Guatemala

Is Hemp Legal in Guatemala?

Status

Illegal

Covers

Hemp (General)

Jurisdiction

Independent Country

Last updated

May 29, 2026

The short answer

Hemp is illegal in Guatemala and not legally distinguished from marijuana under Decree 48-92. The Ley contra la Narcoactividad treats all Cannabis sativa varieties as a controlled substance, with no statutory THC threshold creating an industrial hemp exemption. There is no licensing framework for hemp cultivation, processing, or extraction, and the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) does not issue hemp permits.

Hemp seed and hemp protein products imported as food have circulated informally in some natural-food retailers, but customs clearance is inconsistent and shipments have been delayed or rejected at ports. The Ministerio de Salud has not authorised hemp seed oil as a regulated food ingredient, and labelling claims referring to cannabidiol or CBD are not permitted on consumer products without pharmaceutical registration.

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 ·

Guatemala

Key facts

Rules at a glance

All countries

THC limit

No legal hemp threshold

Regulator

Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación (MAGA); Ministerio de Salud

Key regulation

Decree 48-92, Ley contra la Narcoactividad

Effective

September 23, 1992

Adult-use cannabis

Illegal

Medical cannabis

Illegal

For brands and importers

Import and export rules

Hemp imports are subject to seizure where products contain measurable cannabinoids. Hemp food and fibre imports require Ministerio de Salud and customs clearance, with no specific hemp licensing pathway.

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Common questions

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