Algeria
Is Hemp Legal in Algeria?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is not legally distinguished from cannabis in Algeria. Loi 04-18 of 2004 defines Cannabis sativa as a controlled species without any THC-content carve-out, so the 0.3 percent or higher hemp thresholds standard in the EU and United States have no Algerian equivalent. The Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural has not authorized hemp cultivation pilots, and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique d'Algerie (INRAA) has not conducted public hemp variety trials.
Farmers cultivating hemp would face the same 10 to 20 year trafficking penalties applied to high-THC cannabis under Article 17. Hemp fiber, seed, and oil imports through Algerian Douanes face controlled-substance scrutiny. Hemp-derived consumer products including shelled hempseed, hemp protein, and hemp textiles have circulated inconsistently when listed under generic product codes, but no published exemption exists. Morocco's 2021 hemp legalization for limited regions has not influenced Algerian policy.
This is regulatory background only and not legal advice. Anyone considering hemp activity in Algeria should retain an Algerian attorney with expertise in narcotics and agricultural law.
Key facts ·
Algeria
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No hemp threshold; all Cannabis sativa restricted
Regulator
Ministere de l'Agriculture et du Developpement Rural; ONLCDT; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique d'Algerie (INRAA)
Key regulation
Loi 04-18 of 2004; Code de la Sante Publique
Effective
December 25, 2004
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp fiber, seed, and derivatives are not eligible for licensing. Algerian customs treats raw hemp identically to cannabis. No pilot or research program has been authorized.
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