Malawi
Is Weed Legal in Malawi?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Malawi. The Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 35:02 of the Laws of Malawi) treats cannabis (locally known as chamba) as a prohibited drug, criminalising possession, cultivation, sale, and use. Penalties under the Act include fines and imprisonment, with trafficking offences attracting up to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances. The well-known Malawi Gold strain is grown in the Northern Region, but the recreational market remains unlawful.
The Malawi Police Service Drug Enforcement Unit and the Malawi Revenue Authority Customs and Excise Division enforce interdiction at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), Chileka International Airport (BLZ), and at the Mozambican, Zambian, and Tanzanian land borders including Mwanza, Mchinji, and Songwe. The Cannabis Regulation Act 2020 created a licensed medicinal and industrial pathway but left the recreational prohibition in force.
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
Prohibited for recreational use
Regulator
Ministry of Homeland Security; Malawi Police Service Drug Enforcement Unit
Key regulation
Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 35:02); Cannabis Regulation Act 2020
Effective
February 27, 2020
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of recreational cannabis are prohibited. The Malawi Revenue Authority enforces interdiction at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), Chileka International Airport (BLZ), and at land borders with Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania. Licensed medicinal and industrial cannabis activities operate under the 2020 Act through the Cannabis Regulatory Authority.
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