Uganda
Is CBD Legal in Uganda?
Status
Medical Only
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
CBD in Uganda sits inside the medical cannabis framework rather than a consumer-product regime. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2016 does not exempt cannabidiol from cannabis control, and the National Drug Authority requires licensing for any cannabinoid product. Recreational or general retail CBD sale is not authorised.
Medical cannabis cultivation, processing, and export licensing under the 2016 Act and the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2020 supports CBD extraction for export markets, with Together Pharma and Industrial Globus Uganda Ltd operating under National Drug Authority oversight. Domestically, prescribers cannot routinely access cannabinoid medicines through the Joint Medical Stores or the National Medical Stores essential medicines list, and Epidyolex and Sativex are not in mainstream Ugandan distribution. CBD-infused consumer goods imported by travellers face confiscation at Entebbe.
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 ·
Uganda
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Licensed medical only
Regulator
National Drug Authority; Ministry of Health
Key regulation
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2016; Industrial Hemp Regulations 2020 SI 41/2020
Effective
April 3, 2020
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
CBD export is permitted from licensed medical cannabis operators under National Drug Authority licensing and recipient-country import permits. Consumer-grade CBD imports are not authorised and face customs interdiction at Entebbe International Airport and land borders.
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