Malawi
Is Hemp Legal in Malawi?
Status
Legal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is legal in Malawi as a licensed activity under the Cannabis Regulation Act 2020. The Act defines industrial cannabis (hemp) as Cannabis sativa L. with a THC concentration not exceeding 1% by weight, distinguishing it from medicinal cannabis. The Cannabis Regulatory Authority issues licences for cultivation, processing, distribution, and export of industrial hemp for fibre, seed, hempseed food, and CBD-extraction purposes.
Licensed hemp operators have established farms in Lilongwe, Salima, and surrounding districts, and the government has positioned hemp as a diversification crop alongside the dominant tobacco economy. Imports of hemp seed for cultivation require Cannabis Regulatory Authority licence and Ministry of Agriculture phytosanitary clearance. Finished hempseed-food retail products typically require additional Malawi Bureau of Standards conformity assessment.
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): THC not exceeding 1% by weight
Regulator
Cannabis Regulatory Authority; Ministry of Agriculture
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 industrial hemp and hemp products are permitted under licences issued by the Cannabis Regulatory Authority. Customs clears licensed shipments at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), Chileka International Airport (BLZ), and at land borders. Phytosanitary controls apply to seed imports through the Ministry of Agriculture.
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