Laos
Is Hemp Legal in Laos?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Laos. The Narcotics Law No. 50/NA controls the entire Cannabis sativa L. plant without a low-THC carve-out, and no commercial hemp licensing scheme exists under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Hemp seeds, fiber, hempcrete, and hemp-derived foods cannot be lawfully imported. Lao Customs and the LCDC apply the cannabis schedule to all hemp materials. Penalties under the Narcotics Law include imprisonment and fines, with cultivation prosecuted identically to high-THC cannabis. Some northern ethnic communities historically cultivated hemp for textiles, but this is not licensed under current narcotics law.
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 ·
Laos
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; LCDC
Key regulation
Law on Narcotics No. 50/NA (2007, amended 2008)
Effective
December 21, 2007
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp imports are prohibited. No commercial industrial hemp license exists in Laos. Hemp seeds, fiber, and hemp foods are denied entry by Lao Customs under the Narcotics Law, regardless of THC content or country of origin.
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