Malawi
Is CBD Legal in Malawi?
Status
Legal
Covers
Jurisdiction
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
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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