Madagascar
Is Hemp Legal in Madagascar?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Madagascar. Law No. 97-039 prohibits the cultivation of Cannabis sativa regardless of THC content, and no decree has carved out a low-THC industrial hemp licensing pathway equivalent to those in France or the EU.
OFNALAT and the Gendarmerie continue to eradicate rongony plantations in the highland and northern regions; cultivation under Article 91 carries 5 to 20 years' imprisonment. Finished hemp food products such as hulled seed and protein powder lack a formal tolerance and are treated as cannabis-derived for customs purposes. The Ministère de l'Agriculture has discussed potential industrial-hemp pilot studies, but no statute or implementing arrêté has been adopted.
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 ·
Madagascar
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Ministère de l'Agriculture; OFNALAT
Key regulation
Loi n° 97-039 (Article 91 cultivation)
Effective
November 4, 1997
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp cultivation is barred and no licensed product class exists. Imported hemp food items are treated as controlled cannabis derivatives and intercepted at customs.
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Common questions
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