Malawi

Is CBD Legal in Malawi?

Status

Legal

Covers

CBD

Jurisdiction

Independent Country

Last updated

May 29, 2026

The short answer

CBD is legal in Malawi as a regulated activity under the Cannabis Regulation Act 2020 (Act No. 14 of 2020). The Act established the Cannabis Regulatory Authority and authorises licences for the cultivation, processing, storage, distribution, sale, import, and export of cannabis and cannabis products for medicinal and industrial purposes. Licence categories include cultivation, processing, storage, distribution, brokerage, research, and import/export.

The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) governs the registration of finished medicinal cannabis and CBD products as medicines. Domestic retail of unregistered CBD wellness products in pharmacies and supermarkets is restricted: products require either licensure under the 2020 Act or registration as medicines under the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulations. Licensed exporters supply CBD ingredients to international pharmaceutical buyers under PMRA and Cannabis Regulatory Authority oversight.

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 ·

Malawi

Key facts

Rules at a glance

All countries

THC limit

Industrial cannabis (hemp) defined as Cannabis sativa with THC not exceeding 1% by weight; medicinal product THC set per product registration

Regulator

Cannabis Regulatory Authority; Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA)

Key regulation

Cannabis Regulation Act 2020 (Act No. 14 of 2020)

Effective

February 27, 2020

Adult-use cannabis

Illegal

Medical cannabis

Legal

For brands and importers

Import and export rules

Import and export of CBD products are permitted under licences issued by the Cannabis Regulatory Authority and product registration with the PMRA. Customs at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) clears licensed shipments; unlicensed CBD remains prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

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