What travelers need to know about cannabis in the Caribbean
You're not a lawyer and you shouldn't need to be. Here's the practical, no-nonsense guide to cannabis across the Caribbean — what you can do, what you can't, and how to stay out of trouble.
Where can tourists legally access cannabis?
Only a handful of Caribbean destinations have established legal pathways for tourist cannabis access:
In decriminalized countries (Trinidad, Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Grenada, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Colombia), you won't be arrested for small amounts — but there's no legal place to buy. You're in a gray zone.
Everywhere else in the Caribbean, cannabis is illegal. That includes popular destinations like the Bahamas, Aruba, Curacao, Turks & Caicos, and the Dominican Republic.
The golden rules
- Never bring cannabis on a plane or boat. Even between two legal islands. International transport is always a crime.
- Never smoke in public. Every single Caribbean destination prohibits public consumption — even the legal ones. Private settings only.
- Know the possession limit. It varies from 7g (Bermuda) to 2oz (Jamaica, USVI, Grenada). Stay under it.
- Bring your medical card. If you have one, bring it. Puerto Rico and the USVI recognize reciprocity.
- Don't assume Dutch = Amsterdam. Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten are Dutch but cannabis is illegal. This trips up many travelers.
- Don't assume French = relaxed. Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint Martin follow strict French drug law.
- Cruise ships are a hard no. Every major line bans cannabis under maritime law. You can't bring anything onboard.
What happens if you get caught?
It depends entirely on where you are:
- Legal/decriminalized countries: Under the limit? A fine at most. Over the limit? Criminal charges.
- Illegal countries: Fines, arrest, and potential imprisonment. The Dominican Republic can give you 2 years. Cuba is extremely strict. Turks & Caicos penalties go up to 7 years.
- Everywhere: Trafficking charges are serious — even small amounts can be charged as trafficking if police decide you intended to sell.
Our advice
If cannabis is important to your trip, choose a destination where it's legal or well-decriminalized. Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the USVI are your best bets. Don't try to smuggle, don't consume in public, and always check the country page before you go. We update them regularly.