Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Papua New Guinea law
Cannabis laws in Papua New Guinea follow Papua New Guinea’s national law. City-level policy rarely changes cannabis legality; jurisdiction law determines legal risk.
Cannabis is illegal for all purposes. No medical cannabis program exists. Possession or distribution can lead to criminal penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Not available
- Possession: Illegal
- Buying/Selling: Illegal
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Law Enforcement
Cannabis was viewed as a serious drug. There were claims of prison terms starting at three years for 1–28 g and reaching ten years for dealing, alongside allegations of police demanding K20–50, then about US$5–12. Poorer people were said to have fewer resources to defend themselves. These were historical reports rather than a dependable account of sentencing.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Street stalls sold cigarettes, drinks and chewing nuts. People there, at markets or working security sometimes knew somebody. A foreigner walking around stood out. Port Moresby golf-course caddies were another lead, including near the entrance for people who weren’t playing. Paying before seeing anything was a recurring risk.
Marijuana Prices
K1–2 per foil-wrapped bud, then roughly US$0.30–0.60. Prices seemed to track demand more than grade.
Types of Marijuana
Most was said to come from outdoor grows in the highlands. There wasn’t much choice by strain. A dry coastal summer bag might cost more than a compact, potent bud at a quieter time. Hydro and imports didn’t turn up.