Algeria

Is Hemp Legal in Algeria?

Status

Illegal

Covers

Hemp (General)

Jurisdiction

Independent Country

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

All countries

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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