Papua New Guinea
Oceania
#134 of 196 worldwide
#11 of 14 in Oceania
A 2021 amendment raised the maximum for possession to 40 years; district courts impose far less for small amounts.
Score breakdown ▏world average
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Possession · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Until 2022 possession of a dangerous drug carried three months to two years in prison. The Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act 2021, passed in response to methamphetamine trafficking, raised the maximum for knowingly possessing any dangerous drug to a fine of up to one million kina or up to 40 years in prison, or both. District courts dealing with small amounts of marijuana impose far lower sentences.
Personal cultivation · 25%1/10adds 2.5 of 25 points
Cultivation is an offence under the same Act. Highlands-grown cannabis is a major informal crop.
Punishment & enforcement · 20%1/10adds 2.0 of 20 points
Short prison terms and fines are typical for small marijuana cases in the district courts; the new maximums give courts enormous discretion.
Sharing & gifting · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Supply falls under the same greatly increased maximums.
Consumption · 10%1/10adds 1.0 of 10 points
Use is covered by the possession offence.
Legal access · 10%0/10adds 0.0 of 10 points
More context not part of the score
A conviction is a criminal record.
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