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Cannabis and hemp laws
Ethiopia
Cannabis illegal under the Criminal Code of 2004 (Art. 525); CBD and hemp illegal
Adult use
Illegal
Medical
Illegal
Last reviewed
May 29, 2026
Ethiopia
Cannabinoid status board
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Ethiopia
Latest news and analysis
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FAQ
Common questions
Is marijuana legal in Ethiopia?
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Ethiopia. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia classifies cannabis as a controlled substance under Proclamation No. 661/2009 on Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration, and the Criminal Code of 2004 criminalizes production, sale, and possession.
Is CBD legal in Ethiopia?
CBD is illegal in Ethiopia. Ethiopian law does not distinguish CBD from cannabis; any product derived from the Cannabis sativa plant falls under the same controlled-substance regime governed by Proclamation No. 661/2009 and Directive No. 299/2013 of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority.
Is hemp legal in Ethiopia?
Industrial hemp is illegal in Ethiopia. Despite hemp's potential as a fiber and seed crop, the Ministry of Agriculture has not authorized commercial cultivation, and no legal definition separates hemp from psychoactive cannabis under Ethiopian law.
Can you travel to Ethiopia with cannabis or CBD?
Import and export of cannabis are prohibited. CBD imports are blocked at customs.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Seed Legality
Cannabis fully prohibited since 1996 proclamation; no seed carve-out or hemp licensing scheme identified.
Hemp seeds
Unclear / Unregulated
Marijuana seeds
Illegal
Sale
Illegal
Transacting
Illegal
Gifting
Illegal
Ethiopia classified cannabis as a narcotic under its Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control and Regulation Proclamation of 1996, criminalizing possession, cultivation and sale, with sale offences carrying five to ten years imprisonment plus fines; khat, by contrast, remains lawful. No provision distinguishing viable seeds from the plant could be verified, and with even single-plant home cultivation criminal, seed commerce has no legal basis. Secondary sources claim low-THC hemp is theoretically permissible, but no Ethiopian hemp licensing framework or certified-variety system was found, so agricultural hemp seed status is best treated as unregulated in practice.
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This section is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Seed laws change frequently — verify current law with qualified counsel before making decisions.