Is cannabis legal in South Korea?

Medical only (prescription)✕ Tourists can buy✓ Locals w/ prescription

South Korea allows only specific approved cannabis-based medicines (e.g. Epidiolex, Sativex, Marinol) via the state Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center, on prescription. There is no dispensary retail, and recreational cannabis carries severe penalties — including for citizens who use it abroad. Not a tourist channel.

How to buy: A physician applies to the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center for an approved cannabinoid medicine.

Pharmacies

THC: Only specific approved cannabinoid drugs; recreational use is a serious crime.

Medical only (prescription) in South Korea. South Korea allows only specific approved cannabis-based medicines (e.g. Epidiolex, Sativex, Marinol) via the state Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center, on prescription. There is no dispensary retail, and recreational cannabis carries severe penalties — including for citizens who use it abroad. Not a tourist channel.

Official sources

No verified official sources are linked yet for this location. Rules shown as “Not confirmed” until sources are reviewed.

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This is a plain-language informational summary, not legal advice. Rules can change and may differ by municipality or venue. Check the linked official sources before acting.