Lesotho

Is CBD Legal in Lesotho?

Status

Legal

Covers

CBD

Jurisdiction

Independent Country

Last updated

May 29, 2026

The short answer

CBD is legal in Lesotho as a regulated pharmaceutical and export commodity. In 2017, Lesotho became the first African country to issue licences for the cultivation, processing, and supply of cannabis for medicinal purposes under the Drugs of Abuse (Cannabis) Regulations 2018, made under the Drugs of Abuse Act 2008. The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmaceuticals Directorate, administers operator and product licences, and authorised producers including Medi Kingdom, Bophelo Bioscience, and MG Health supply CBD ingredients to international pharmaceutical buyers.

Domestic retail of CBD wellness products remains restricted because finished CBD goods generally require Ministry of Health authorisation as medicines. Imported CBD oils, tinctures, and capsules are not freely available in supermarkets or pharmacies; the regulatory focus is on licensed cultivation and extraction for export to Europe, Australia, and North America rather than a domestic OTC market.

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 ·

Lesotho

Key facts

Rules at a glance

All countries

THC limit

Pharmaceutical CBD subject to product-level THC specifications under Ministry of Health licence

Regulator

Ministry of Health (Pharmaceuticals Directorate)

Key regulation

Drugs of Abuse Act 2008; Drugs of Abuse (Cannabis) Regulations 2018

Effective

January 1, 2018

Adult-use cannabis

Illegal

Medical cannabis

Legal

For brands and importers

Import and export rules

Export of licensed CBD ingredients and finished pharmaceutical preparations is permitted under Ministry of Health authorisation. Licensed operators including Bophelo Bioscience, MG Health, and Medi Kingdom export to EU GMP-certified buyers. Imports of finished CBD goods require pharmaceutical registration; informal retail imports are not permitted.

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