Sierra Leone
Is Hemp Legal in Sierra Leone?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Sierra Leone. The National Drugs Control Act 2008 does not distinguish between psychoactive cannabis and low-THC hemp, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has not registered hemp as a permitted crop. The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) does not maintain a hemp cultivar register.
Hemp seeds, fibre, hurd, biomass, and finished products are treated as controlled drugs by the National Revenue Authority Customs. There is no pilot programme for hemp textile, food, or construction applications. Reform around export-oriented hemp has surfaced in the National Investment Board's discussions, but no draft law has been gazetted as of 2026. Importers should expect refusal at Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
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 ·
Sierra Leone
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No legal hemp threshold
Regulator
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI); NDLEA
Key regulation
National Drugs Control Act 2008, as amended in 2017
Effective
December 18, 2008
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Import and export of hemp seed, fibre, biomass, and finished hemp products are prohibited. Customs treats hemp shipments as controlled drugs. No commercial cultivation licenses are issued.
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