Guatemala
Is Hemp Legal in Guatemala?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
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
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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