · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
The Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance prohibits possessing, consuming or using any part or preparation of the hemp plant. Cannabis (ganja) accounts for the majority of drug arrests in Sri Lanka; small-quantity cases are usually dealt with in magistrates' courts by a fine, with prison possible.
Personal cultivation · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Planting or cultivating the hemp plant is prohibited.
Punishment & enforcement · 20%1/10adds 2.0 of 20 points
High arrest numbers and mostly fines for small amounts; repeated amendments in 2023–2026 have focused on tougher enforcement against trafficking.
Sharing & gifting · 10%0/10adds 0.0 of 10 points
Sale and distribution are offences with heavier penalties.
Consumption · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Consumption is prohibited by the Ordinance.
Legal access · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
No adult-use source. The Ordinance carves out exceptions under which licensed Ayurvedic practitioners may obtain and dispense cannabis in traditional preparations.
More context not part of the score
The state supplies cannabis to the Ayurvedic sector; proposals to license cultivation for export have been announced by successive governments.
Available only within the Ayurvedic system, through licensed practitioners and the state Ayurvedic drugs corporation.
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