Papua New Guinea
Is Hemp Legal in Papua New Guinea?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Papua New Guinea. The Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 controls the entire Cannabis sativa L. plant without an industrial hemp carve-out, and no licensing scheme exists under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
While PNG has historic interest in fiber and seed crops, no legislative pathway has been opened for low-THC cultivation. Hemp seeds, fiber, hempcrete, and hemp foods cannot be lawfully imported. The NKM Group medicinal cannabis proposal also envisioned industrial hemp, but the enabling bill was not passed. Hemp materials encountered by Customs are treated as cannabis under Chapter 228, with cultivation prosecutable identically to high-THC strains.
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 ·
Papua New Guinea
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Department of Agriculture and Livestock; National Narcotics Bureau
Key regulation
Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Chapter 228)
Effective
January 1, 1952
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp imports are prohibited. PNG has no industrial hemp licensing framework. Hemp seeds, fiber, and foods are denied entry under the Dangerous Drugs Act. PNG Customs screens shipments at Jacksons International Airport and the Lae seaport.
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