Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Namibia: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Namibia maintains a complete prohibition on cannabis and all related substances. There is no recreational market, no medical cannabis programme, and no legal distinction for CBD or industrial hemp. Unlike neighbouring South Africa, Namibia has not decriminalised private adult use. This guide summarises the current legal position under the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act 41 of 1971 as of 2026, including recent High Court rulings, penalties, enforcement realities and practical advice for residents and travellers.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical cannabis: Illegal – no public programme; commercial medicinal cultivation declined by government in 2024
- CBD products: Illegal – no NMRC authorisation and no low-THC exemption
- Industrial hemp: No dedicated legal regime; cultivation of Cannabis sativa is prohibited
- Personal possession: Criminal offence
The principal statute is the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act 41 of 1971 (as amended). Cannabis (locally known as dagga) is listed as a prohibited dependence-producing drug. The Combatting of the Abuse of Drugs measures of 2006 significantly increased penalties. Advocacy groups (including Ganja Users of Namibia / GUN) have pursued High Court challenges seeking to declare the prohibition unconstitutional. In rulings delivered in 2026 the Windhoek High Court dismissed these challenges, holding that cannabis policy is primarily a matter for the executive and legislature. A Law Reform and Development Commission (LRDC) review of the relevant laws is ongoing, and the courts have treated judicial intervention as premature while that process continues.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation and sale of cannabis are criminal offences. Namibia has not followed South Africa’s path of private adult-use decriminalisation. Possession of even a personal amount remains a criminal offence. Cannabis is widely regarded as the most popular illicit drug in the country, and it has a history of traditional medicinal use among indigenous communities, but the formal legal position is total prohibition.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
Namibia does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. In June 2024 the Ministry of Health and Social Services declined to permit commercial cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes, citing the availability of existing treatments. There is no system for routine patient access, authorised prescriptions or licensed production for ordinary patients. Foreign medical prescriptions have no legal recognition.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Namibian law does not create separate consumer or industrial categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD or industrial hemp.
- CBD: Illegal. The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC) has not authorised any consumer or pharmaceutical CBD products. No low-THC threshold exemption exists. Pharmacies in Windhoek and Swakopmund do not stock CBD. NamRA customs seize personal-use CBD imports. Travellers crossing from South Africa (where CBD is more openly available under SAHPRA rules) should not assume Namibian tolerance.
- Industrial hemp: Illegal. There is no dedicated licensing framework separating low-THC hemp from prohibited cannabis.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in Namibia.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under the 1971 Act (as strengthened) are severe:
- Possession of even a personal amount is a criminal offence that can result in arrest, prosecution, a fine and/or imprisonment, and possible deportation for foreigners.
- Dealing (or possession of quantities that trigger a presumption of dealing, historically linked to thresholds such as 115 g) attracts stiffer fines and longer prison terms. Secondary sources cite potential sentences in the range of many years (including reports of 20–40 year terms under the 2006 measures in serious cases) and high fines (NAD 300,000–500,000 range in some descriptions).
UK FCDO and other government travel advisories warn that drug penalties in Namibia are severe. Actual sentences depend on the facts of each case, prior record and judicial discretion.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into Namibia — even if legal or prescribed in another country — carries a high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, fines and possible deportation. There is no recognised medical exception for travellers.
Although advocacy continues and a law-reform process is underway, the formal legal position as of September 2026 remains absolute prohibition. Travellers should assume zero tolerance and not rely on informal practices or neighbouring South African rules.
Comparison with Neighbouring Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| South Africa | Private adult use legal (limited) | Limited framework | CBD available under dosage rules |
| Botswana | Illegal | Illegal / limited interest | Strict prohibition |
| Zambia | Illegal | Licensed medical/industrial | Licensed pathway exists |
| Angola | Illegal | Illegal | Strict prohibition |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (≤ 0.3% THC) | Licensed low-THC medical & industrial pathway |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Namibia in 2026?
No. Cannabis (dagga) is illegal for both recreational and medicinal use under the 1971 Act. High Court challenges seeking to overturn the prohibition have failed, and the matter remains with the legislature and executive.
Is CBD legal in Namibia?
No. The NMRC has not authorised CBD products. There is no low-THC exemption, and personal imports are seized by customs.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Namibia?
No. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime. Cultivation of Cannabis sativa remains prohibited.
What are the penalties for possession?
Possession of even a personal amount is a criminal offence that can lead to arrest, fines, imprisonment and (for foreigners) deportation. Dealing attracts significantly heavier penalties, potentially including lengthy prison terms.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No. Foreign prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised.
Is private use decriminalised like in South Africa?
No. Namibia has not followed South Africa’s private adult-use model. Possession remains a criminal offence.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Namibia continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp under the Abuse of Dependence-Producing Substances and Rehabilitation Centres Act 41 of 1971. High Court challenges have been dismissed as premature while the Law Reform and Development Commission reviews the legislation, and the Ministry of Health has declined commercial medicinal cultivation. No medical, scientific or industrial licensing pathway is operational.
Anyone considering travel, research, investment or personal use involving cannabis-related products should treat the legal risk as high and obtain advice from a qualified Namibian lawyer. The ongoing LRDC process means the legal landscape could evolve, but the current statutory position is clear prohibition. Always verify the latest position with official authorities (Ministry of Health and Social Services, NMRC, NamRA).
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official sources and qualified local counsel before taking any action related to controlled substances in Namibia.