Egypt
Is Hemp Legal in Egypt?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Egypt. There is no licensed cultivation program, no THC threshold separating low-cannabinoid Cannabis sativa from drug-type cannabis, and no commercial fiber or seed-food industry.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation does not issue hemp permits, and the Anti-Narcotics General Administration treats all Cannabis sativa cultivation as a narcotics offense regardless of cannabinoid content. Imports of hemp seed, fiber, hempcrete, or textiles are subject to customs review, and finished hemp foods such as protein powder are routinely rejected at the border. Academic research on hemp would require special ministerial authorization that has not been publicly granted.
The historical presence of bango cultivation in the Sinai and parts of Upper Egypt informs aggressive enforcement, and even non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa attracts the same treatment as drug-type strains.
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 ·
Egypt
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No legal hemp threshold
Regulator
Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation; Ministry of Interior
Key regulation
Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960
Effective
December 22, 1960
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp seed, fiber, food, and textile imports are prohibited or routinely rejected by customs. No legal export channel exists.
FAQ
Common questions
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