Sri Lanka
Is Hemp Legal in Sri Lanka?
Status
Restricted
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is restricted in Sri Lanka but cultivable under specific licenses. The Department of Ayurveda, under the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 (as amended by Act No. 5 of 1962), authorizes registered Ayurvedic practitioners and the government to grow and process cannabis (including hemp-form material) for medicinal preparations.
In 2017, the Sri Lankan government announced a 400-hectare cannabis cultivation initiative in Ingiriya to supply Ayurvedic practitioners and explore exports of Ayurvedic remedies. Outside this licensed channel, hemp cultivation falls under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance with the same penalties as marijuana, including 5 to 20 years' imprisonment for production. The Ministry of Health, through the NDDCB and the Department of Ayurveda, controls all licensing.
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 ·
Sri Lanka
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
No statutory percentage; restricted to Ayurveda Act licensees
Regulator
Department of Ayurveda; Ministry of Health; National Dangerous Drugs Control Board
Key regulation
Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 (as amended by Act No. 5 of 1962); Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance
Effective
January 1, 1961
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp imports are restricted to licensed Ayurvedic operators and the Department of Ayurveda. Consumer hemp seed, fiber, and food products require NDDCB and Customs approval; unauthorized shipments are detained at Bandaranaike International Airport and the Port of Colombo.
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