Madagascar
Is Weed Legal in Madagascar?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Madagascar. Cannabis (locally called rongony) falls under Law No. 97-039 of 4 November 1997 on the Control of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors (Loi sur le contrôle des stupéfiants), which transposes Madagascar's obligations under the 1961 UN Single Convention.
Possession of any quantity is criminal. Article 99 of the law sets imprisonment of 2 to 10 years and fines from 1,000,000 to 25,000,000 ariary for use or possession; production, trafficking, and cross-border transport under Articles 91 to 96 carry 5 to 20 years of forced labor and fines up to 250,000,000 ariary. The Office National de Lutte Contre les Drogues (OFNALAT) coordinates enforcement with the Gendarmerie Nationale and the Direction des Douanes. Despite long-standing rural cultivation in regions like Diana and Sava, the government has not opened any medical or commercial framework.
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
Office National de Lutte Contre les Drogues (OFNALAT); Ministère de la Justice
Key regulation
Loi n° 97-039 du 4 novembre 1997 sur le contrôle des stupéfiants
Effective
November 4, 1997
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of cannabis are prohibited. The Direction Générale des Douanes screens parcels and passengers at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo and at the ports of Toamasina and Mahajanga. Seizures are routinely reported in OFNALAT bulletins.
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