Is Hemp Legal in Cook Islands?
May 29, 2026
Industrial hemp is illegal in the Cook Islands. No licensing exists under the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act 2004. Full 2026 compliance guide.
Industrial hemp is illegal in the Cook Islands. No licensing exists under the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act 2004. Full 2026 compliance guide.
Industrial hemp is illegal in the Cook Islands. The Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act 2004 controls Cannabis sativa L. without a low-THC carve-out, and no industrial hemp licensing scheme exists, in contrast to New Zealand's Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006.
The Ministry of Agriculture has not opened a pathway for low-THC cannabis cultivation. Hemp seeds, fiber, hempcrete, and hemp foods cannot be lawfully imported. Cook Islands Customs treats hemp materials identically to cannabis at Rarotonga International Airport. While the Cook Islands shares many features of New Zealand law, the industrial hemp framework was not extended through the free-association relationship.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Illegal
Ministry of Agriculture; Cook Islands Police Service
Prohibited
Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act 2004
Hemp imports are prohibited. The Cook Islands has no industrial hemp licensing framework, distinct from New Zealand. Hemp seeds, fiber, and foods are denied entry by Customs at Rarotonga International Airport under the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act.
