Weed (Cannabis) in Amman: Legal Status, Availability, and Public Perception
Introduction
weed in Amman , the capital of Jordan, is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. However, when it comes to cannabis (weed), the city holds an extremely strict stance against its use, possession, or distribution. As one of the most conservative countries in the Middle East, Jordan has established harsh penalties for anyone caught with marijuana, and the cultural perception of cannabis remains largely negative.
Despite the severe laws, there is still a small underground market for weed in Amman, especially among young people and foreigners. However, engaging in any form of cannabis use in Amman comes with extreme risks, including heavy fines, long-term imprisonment, or even deportation for foreigners.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The legal status of weed in Amman.
- Availability and black-market prices.
- Consequences of possessing or using marijuana.
- Public perception of cannabis in Amman.
- Future possibilities for cannabis legalization.
Legal Status of Weed in Amman
Is Weed Legal in Amman, Jordan?
The straightforward answer is: No, weed is illegal in Amman and the entire country of Jordan. Under Jordanian law, cannabis is classified as a dangerous and prohibited substance, meaning that any form of possession, use, distribution, cultivation, or trafficking of marijuana is considered a criminal offense.
The legal framework surrounding cannabis is outlined in the Anti-Narcotics Law of Jordan, which applies strict penalties for any drug-related activity, including marijuana. The government believes that cannabis is a gateway drug that leads to more serious substance abuse, thus enforcing a zero-tolerance policy.
The law applies to both locals and foreigners, meaning that tourists found with cannabis face the same penalties as locals, including jail time and heavy fines.
Penalties for Weed in Amman
What Happens If You Are Caught with Weed in Amman?
If you are caught with any quantity of marijuana in Amman, here are the possible penalties:
- Possession of Weed
- First-time offenders: Up to 3 years in prison + heavy fines.
- Repeat offenders: Up to 10 years in prison + massive fines.
- Smoking Weed in Public
- Up to 3 years in prison.
- Fine up to 10,000 JOD ($14,000 USD).
- Selling or Distributing Weed
- 10 to 20 years in prison.
- Fine up to 50,000 JOD ($70,000 USD).
- Growing Weed (Cultivation)
- 10 years or more in prison.
- Huge fines.
- Foreigners/Tourists
- Immediate arrest and detainment.
- Possible deportation.
- Lifetime ban from entering Jordan again.
The legal system in Amman does not take drug offenses lightly, regardless of whether you are a tourist, foreign resident, or local citizen.
Can You Bribe Your Way Out If Caught?
While corruption exists in certain parts of Jordan, when it comes to drug offenses, the government is extremely strict. Bribing police officers or paying off officials in drug-related offenses is almost impossible.
If you are caught with weed in Amman, you should expect full legal prosecution with no shortcuts.
Weed Availability in Amman
Can You Buy Weed in Amman?
Despite being illegal, there is a small underground black market for weed in Amman. However, buying marijuana in Amman is extremely risky due to heavy surveillance, police informants, and undercover officers.
Here are some common ways people obtain weed in Amman:
- Street Dealers
- Common in urban areas like downtown Amman.
- Risk of low-quality or laced weed.
- High risk of police involvement.
- Personal Networks
- Many people buy through trusted friends or networks.
- Safer than buying from strangers.
- Social Media Connections
- Some people use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram to connect with dealers.
- Extremely risky as police monitor social media.
Black Market Prices for Weed in Amman
The price of marijuana in Amman is much higher than in Western countries due to high risk and limited availability. Here are the estimated prices:
- 1 gram of weed: 20-40 JOD ($28-$56 USD).
- 5 grams of weed: 100-200 JOD ($140-$280 USD).
- Pre-rolled joints: 25-60 JOD ($35-$85 USD).
The weed in Amman is often of low quality, and there is a high risk of the cannabis being laced with chemicals or contaminated.
Risks of Buying Weed in Amman
If you decide to buy weed in Amman, you face the following risks:
- Undercover Police – Some dealers work as informants for the police.
- Scams – Many sellers sell fake or laced weed.
- Public Arrest – Being caught during a transaction leads to severe legal consequences.
Buying weed in Amman is not recommended due to the high risks involved.
Public Perception of Weed in Amman
How Do Locals View Weed?
The general public in Amman has a negative perception of cannabis, mainly due to:
- Religious Beliefs (Islam) – Islam strictly prohibits the use of intoxicants.
- Cultural Values – Using marijuana is seen as a sign of moral failure.
- Government Propaganda – The government heavily campaigns against drug use.
If a person is caught using or possessing weed, they face not only legal punishment but also social rejection from their community and family.
Is the Younger Generation Changing Their Perception?
Yes, there is a noticeable change in attitude among younger people (18-30 years old). Influenced by:
- Western culture through social media.
- Global legalization trends in countries like Canada, the US, and Germany.
- Medical cannabis discussions.
However, despite this shift in attitude, the laws remain extremely harsh.
Weed for Tourists in Amman
Can Tourists Buy cannabis in Amman?
Tourists in Amman are strongly advised not to attempt buying or using weed. The consequences are extremely severe, including:
- Immediate arrest.
- Detainment without bail.
- Possible imprisonment.
- Deportation.
If you are a tourist in Amman, avoid all interactions with cannabis.
Future of Weed Legalization in Amman
Is There Any Chance cannabis Will Be Legalized in Amman?
As of now, there is no sign of cannabis being legalized in Amman or Jordan. However, the global trend towards cannabis legalization may eventually influence Jordan in the future.
Key factors that might push legalization include:
- Economic Benefits – Legalizing cannabis could boost tourism and revenue.
- Medical Research – Growing global research on medical cannabis benefits.
- Pressure from Global Legalization – Countries like Germany, Canada, and Thailand have legalized weed, putting global pressure on Jordan.
However, any form of cannabis legalization in Jordan may take another 20-30 years to materialize.
Conclusion
Weed (cannabis) remains highly illegal in Amman, Jordan, and the consequences for possessing, using, or selling it are extremely severe. Both locals and tourists are strongly advised to avoid cannabis at all costs to prevent legal trouble.
While public perception around cannabis is slowly changing, it is still unlikely that Jordan will legalize cannabis anytime soon. If you are visiting Amman, it is best to focus on enjoying the culture, history, and beauty of the city without risking involvement with marijuana.
Stay safe and enjoy your time in Amman – without cannabis.