Weed in Brickworks Estate: Singapore’s Strict Drug Laws

Brickworks Estate, a residential area in Bukit Merah, Singapore, is known for its public housing, local markets, and proximity to key commercial hubs. However, despite Singapore’s reputation as a modern and progressive city, its stance on cannabis (weed) remains one of the strictest in the world.

Is Weed Legal in Brickworks Estate?

No. Cannabis is 100% illegal in Brickworks Estate and all of Singapore.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Singapore enforces a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana, meaning that even the smallest amount of weed can lead to serious legal consequences. There is no distinction between medical or recreational use—all forms of cannabis are banned.

Unlike countries where weed has been decriminalized or legalized, such as Canada, the Netherlands, or Thailand, Singapore remains firm in its belief that cannabis is a harmful drug with no place in society.

Severe Penalties for Cannabis Offenses

Singapore’s drug laws are among the toughest in the world, and the consequences for possessing, using, or trafficking cannabis are severe.

• Possession – Up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to SGD 20,000, or both.
• Consumption – Up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to SGD 20,000.
• Trafficking (500 grams or more) – Mandatory death penalty.
• Importing or exporting cannabis – Considered trafficking, punishable by execution in severe cases.
• Testing positive for THC – Even if weed was legally consumed in another country, Singaporean citizens and residents can be arrested upon testing positive.

These strict laws are actively enforced by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and authorities regularly conduct random drug screenings at immigration checkpoints, workplaces, and even nightclubs.

Is There a Cannabis Culture in Brickworks Estate?

No. There is no cannabis culture in Brickworks Estate or anywhere in Singapore. Unlike cities where weed is socially accepted or widely available, Singapore has:

• No legal dispensaries or underground markets for marijuana.
• No public acceptance of cannabis use, with heavy government campaigns warning against drugs.
• No leniency for foreign tourists or expatriates—Singapore’s drug laws apply to everyone.

Even in diplomatic or expatriate-heavy areas like Brickworks Estate, foreigners are not exempt from these strict laws. Anyone caught using or possessing weed, regardless of nationality, faces severe punishment.

What About CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol), the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, is also highly restricted in Singapore. While some countries allow CBD products with low THC content, Singapore only permits CBD with 0% THC and special government approval.

Will Singapore Ever Legalize Cannabis?

Singaporean authorities have made it clear that they have no intention of legalizing cannabis. They argue that strict drug laws help maintain safety, prevent crime, and protect public health. Unlike other nations that have relaxed their policies, Singapore remains committed to its zero-tolerance approach.

Conclusion

For those living in Brickworks Estate and the rest of Singapore, cannabis remains strictly illegal. With some of the toughest drug laws in the world, even small amounts of weed can result in long prison sentences or the death penalty. Anyone in Singapore should completely avoid cannabis, as the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.