Aruba raises the cannabis dismissal band from 5 to 30 grams

Aruba’s revised 2025 prosecution instruction expanded the soft-drug surrender-and-dismissal band from 5 to 30 grams.^[1][2] It also replaced the earlier short prison request for the next quantity band with fine requests covering amounts up to 500 grams, while keeping exceptions for minors, repeat offending and other circumstances.^[1][2]

The earlier policy stopped at five grams

The 2021 guideline provided for dismissal when a person surrendered a quantity in the 0–5 gram soft-drug band.^[2] In the next 5–250 gram possession/courier band, prosecutors were to request up to one month in prison, potentially partly suspended, with three years’ probation.^[2]

Those decisions operated within an ordinance whose cannabis controls covered possession, use, cultivation and supply.^[3] The revised document changed prosecutors’ instructions about responding to offences.^[1]

Larger amounts brought fine requests

The revised table sets surrender and dismissal in the 0–30 gram band.^[1] It then calls for AWG 250 in the 30–100 gram band, AWG 750 in the 100–300 gram band and AWG 1,500 in the 300–500 gram band.^[1]

From 500 grams, requests are half those in the hard-drug table.^[1] The instruction also allows circumstances beyond quantity to shape the sentencing request, including the person’s role, profit and duration of involvement in dealing.^[1]

The document’s cover records a June review; the signed instruction is dated 14 July 2025.^[1] Its revised table is the source of the broader dismissal and fine bands.^[1]

Age and location still mattered

The small-quantity exception has limits.^[1] Possession alongside another offence, repeat offending and cases involving minors can receive a different response.^[1] The instruction also lists special settings, including a carnival parade, a workplace and a government building such as the prison.^[1]

Its discussion of minors says even a small user quantity can lead to a prosecution hearing intended to support prevention or assistance.^[1] The table therefore gives quantities alongside circumstances that affect how a case is handled.^[1]

Residents and visitors faced different sentencing guidance

For qualifying Aruba residents, prosecutors can seek a wholly or partly suspended sentence with three years’ probation.^[1] Separate guidance generally avoids requesting a probation-service report for non-residents, while allowing defendants or lawyers to explain personal circumstances.^[1]

The revised instruction continues to require confiscation and destruction of drugs.^[1] Its broader dismissal band and fine requests now shape the prosecution policy described in Aruba’s country profile.^[1]