Vanuatu
Is Hemp Legal in Vanuatu?
Status
Illegal
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is illegal in Vanuatu for general cultivation and consumer sale. The Dangerous Drugs Act, Cap. 12, controls the entire Cannabis sativa L. plant, and the Medicinal Cannabis Act 2018 limits licensed cannabis activity to export-oriented medicinal production.
Hemp seeds, fiber, and hemp-derived foods cannot be lawfully imported for retail sale. Customs applies the cannabis schedule to all Cannabis sativa material, and there is no domestic industrial hemp licensing tier. Penalties under the Dangerous Drugs Act include fines up to VT 100 million and imprisonment. Some Pacific Island Forum members are evaluating hemp diversification policy, but Vanuatu has not yet adopted 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 ·
Vanuatu
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Prohibited
Regulator
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Vanuatu Police Force
Key regulation
Dangerous Drugs Act, Cap. 12
Effective
January 1, 1989
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Illegal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp imports are prohibited for consumer sale. No domestic industrial hemp license exists in Vanuatu outside the Medicinal Cannabis Act framework. Hemp seeds, fiber, and hemp foods are denied entry by Vanuatu Customs under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
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