Cameroon
Is Hemp Legal in Cameroon?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal to cultivate in Cameroon. Law No. 97/019 of 7 August 1997 makes no distinction between psychoactive cannabis and low-THC hemp, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) has not established a licensing regime, seed register, or permitted cultivar list. Hemp seeds, fibre, hurd, and biomass are treated as narcotics by Customs.
There is no pilot programme or export-oriented framework comparable to Rwanda's 2021 medicinal cannabis Order. Reform discussions around hemp for textiles and construction have been raised by farmer cooperatives in the Northwest, but as of 2026 no draft legislation has been gazetted. Importers should expect refusal at Douala port and at Garoua and Maroua land entry points.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Key facts ·
Cameroon
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No legal hemp threshold
Regulator
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER); Ministry of Public Health
Key regulation
Law No. 97/019 of 7 August 1997 on the control of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors
Effective
August 7, 1997
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of hemp seed, fibre, biomass, and finished hemp products are prohibited. The Direction Generale des Douanes treats hemp shipments as Table I narcotics. No commercial cultivation licenses are issued.
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