By Rismadarvoice Media
December 31, 2025
A social media post by a Zambian lawyer, George Nkhuwa, has ignited widespread reactions, renewed public debate over Zambia’s stringent cannabis laws, particularly the fine legal line between possession and trafficking.
In the post shared on his Facebook page, Nkhuwa highlighted that under Zambian law, possession of less than 0.5 grams of cannabis is treated as a minor offence punishable by a fine of K480. However, possession of more than 0.5 grams is classified as drug trafficking, an offence that carries a severe penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment.
“Just 0.1 grams can make all the difference,” the lawyer wrote, drawing attention to how marginal increase in quantity can dramatically alter the legal consequences for an offender.
The post quickly gained traction online, triggering mixed reactions from legal experts, civil rights advocates, members of the public. While some users described the law as excessively harsh, disproportionate, others argued that the strict threshold serves as a deterrent against drug abuse and trafficking.
Several commentators expressed concern that individuals particularly young people could face life-altering prison sentences over quantities many consider insignificant. Others called for urgent legal reforms, urging lawmakers to review the classification thresholds to reflect fairness, proportional justice.
Legal analysts say the issue underscores broader concerns about drug legislation in Zambia, where enforcement often leaves little room for judicial discretion once the trafficking threshold is crossed.
Supporters of the existing framework, however, insist that the law is clear, intended to discourage the spread of illegal drugs, noting that ignorance of the law does not excuse offenders.
The debate has once again placed Zambia’s drug control policies under public scrutiny, with growing calls for national conversations on whether current penalties align with modern approaches to justice, public health, human rights.
As discussions continue online, offline, observers say the viral post has succeeded in drawing attention to the stark realities of the country’s drug laws, the profound consequences that can hinge on a fraction of a gram.
