Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Cabo Verde: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) maintains a complete prohibition on cannabis and all related substances. There is no recreational market, no public medical cannabis programme, and no legal distinction that exempts CBD or industrial hemp. This guide summarises the current legal position under Lei n.º 78/IV/93 as of 2026, including the position of the health regulator ERIS, penalties and practical advice for residents and travellers. Unlike neighbouring Portugal, Cabo Verde has not decriminalised personal possession.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical cannabis: No public programme or practical pathway
- CBD products: Illegal – treated as controlled; no exemption
- Industrial hemp: No dedicated legal regime; cultivation remains prohibited
- Personal possession: Criminal offence
The principal statute is Lei n.º 78/IV/93 (1993), which sets out the legal framework for drug offences. Decree-Law No. 92/92 addresses the plants, substances and preparations subject to control. Cannabis is prohibited. No medical, scientific or industrial exemptions of practical significance have been introduced. The Entidade Reguladora Independente da Saúde (ERIS) (formerly referenced in pharmaceutical regulation contexts) does not register CBD products and has explicitly prohibited cannabis-related substances, including CBD, in cosmetics. Narrow parliamentary discussion of medical cannabis occurred around 2023, but no enabling regulation has been gazetted.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation, sale, supply, import and export of cannabis are criminal offences. There is no adult-use market, no personal-use exemption that removes criminal liability, and no home-grow allowance. Informal production and trafficking occur (sometimes linked to the cocaine trade, with mixtures known locally as cochamba), but the formal legal position is absolute prohibition. Enforcement is active, particularly for larger seizures and trafficking.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
Cabo Verde does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. There is no system of patient registration, authorised prescriptions or licensed dispensaries for ordinary patients or travellers. Foreign medical prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised. Compassionate-use imports of products such as Epidiolex are not routinely approved. Theoretical discussion of medical cannabis has not translated into an operational legal pathway.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Cabo Verdean law does not create separate categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD-dominant products or industrial hemp.
- CBD: Illegal. ERIS does not register CBD oils, tinctures, vapes, topicals or related products. A 2024 circular explicitly prohibits the use of preparations and substances obtained from the cannabis plant, or the inclusion of CBD or other cannabinoids, in cosmetic products. There is no hemp-derived CBD exemption under Lei 78/IV/93. Unregistered products risk seizure under drug-trafficking provisions. Travellers should not assume that Portuguese, Spanish or other European CBD products are lawful on arrival at Sal or Praia airports.
- Industrial hemp: Illegal. No dedicated licensing regime for fibre, seed or industrial purposes has been established. Cultivation remains prohibited.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in Cabo Verde.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under Cabo Verdean drug law differentiate between personal consumption and more serious offences:
- Personal possession / use: Treated more leniently than trafficking. Secondary sources commonly report penalties around three months’ imprisonment or fines for pure personal consumption, although some reports cite ranges of 1–5 years. Possession still routinely results in arrest, detention, fines and possible imprisonment.
- Cultivation, production, dealing and trafficking: Significantly heavier penalties, commonly reported in the range of 2–10 years’ imprisonment (some older secondary sources cite higher ranges for serious trafficking). Exact sentencing depends on quantity, role and circumstances.
The maximum sentence in the Cabo Verdean system is 25 years (capital punishment was never adopted). UK FCDO and other travel advisories warn of severe penalties for possessing, using or trafficking drugs, and note that travellers have been arrested for personal-use amounts. Screening at airports is active.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into Cabo Verde — even if legal or prescribed elsewhere — carries a high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution and possible imprisonment. There is no medical exception for travellers. Informal availability on the islands does not equal legality.
Cabo Verde has not followed Portugal’s decriminalisation model and has not introduced a licensed medical or industrial cannabis framework. Tourists should treat any involvement with cannabis or CBD as high-risk and leave all such products at home.
Comparison with Neighbouring / Regional Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country / Territory | Recreational | Medical / Industrial | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabo Verde | Illegal | No public programme | No distinction; CBD treated as controlled; ERIS prohibition on cosmetics |
| Portugal | Decriminalised (personal) | Medical available | Regulated framework |
| Senegal | Illegal | Illegal / highly restricted | Strict controls |
| Guinea-Bissau | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Gambia | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Mauritania | Illegal | Illegal | Strict controls |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Cabo Verde in 2026?
No. Cannabis is illegal for recreational, medical and all other purposes under Lei n.º 78/IV/93. There is no public medical programme.
Is CBD legal in Cabo Verde?
No. CBD is not registered by ERIS and is treated as a controlled cannabis-related substance. It is explicitly prohibited in cosmetics. Possession and importation carry legal risk.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Cabo Verde?
No. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime. Cultivation of cannabis remains prohibited.
What are the penalties for possession?
Personal possession/use is a criminal offence and can result in arrest, fines and imprisonment (commonly reported as more lenient than trafficking, around three months or in the 1–5 year range in some sources). Trafficking and production attract heavier sentences, typically reported as 2–10 years. Travel advisories warn of severe consequences.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No. Foreign prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised. There is no authorised import route for medical cannabis.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Cabo Verde continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp under Lei n.º 78/IV/93. There is no public medical cannabis programme, no CBD consumer market and no operational industrial-hemp framework. ERIS has confirmed the prohibition on cannabis-related substances in cosmetics. Personal consumption is treated more leniently than trafficking in statute, but possession remains a criminal offence that routinely leads to arrest and penalties. Enforcement is active. Parliamentary discussion of medical cannabis has not produced enabling regulations. There are no strong indications of imminent recreational or broad medical legalisation.
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 Cabo Verdean lawyer. Always verify the latest position with official authorities (ERIS and relevant ministries) and consult current travel advisories before any travel. Leave all cannabis and CBD products at home.
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 Cabo Verde.