weed in Jordan

Weed (Cannabis) in Jordan: Legal Status, Culture, and Future Outlook

Introduction

Jordan, a Middle Eastern country known for its rich history, ancient cities, and stunning landscapes, has a strict stance on cannabis (weed). While countries around the world are moving towards cannabis legalization, Jordan continues to criminalize marijuana in all forms. The Jordanian government enforces harsh penalties for those caught possessing, using, or selling weed, and the cultural perception around cannabis remains largely negative.

However, despite the severe laws, there are still underground markets where people can access marijuana. Additionally, the global movement towards cannabis legalization has sparked conversations within Jordan about the future of cannabis in the country.

This article will cover:

The legal status of weed in Jordan.
Where (if any) people can buy weed.
Penalties for possessing, using, or selling marijuana.
Cultural perspectives towards cannabis.
The potential future of cannabis legalization in Jordan.

Legal Status of Weed in Jordan

Is Weed Legal in Jordan?

No, weed is completely illegal in Jordan. Under Jordanian law, marijuana is classified as a controlled substance, making it illegal to possess, use, distribute, cultivate, or sell cannabis.

The Anti-Narcotics Law of Jordan strictly prohibits:

Possession of any quantity of cannabis.
Consumption of marijuana.
Cultivation of cannabis plants.
Importation/exportation of weed.
Selling or distribution of marijuana.

Anyone found guilty of any of the above activities faces severe legal consequences, which can include years in prison, heavy fines, and public disgrace.

Historical Context of Cannabis Laws in Jordan

The strict anti-drug laws in Jordan can be traced back to the 20th century, especially during the late 1960s and 1970s, when Middle Eastern countries began cracking down on drugs. Jordan’s stance on weed and other drugs was largely influenced by:

Religious beliefs (Islam strongly prohibits intoxicants).
Social norms discouraging drug use.
International pressure to combat the global drug trade.

Even today, Jordan remains one of the strictest countries in the Middle East when it comes to cannabis laws.

Penalties for cannabis in Jordan

What Happens If You Are Caught with cannabis in Jordan?

The penalties for possessing, using, or distributing weed in Jordan are extremely severe. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect if caught with cannabis:

Possession of Weed:
- First-time offenders: Up to 3 years in prison + heavy fines.
- Repeat offenders: Up to 10 years in prison.
Using 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 in prison or more.
- Heavy fines.
Foreigners/Tourists:
- Immediate arrest and detention.
- Possible deportation.
- Lifetime ban from re-entering Jordan.

Does the Police Enforce the Laws Strictly?

Yes, the Jordanian police and anti-narcotics units take cannabis laws very seriously. Any suspicion of cannabis possession, use, or sale can lead to immediate arrest, house raids, and detainment.

Moreover, the Jordanian government has dedicated a special unit called the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND), which is responsible for:

Raiding homes suspected of drug use.
Monitoring social media for drug activity.
Arresting dealers and users in public places.

Black Market for Weed in Jordan

Can You Buy Weed in Jordan?

Although weed is completely illegal, there is still a black market for cannabis in Jordan, especially in major cities like:

Amman (the capital).
Irbid.
Aqaba.
Zarqa.

Where Do People Buy Weed in Jordan?

If someone wants to buy weed in Jordan (despite the high risk), they usually get it through:

Street dealers in urban areas.
Personal networks (friends or relatives).
Online connections via social media (very risky).

Black Market Prices for Weed in Jordan

Weed prices in Jordan are extremely high due to the legal risk and limited availability. Here’s an estimate of current prices:

1 gram of cannabis: 20-50 JOD ($28-$70 USD).
5 grams of cannabis: 100-250 JOD ($140-$350 USD).
Pre-rolled joints: 25-60 JOD ($35-$85 USD).

Buying from the black market is extremely dangerous, as you risk:

Being scammed.
Buying low-quality or contaminated weed.
Getting caught by undercover police.

Public Perception of Weed in Jordan

What Do Locals Think About Weed?

The general public in Jordan has a strongly negative perception towards weed and other drugs. This is primarily due to:

Religious influence (Islam).
Cultural beliefs about substance abuse.
Strict government messaging against drugs.

Most people in Jordan associate cannabis use with crime, laziness, and moral failure. If someone is caught using weed, they often face social rejection, loss of employment, and family dishonor.

Changing Perceptions Among Youth

Interestingly, young Jordanians (aged 18-30) have started to change their perception of cannabis. Influenced by:

Western culture (through social media and movies).
Global cannabis legalization in countries like Canada, Germany, and Thailand.
Medical cannabis research proving its health benefits.

However, despite the shift in perception, the legal system remains unchanged.

What Happens If a Foreigner Is Caught with Weed in Jordan?

Immediate Arrest and Detention

If a tourist/foreigner is caught with any amount of weed in Jordan, they face:

Immediate arrest.
Detainment for up to 23 days without bail.
Legal trial and heavy fines.
Possible deportation and lifetime ban.

Tourists are highly advised to avoid any interaction with cannabis in Jordan.

Future of Weed Legalization in Jordan

Is Jordan Likely to Legalize Weed Soon?

Despite global trends toward legalizing cannabis, Jordan shows no immediate signs of changing its laws. However, there are small signals that may lead to future legalization:

Medical Cannabis Conversations – Some health experts have started pushing for medical marijuana in Jordan.
Global Pressure – Countries like Canada, Germany, and the USA legalizing weed puts global pressure on Jordan.
Younger Generation Demand – Youth in Jordan are increasingly advocating for marijuana decriminalization.

Experts predict that Jordan might allow medical cannabis by 2040, but recreational marijuana may still remain illegal for a long time.

Conclusion

Weed (cannabis) remains highly illegal in Jordan, with severe penalties for those caught possessing, using, or selling it. Tourists are strongly advised not to attempt buying or consuming marijuana in Jordan.

However, with increasing global acceptance of cannabis, there is a small chance that Jordan may eventually reconsider its stance — especially for medical marijuana in the future.

For now, the safest option is to enjoy Jordan’s culture, historical sites, and hospitality — without cannabis.