Can I bring Cannabis to India?

**⛔ NOT ALLOWED (only narrow, conditional medical or scientific exceptions)** Cannabis — including charas (cannabis resin), ganja (flowering or fruiting tops) and any mixture or drink prepared from them — is a narcotic drug under the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985). Importing it into India is prohibited except for medical or scientific purposes, in the manner and to the extent allowed by the Act, its rules and any required licence, permit or authorisation. Ordinary cannabis that is not for a lawful medical or scientific purpose may not be brought in. **💊 Medical exception (foreign nationals):** • Central Bureau of Narcotics Public Notice No. 10/2026 (17 October 2026) states that foreign nationals may carry limited quantities of narcotic or psychotropic medicines solely for personal medical use during their stay in India, subject to applicable laws and rules • Carry only the quantity needed for the prescribed course of treatment, consistent with the dosage and duration set by the treating registered medical practitioner • Carry a valid prescription stating the medicine name, dosage and duration of treatment, plus other relevant medical documents, ready for verification by Indian Customs • Import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in Schedule I of the NDPS Rules is prohibited; confirm with the Central Bureau of Narcotics whether your specific cannabis-based medicine qualifies before travelling **📋 Declaration:** Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are listed as prohibited articles on the Indian Customs Declaration Form (CBD-I). Passengers carrying them must declare electronically in CBD-I before entering the Green Channel and report to the Customs Officer at the Red Channel. Declaring does not make a prohibited import lawful. **Penalties (illegal import):** • Small quantity: rigorous imprisonment up to 1 year, or a fine up to ₹10,000, or both • More than a small but less than a commercial quantity: up to 10 years + fine up to ₹1 lakh • Commercial quantity: 10-20 years + ₹1-2 lakh fine (the court may impose a higher fine, recording its reasons) • Small and commercial quantity thresholds are set per substance by government notification; they are penalty bands, not a permitted allowance • Repeat offenders: after a previous conviction for an NDPS offence (including a conviction abroad under a corresponding law), a later conviction for an offence carrying the same punishment brings enhanced penalties — higher maximum prison terms and fines, and higher minimums where a minimum applies; certain repeat offences involving very large quantities can carry the death penalty **⚠️ Interesting cultural context:** • Bhang (cannabis-infused drink) is **legal** in some states and sold at government-authorized shops • Bhang is consumed during Holi festival • Charas (hashish) from Himachal Pradesh is famous but illegal • CBD products: there is no blanket exemption. Whether a product is controlled depends on what it contains (for example cannabis resin, flowering tops, cannabis extracts or tinctures, or THC), so check its exact composition and the applicable conditions before travelling

Can I bring Cannabis and CBD Products to India?

Cannabis and CBD Products→India

❌

❌ Not Allowed

📋 Carrying Limits

✅ Declaration Requirements

⚠️Passengers arriving in India who carry prohibited goods must declare their accompanied baggage (checked and hand baggage travelling with them) electronically in Form CBD-I (via ICEGATE or the Atithi app) before entering the Green Channel and report to the Customs Officer at the Red Channel. Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including cannabis, are listed as prohibited articles on CBD-I. The electronic declaration may also be filed three days before arrival. Foreign nationals carrying a prescribed narcotic or psychotropic medicine for personal medical use should keep the valid prescription and related medical documents ready for verification by Indian Customs. Declaring does not make a prohibited import lawful.

Form needed: CBD-I (Indian Customs Declaration Form)

📌 Quick Summary

Status:❌ ❌ Not Allowed

Declaration:⚠️ Passengers arriving in India who carry prohibited goods must declare their accompanied baggage (checked and hand baggage travelling with them) electronically in Form CBD-I (via ICEGATE or the Atithi app) before entering the Green Channel and report to the Customs Officer at the Red Channel. Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including cannabis, are listed as prohibited articles on CBD-I. The electronic declaration may also be filed three days before arrival. Foreign nationals carrying a prescribed narcotic or psychotropic medicine for personal medical use should keep the valid prescription and related medical documents ready for verification by Indian Customs. Declaring does not make a prohibited import lawful.

🔗 Official Information Source:

🌐 View Official Regulations ↗Additional reference ↗Additional reference ↗Additional reference ↗Additional reference ↗

Last Updated:October 20, 2026

Reliability:

📝 Important Notes

•⛔ NOT ALLOWED (only narrow, conditional medical or scientific exceptions)
•Cannabis — including charas (cannabis resin), ganja (flowering or fruiting tops) and any mixture or drink prepared from them — is a narcotic drug under the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985). Importing it into India is prohibited except for medical or scientific purposes, in the manner and to the extent allowed by the Act, its rules and any required licence, permit or authorisation. Ordinary cannabis that is not for a lawful medical or scientific purpose may not be brought in.
•💊 Medical exception (foreign nationals):
•Central Bureau of Narcotics Public Notice No. 10/2026 (17 October 2026) states that foreign nationals may carry limited quantities of narcotic or psychotropic medicines solely for personal medical use during their stay in India, subject to applicable laws and rules
•Carry only the quantity needed for the prescribed course of treatment, consistent with the dosage and duration set by the treating registered medical practitioner
•Carry a valid prescription stating the medicine name, dosage and duration of treatment, plus other relevant medical documents, ready for verification by Indian Customs
•Import of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in Schedule I of the NDPS Rules is prohibited; confirm with the Central Bureau of Narcotics whether your specific cannabis-based medicine qualifies before travelling
•📋 Declaration: Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are listed as prohibited articles on the Indian Customs Declaration Form (CBD-I). Passengers carrying them must declare electronically in CBD-I before entering the Green Channel and report to the Customs Officer at the Red Channel. Declaring does not make a prohibited import lawful.
•Penalties (illegal import):
•Small quantity: rigorous imprisonment up to 1 year, or a fine up to ₹10,000, or both

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a translated doctor's prescription for Cannabis and CBD Products?

While not mandatory in all countries, to avoid delays, it's recommended to carry an English translation of your prescription or a doctor's letter, and ensure Cannabis and CBD Products is kept in its original packaging with labels.

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