Is Weed Legal in Malawi?

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.