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Cannabis and hemp laws
Malawi
Recreational cannabis illegal, medical legal; CBD and hemp legal
Adult use
Illegal
Medical
Legal
Last reviewed
May 29, 2026
Malawi
Cannabinoid status board
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Malawi
Latest news and analysis
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FAQ
Common questions
Is marijuana legal in Malawi?
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Malawi. The Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 35:02 of the Laws of Malawi) treats cannabis (locally known as chamba) as a prohibited drug, criminalising possession, cultivation, sale, and use.
Is CBD legal in Malawi?
CBD is legal in Malawi as a regulated activity under the Cannabis Regulation Act 2020 (Act No. 14 of 2020).
Is hemp legal in Malawi?
Industrial hemp is legal in Malawi as a licensed activity under the Cannabis Regulation Act 2020. The Act defines industrial cannabis (hemp) as Cannabis sativa L. with a THC concentration not exceeding 1% by weight, distinguishing it from medicinal cannabis.
Can you travel to Malawi with cannabis or CBD?
Import and export of recreational cannabis are prohibited. Import and export of CBD products are permitted under licences issued by the Cannabis Regulatory Authority and product registration with the PMRA.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Seed Legality
Viable seeds only via CRA-licensed channels; certified seed from approved suppliers; unlicensed dealings criminal.
Hemp seeds
Restricted
Marijuana seeds
Restricted
Sale
Restricted
Transacting
Restricted
Gifting
Illegal
The Cannabis Regulation Act (No. 6 of 2020) created the Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA), which licenses the whole value chain including importation and distribution of cannabis seed; licensed growers may only plant certified seed from CRA-approved suppliers, with import/export permits valid up to four months. Outside the licence system, the Dangerous Drugs Act (Cap. 35:02) still treats viable cannabis seed as illegal unless it has been crushed, comminuted or otherwise processed to prevent germination. There is no personal-use or gratuitous-transfer pathway, so unlicensed buying, selling or gifting of viable seed remains a criminal offence, and low-THC industrial hemp seed is lawful only under a CRA industrial-hemp licence using certified varieties.
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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.