Is Hemp Legal in Zambia?
May 29, 2026
Hemp cultivation in Zambia is restricted to licensees under the 2019 Cabinet framework. Export-only; no domestic retail of CBD or hemp products.
Hemp cultivation in Zambia is restricted to licensees under the 2019 Cabinet framework. Export-only; no domestic retail of CBD or hemp products.
Industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis cultivation in Zambia are permitted under license. In December 2019 the Cabinet authorised the Ministry of Health to issue licenses for cultivation, processing, and export of cannabis for medical purposes. Implementing guidelines reside with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and ZAMRA.
License fees reportedly run to USD 250,000 for cultivation and additional fees for processing and export, with annual renewal. Cultivation must be in secured sites, with seed-to-export tracking. The framework targets foreign buyers; no domestic retail pathway is open. Several Zambian licensees have begun cultivation in Lusaka and Central provinces. Hemp specifically (low-THC) sits under the same licensing umbrella as medicinal cannabis.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Restricted
Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture; ZAMRA
Set per license; export-grade only
Narcotic Drugs Act, Chapter 96 (Ministerial licensing); 2019 Cabinet decision on medical cannabis
Cannabis and hemp export from Zambia requires Ministry of Health licensing and a verified foreign buyer in a jurisdiction where the product is lawful. ZAMRA issues GMP certification. Imports of hemp seed for cultivation require Ministry of Agriculture and ZAMRA approval.
