Although widely consumed, cannabis is illegal in Algeria.
Cultivation, commerce, and possession are forbidden - except for medical purposes, subject to prior authorization by the Minister of Health. [1]
Possession carries a sentence of 6 months in prison, and the penalty for supplying it is two years. Trafficking can get the offender a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Algeria's most extensive drug market is cannabis, and trafficking is commonplace in the country, despite the harsh penalties. Cannabis is, by far, the most widely available drug in the country and can be acquired virtually anywhere in Algeria.
While cannabis cultivation in Algeria is low, criminal networks involved in the cannabis trade have longstanding regional connections with their Moroccan counterparts. [2]
Due to the surplus of product that moves through the country, and its proximity to Morocco, cannabis prices are very reasonable. [4]
Owing to its geographical position between two sensitive areas of cannabis production and consumption, Algeria, to this day, is classified as a transit country for drug trafficking. [6]
A large quantity of the cannabis produced in Morocco transits via Algeria on the way to its final destination in Western Europe.
The supply chain comprises a small number of big players, hundreds of wholesalers across the country, and thousands of smaller trafficking networks commercializing cannabis to the end consumer. [2]
Poor political relations between Algeria and Morocco make it difficult for both countries to deal with drug trafficking. [4]
The border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed since 1994, but inefficient control makes the influx of hashish and cannabis hard to stop. [4]
Law No. 04-18 of December 25, 2004, on prevention and repression of illicit use and trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances.
The basis of the legal response to drug use is preventive and treatment measures.
Cannabis was introduced to Algeria by the Arab invasions of the 9th through 12th centuries. [1]
Like many North African countries, hashish is deeply-rooted in Algerian heritage. Berber nomads often carried hashish to be used for recreational purposes, and it was cultivated and produced across the country. [3]
Across North Africa, people consumed inflorescences and hashish (cannabis resin) in both smokable and edible forms. Hashish was historically an import, chiefly from Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece; the earliest regional evidence of hashish production is from 1921 in eastern Algeria (Livet, 1921). [5]
Until the early 1900s, cannabis was legally sold in Algeria by shops and vendors in open-air markets. Colonization resulted in restrictions on the use, sale, and production of cannabis. [4]
Under French rule, cannabis use was prohibited, with the decrees of September 14th, 1916, and February 9th, 1917. [1]
Algeria gained independence from France in 1962, but its stance towards cannabis remained the same - it was regarded as a dangerous substance and was subsequently prohibited. [3]
5. Livet L., 1921. Les fumeurs de Kif. Bulletin de la Société clinique de médecine mentale, n° 9,17 January, p. 40-45.
6. Abdennouri, Salah, 2014. Algeria: Drug Situation and Policy.
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<a href="https://www.daggadiaries.com/countries/cannabis-in-algeria">Legality of Cannabis in Algeria</a>
The legality of cannabis varies widely across Africa. In some countries, cannabis is illegal, and possession or use can result in severe penalties. In other countries, cannabis is legal or decriminalised for medical or recreational use.
It is important to note that the laws and penalties related to cannabis can change frequently and vary by jurisdiction. It is always a good idea to research the current law and regulations before using or possessing cannabis in any country.