Cannabis — Jordan

Cannabis is illegal in Jordan, and the penalty depends on which schedule of the Narcotics Law the substance falls under. Article 9(a) sets two bands: one to six months in jail plus a fine of JOD 200-500, or both, for substances listed in schedules 3 and 9; and one to three years plus a fine of JOD 1,000-3,000 for substances listed in schedules 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Which band covers herbal cannabis and which covers hashish is fixed by those schedules, and the schedules are a separate instrument that is not contained in the law text - so assume the heavier band until you have checked the schedule itself. A first offence of use, or of possession for use, is not recorded against you as a criminal record or a security record, and instead of passing sentence the court may order treatment in a specialist clinic (art. 9(b) and 9(c)). All drug cases, including simple use, are heard by the State Security Court, to the express exclusion of every other court and of the customs authorities (art. 33).

Article 9(a) sets the bands by schedule, not by substance name: 1 to 6 months' imprisonment and a fine of JOD 200-500, or both, for substances listed in schedules 3 and 9; 1 to 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of JOD 1,000-3,000 for substances listed in schedules 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. The schedules are published separately and are not inside the law text, so which band applies to herbal cannabis, and which to hashish or cannabis resin, cannot be read off this source. A first such offence is not treated as a criminal record or a security record (art. 9(b)). The State Security Court has exclusive jurisdiction over every offence under this law, including the consequential penalties and civil obligations, to the express exclusion of all other judicial and administrative bodies and of the customs authorities (art. 33).

Verified Oct 6, 2026