Adults only (18+)

Legal Status of Recreational Cannabis

Cannabis is strictly illegal in Vietnam and is classified on the same level as heroin or cocaine. The laws impose zero tolerance for possession, use, cultivation or sale of cannabis. Even small amounts can result in significant penalties, including fines, mandatory treatment programmes or imprisonment. Larger quantities or trafficking offences carry severe sentences of several years of prison and, in serious cases, may attract the death penalty. In practice, enforcement can vary in urban areas such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with anecdotal reports of minor cases resulting in fines rather than full criminal prosecution. Even so, these outcomes are not guaranteed and the stakes remain high for both residents and visitors.

Medical Cannabis and Legal Access

There is no legal framework for medical cannabis in Vietnam. Cannabis remains illegal for all uses, including therapeutic purposes. The government has made no provisions for prescribing herbal cannabis, cannabis-based medicines or synthetic cannabinoids. Patients may not legally access cannabis even with prescriptions from overseas or certified in other nations. This zero tolerance policy applies uniformly regardless of medical condition or intent.

CBD and Hemp Products

CBD products derived from industrial hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC are tolerated by authorities and are available in Vietnam. These products are not classified as narcotics so long as they originate from compliant hemp plants. However, any product containing THC above the minimal threshold is considered an illegal substance and treated accordingly. While CBD oil and related items may circulate openly, their legal status remains precarious and subject to change.

Cultivation and Trafficking Laws

Cultivating cannabis plants above the hemp thresholds is illegal and treated as drug production. Trafficking, selling or distributing cannabis is considered a serious offence and can lead to long-term imprisonment or even capital punishment in extreme cases. These laws apply equally to Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, who may face expulsion after incarceration.

Enforcement in Practice

Although the legislation is strict, enforcement can vary. Travellers often report that minor possession by tourists may result in fines rather than imprisonment, particularly if no trafficking is suspected. Nonetheless, this is not a safe assumption. Penalties, including mandatory drug rehabilitation or prosecution, can apply. Authorities have increasingly combated corruption, making reliance on informal settlements riskier.

Misconceptions and Common Questions

Some believe that cannabis law in Vietnam is flexible for tourists. While there are reports of fines instead of harsh legal action, these experiences are anecdotal and should not be relied upon. Another misconception is that medical cannabis is available with a prescription. In reality, Vietnamese law does not legally recognise any medical use of cannabis. It is also frequently assumed that CBD products are entirely unregulated. In truth they may be legal if under the THC threshold, but the regulatory environment remains complex and subject to change.

What the Future May Bring

As of 2025 there are no signs that Vietnam intends to liberalise its cannabis laws. The government continues to enforce a strict prohibition policy aligned with broader Southeast Asia policies. Discussions on reform, even for medical access, remain minimal and face cultural and political opposition domestically.

Summary

Cannabis remains fully illegal in Vietnam for recreational or medical use. Possession, cultivation, sale or import may result in harsh penalties including long prison sentences or the death penalty in large-scale cases. CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC are tolerated within narrow limits. There is no legal medical cannabis programme and no plans for reform. Anyone in Vietnam should avoid involvement with cannabis under any circumstance.