Which Drugs Are Illegal in Vietnam?

Overview: Drugs – A Global Menace and a Serious Threat in Vietnam
Drugs are a general term referring to addictive substances capable of altering human cognition, psychological state, and physiological functions after only one or several uses. They represent one of the most serious threats to public health, social order, and the sustainable development of any nation.
In Vietnam, in addition to so-called “traditional” drugs such as heroin, opium, and cannabis, recent years have witnessed the rapid emergence of synthetic drugs and disguised narcotics in the form of candies, beverages, milk tea, blotter paper, and similar products. These substances have caused particularly severe consequences, especially among young people, students, university students, and foreign nationals residing in Vietnam.

Contents

What Is a Drug?

Drugs are addictive substances or psychotropic substances of natural or synthetic origin which, when entering the human body in any form (oral ingestion, smoking, inhalation, injection, etc.), may:
➤ Strongly stimulate or suppress the central nervous system
➤ Induce euphoria, hallucinations, or artificial excitement
➤ Cause psychological and physical dependence, forcing users to increase dosage
➤ Lead to severe health deterioration, moral degradation, and increased criminal behavior
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drugs, in the broadest sense, are understood as any chemical substances which, when used, alter biological functions or bodily structure.

Classification of Drugs by Origin

Plant-based drugs
➤ Opium → Morphine → Heroin
➤ Cannabis (hemp)
➤ Coca (Cocaine)
➤ Khat leaves (Catha)

Synthetic / Semi-synthetic drugs
➤ Methamphetamine (crystal meth)
➤ Ecstasy
➤ LSD (blotter paper)
➤ Ketamine, ATS, and other psychotropic substances

Causes and Consequences of Drug Use

(Causes and Consequences of Drug Use under An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam)
From the perspective of An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam, the use of illegal drugs (what drugs are illegal in Vietnam) is not merely a public health issue but also a direct cause of serious drug-related crimes, which are subject to severe penalties under Vietnamese law. In practice, the causes of drug addiction may be divided into objective causes and subjective causes.
a.) Causes Leading to Drug Addiction
Objective causes
➤ The negative effects of the market economy, combined with pragmatic and indulgent lifestyles, have significantly influenced a segment of young people. Many students and university students—including foreign nationals studying, working, or living in Vietnam—fail to exercise self-control and consequently fall into social vices, particularly the illegal use of drugs prohibited in Vietnam.
➤ The spread of harmful cultural products and hedonistic lifestyles has made some youths more likely to access and experiment with drugs such as cannabis, synthetic drugs, and ecstasy—acts which constitute serious legal violations under An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam.
➤ In certain localities, coordination among families, schools, and society in the management and education of young people remains ineffective, creating opportunities for drug-related crimes to reach students.
➤ Inadequate local governance—especially around schools and residential areas for workers and foreign nationals—allows gambling, prostitution, drug trafficking, and illegal drug use to persist, directly influencing the awareness and behavior of young people.
➤ Some parents fail to pay adequate attention to their children’s education and daily life, or families may include individuals who have a history of drug addiction or drug trafficking, increasing the risk of drug use spreading within the household.

Subjective causes
➤ Due to a lack of awareness regarding the harmful effects and legal consequences of drugs under An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam, many individuals—especially youths and foreign nationals—are easily lured into using drugs or participating in illegal transportation or distribution.
➤ Curiosity, the desire for new experiences, and self-assertion drive some individuals to deliberately approach drugs prohibited in Vietnam without anticipating the severe legal consequences.
➤ Driven by peer pressure and hedonism, some individuals not only use drugs but also engage in drug trafficking to earn quick money. Such conduct may result in severe criminal prosecution, including for foreign nationals, as frequently handled by Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam.
➤ In certain cases, difficult family circumstances—such as divorce, domestic conflict, orphanhood, or financial hardship—lead to loneliness and despair, making individuals more likely to turn to drugs as a temporary “escape.”

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b.) Consequences of Drug Addiction

(Legal and Social Consequences of Drug Addiction under An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam)
From the perspective of An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam, drug addiction not only causes severe physical and psychological harm, but also results in serious legal consequences, particularly in light of Vietnam’s strict enforcement against the use, possession, and trafficking of illegal drugs (what drugs are illegal in Vietnam).

Characteristics of Drug Addiction
➟ The emergence of uncontrollable cravings, forcing addicts to seek and use drugs at any cost
➟ A tendency to increase dosage progressively, as subsequent doses must exceed previous ones to achieve the same effect
➟ Complete psychological and physiological dependence, resulting in loss of self-control
➟ When deprived of drugs, addicts may experience severe symptoms such as lethargy, low blood pressure, pain, and seizures; in such states, they are often willing to commit criminal acts to satisfy addiction
Specific Consequences of Drug Addiction
For the individual addict
➟ Rapid health deterioration, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and particularly dangerous infections through injection such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
➟ High risk of overdose, acute poisoning, and death—especially with synthetic drugs and methamphetamine
➟ During withdrawal or intoxication, addicts often lose behavioral control, become delusional, aggressive, violent, and willing to commit criminal offenses to obtain drugs. These cases are frequently handled by An Law Vietnam | Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam.

For the addict’s family
➟ Gradual financial collapse due to drug expenses, medical treatment, and legal consequences
➟ Severe emotional distress, broken relationships, loss of trust, and even family breakdown
➟ Social pressure and stigma from the community

For society
➟ Increased financial burden for management, rehabilitation, treatment, and drug crime prevention
➟ Serious disruption of public order and safety, contributing to crimes such as theft, robbery, violence, and homicide
➟ Deterioration of human resource quality and long-term societal development

Signs of Drug Use

Degree of Drug Dependence
According to drug research materials, addiction is a gradual process—beginning with experimentation out of curiosity, followed by repeated use, increasing frequency, dependence, craving, discomfort without drugs, and ultimately addiction.
Common Warning Signs
Abnormal daily routines
➟ Staying up late, sleeping little at night, waking late, sleeping during the day, irregular eating habits
➟ Frequently associating with individuals who live recklessly, lack employment, or are drug users
➟ Leaving home daily at specific times regardless of obligations
➟ Preferring isolation, avoiding interaction with others, including family members
Psychological and behavioral abnormalities
➟ Anxiety, restlessness, excessive talking or lying, irritability, weight loss, pale appearance, fatigue, poor hygiene
➟ For students: tardiness, truancy, declining academic performance, increased demand for money, selling personal belongings, debts, petty theft; presence of cigarette foil, gum wrappers, lighters, syringes, or pipes; visible injection marks on hands, wrists, neck, ankles, groin, or veins

Common Illegal Drugs in Vietnam

(What Drugs Are Illegal in Vietnam – Legal Analysis by An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam)
Based on information from drug crime prevention authorities and legal practice at An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam, Vietnam strictly prohibits not only traditional drugs such as cannabis, opium, and heroin, but also a growing range of synthetic and disguised narcotics.
The use, possession, sale, or transportation of prohibited drugs may constitute drug crimes under the Vietnamese Criminal Code, applicable to both Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals. These cases are frequently handled by Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam.
Below are the most common drugs deemed illegal under Vietnamese law (what drugs are illegal in Vietnam).
3.1. Cannabis – A Prohibited Drug in Vietnam
Cannabis is one of the most commonly prohibited drugs in Vietnam, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. It is also known as “weed,” “grass,” or other local terms. In appearance, cannabis resembles dried tea leaves and may be green, gray, or brown.
Cannabis is commonly used by:
➜ Smoking (hand-rolled joints or pipes)
➜ Mixing with tobacco
➜ Incorporating into food such as cakes or candies
The primary active substance is THC, which affects the central nervous system and alters mood, perception, and behavior. Although cannabis is legalized in certain countries, it remains illegal in Vietnam, and related conduct may result in criminal liability.
Harm and legal risks of cannabis
➜ Psychological dependence, impaired memory and concentration
➜ Increased risk of mental disorders, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions
➜ Potential criminal prosecution, including for foreign nationals residing in Vietnam

3.2. Opium
Opium is extracted from the sap of the poppy plant and is a strictly prohibited traditional drug in Vietnam. Initial use may relieve pain and induce euphoria, but users quickly develop severe dependence.
In practice, as frequently encountered by Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam, opium addicts:
➜ Must continuously increase dosage
➜ Suffer physical and psychological exhaustion
➜ Are prone to criminal behavior to satisfy addiction

3.3. Heroin – An Extremely Dangerous Drug
Heroin is among the most dangerous drugs in Vietnam, synthesized from morphine extracted from opium. It is highly addictive, and even a small dose may cause death due to overdose.
Under An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam, heroin-related offenses often face:
➜ Extremely severe penalties
➜ Risk of life imprisonment or the death penalty in serious cases

3.4. Morphine
Morphine is medically used under strict control; however, any illegal use of morphine constitutes a violation of Vietnamese law.
Abuse of morphine may cause:
➜ Neurological disorders
➜ Long-term bodily damage
➜ High risk to pregnant women and children

3.5. Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
Methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth, is an extremely dangerous synthetic drug causing intense stimulation of the central nervous system and prolonged hallucinations.
According to Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam, methamphetamine cases often involve:
➜ Severe violent behavior
➜ Loss of behavioral control
➜ Particularly serious criminal cases

3.6. Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a synthetic tablet drug causing intense excitement and hallucinations. Long-term use leads to:
➜ Mental disorders
➜ Memory impairment
➜ Increased risk of HIV infection

3.7. Hallucinogenic Mushrooms – Prohibited Hallucinogens
Hallucinogenic mushrooms cause severe cognitive disruption, prolonged loss of control, and heightened risk of criminal behavior.

3.8. Other Synthetic and Disguised Drugs
Including:
➜ Khat leaves, bath salts
➜ LSD blotter paper
➜ “Milk tea” drugs
➜ “Happy water”
➜ Synthetic cannabis (“American weed”)
These substances are often disguised as beverages, candies, or herbs, yet all are absolutely prohibited under Vietnamese law. Lack of knowledge regarding origin does not exempt criminal liability.

Risk Factors and Long-Term Harm of Drugs

➜ Risk of overdose and death
➜ Damage to the brain, heart, liver, and lungs
➜ Transmission of infectious diseases
➜ Mental disorders, depression, suicide
➜ Severe harm to unborn children
➜ Most consequences are irreversible

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Recommendations from An Law Vietnam | Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam

In the current context, drug-related issues in Vietnam are subject to particularly strict enforcement. Vietnamese law imposes severe criminal penalties for drug offenses, applied uniformly to both Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals.
However, based on the defense experience of An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam, many cases involve individuals who acted unintentionally, under coercion, or without full awareness that their conduct involved drugs. Without timely legal assistance, such critical mitigating factors are easily overlooked during criminal proceedings.
👉 Early involvement of a criminal defense lawyer is a decisive factor, enabling:
➜ Clarification of the nature of conduct and actual role of the accused
➜ Identification and application of mitigating circumstances
➜ Maximum protection of lawful rights and interests from the investigation stage
DO NOT WAIT – Any delay may seriously affect the outcome of your case without legal counsel.
An Law Vietnam | Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam does not merely review files; we strategically utilize evidence to build legal advantages tailored to your situation.

Legal Advice from Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam
➜ If you or your loved ones are involved in drug-related offenses in Vietnam—especially foreign nationals—contact An Law Vietnam | Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Vietnam immediately for timely, confidential, and professional legal assistance.
➜ Our team has extensive experience defending complex criminal cases, particularly drug cases involving foreign elements, and is prepared to protect you at every procedural stage.
➜ With over 20 years of specialized experience, we are committed to developing effective defense strategies and prioritizing the protection of our clients’ lawful interests.
➜ We provide strategic, reliable, and confidential legal services exclusively for foreign nationals in Vietnam.
Remember ⇒ You may economize on many things—but never on your lawyer.
Do Not Waste Valuable Time! Any delay without legal counsel may irreversibly affect your case outcome.

Contact An Law Vietnam | The Best Criminal Law Firm In Vietnam
📞 Phone: (+84) 986 995 543
📧 Email: info@anlawvietnam.com
📍 Head Office: Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
🏢 Branch Office: Vo Thi Sau, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City