Maldives
Is Hemp Legal in Maldives?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in the Maldives. The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has not authorized cultivation, the Drugs Act provides no THC carve-out, and the country's limited arable land on inhabited islands is dedicated to fruit, vegetable, and reef-tolerant agriculture rather than fiber crops.
The Maldives imports nearly all consumer goods, and finished hemp products such as hemp-seed protein, hemp-fiber textiles, and hemp-based cosmetics are not approved by the MFDA for retail distribution. Resorts occasionally stock imported hemp wellness products under spa brands; these technically violate the Drugs Act and are subject to seizure during MFDA inspections. There is no commercial export pathway and no legislative bill before the People's Majlis to create one.
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 ·
Maldives
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited (no hemp definition)
Regulator
Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare; MFDA
Key regulation
Drugs Act (Law No. 17/2011); Medicines Act (Law No. 20/2015)
Effective
December 27, 2011
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp seed, fiber, and finished products are not approved for import. MFDA inspections at the Malé cargo terminal regularly seize hemp-branded wellness items.
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