Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in Cameroon: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
Cameroon maintains a strict prohibition on cannabis and all related substances. There is no recreational market, no general medical cannabis programme, and no legal distinction for CBD or industrial hemp. This guide summarises the current legal position under Law No. 97/019 of 1997 as of 2026, including penalties, enforcement realities and practical advice for residents and travellers.
Legal Status Overview (2026)
- Recreational cannabis: Fully illegal
- Medical cannabis: Illegal – no public programme or licensing pathway
- CBD products: Illegal – treated as cannabis derivatives with no exemption
- Industrial hemp: No dedicated legal regime; cultivation of Cannabis sativa is prohibited
- Personal possession: Criminal offence
The principal legal instrument is Law No. 97/019 of 7 August 1997 on the control of narcotics, psychotropic substances and precursors. Cannabis and cannabis resin are classified as high-risk (Table I) drugs. Cultivation of the cannabis plant is explicitly forbidden on the national territory. Production, possession, sale, transport, import and export outside any authorised framework are criminalised.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation and sale of cannabis (locally known as banga) are criminal offences. Despite widespread informal cultivation in some regions (particularly the north) and Cameroon’s role as a significant African producer, the formal legal position remains one of total prohibition. There is no adult-use market and no depenalisation for personal use.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
Cameroon does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. There is no system for patient registration, authorised prescriptions or licensed dispensaries. The Ministry of Public Health and the Direction de la Pharmacie, du Médicament et des Laboratoires (DPML) have not authorised cannabis-based medicines for general medical use.
Earlier reports (notably around 2001) mentioned possible interest in medicinal cannabis, but no lasting legal framework was implemented. Foreign medical prescriptions have no legal recognition.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Cameroonian law does not create separate categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD-dominant products or industrial hemp. Law No. 97/019 treats all cannabis derivatives as Table I narcotics without a THC threshold that would exempt CBD.
- CBD: Illegal. No marketing authorisation has been issued for any CBD oil, tincture, capsule, edible or cosmetic. Pharmacies in Douala and Yaoundé do not stock CBD products. Customs and law-enforcement agencies treat CBD shipments as controlled substances.
- Industrial hemp: No general legal framework exists. Cultivation of any Cannabis sativa plant is prohibited, regardless of THC content.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in Cameroon.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties under Law No. 97/019 for high-risk drugs (including cannabis) are severe:
- Cultivation, production, possession and marketing: Commonly cited ranges of 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment and fines (often reported between CFAF 250,000 and 1,250,000 or higher depending on the specific offence and quantity).
- Personal-use possession: Also a criminal offence carrying prison time and fines. Exact ranges for pure personal use can vary, but the practical risk of imprisonment remains real.
Travel advisories (including from the US State Department) warn that bringing marijuana, cannabis or CBD products into Cameroon can lead to arrest and lengthy detention. Prison conditions can be harsh.
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into Cameroon — even if legal or prescribed elsewhere — carries a high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution, imprisonment and fines. There is no recognised medical exception for travellers.
Although informal cultivation and use occur in various parts of the country, the formal legal position is clear prohibition. Enforcement capacity varies by region, but the statutory risk remains significant.
Comparison with Neighbouring Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Nigeria | Illegal | Illegal (narrow theoretical exception unused) | No distinction; CBD and hemp illegal |
| Gabon | Illegal | Illegal | Strict prohibition |
| Central African Republic | Illegal | Illegal | Strict prohibition |
| Equatorial Guinea | Illegal | Illegal | Strict prohibition |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (export-oriented) | Industrial hemp and medicinal pathways exist |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in Cameroon in 2026?
No. Cannabis is classified as a high-risk drug under Law No. 97/019 of 1997. Possession, use, sale and cultivation are all criminal offences.
Is CBD legal in Cameroon?
No. CBD is treated as a cannabis derivative. No marketing authorisation has been issued by the DPML, and importation is not permitted.
Can I grow industrial hemp in Cameroon?
No. Cultivation of the cannabis plant is explicitly prohibited. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime.
What are the penalties for possession?
Penalties for high-risk drugs (including cannabis) can reach 10–20 years’ imprisonment and substantial fines. Even small personal amounts carry the risk of prison and fines.
Do foreign medical prescriptions work?
No. Foreign prescriptions for cannabis or CBD products are not recognised.
Conclusion and Outlook for 2026–2027
As of September 2026 Cameroon continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp. Unlike several other African countries that have opened limited medical or industrial pathways, Cameroon has not introduced any general licensing system or carve-outs. Law No. 97/019 remains the governing framework, and enforcement continues through seizures and prosecutions.
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 Cameroonian lawyer. Regulations can evolve, but the current statutory position is clear.
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 Cameroon.