Cannabis, THC, CBD & Hemp Regulations in the Comoros: Complete 2026 Guide
Last updated: September 2026
The Union of the Comoros (Comores) 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. This guide summarises the current legal position under Loi n° 95-012 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 Loi n° 95-012 du 24 juin 1995 on the control of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors (Loi portant contrôle des stupéfiants, substances psychotropes et précurseurs). Cannabis is classified as a Table I narcotic. Cultivation, possession, sale, use, import and export are criminal offences. Historically, cannabis was briefly legal under President Ali Soilih between 1975 and 1978, but the prohibition has been firmly in place since then. No medical, scientific or industrial licensing pathway has been introduced, and no reforms toward legalisation have been enacted as of 2026.
Recreational Cannabis: Complete Prohibition
Possession, use, cultivation and sale of cannabis (locally sometimes referred to as bangui) are criminal offences. There is no adult-use market, no personal-use exemption and no decriminalisation. Limited informal cultivation has been reported in interior areas of Anjouan and Mohéli, but seizures continue and the formal legal position remains absolute prohibition.
Medical Cannabis and Scientific Use
The Comoros does not operate a public medical cannabis programme. There is no system for patient registration, authorised prescriptions or licensed production for domestic medical use. Foreign medical prescriptions have no legal recognition. Any past limited authorisations for export-oriented CBD cultivation did not create a general domestic medical framework.
THC, CBD and Hemp Status
Comorian law does not create separate categories for high-THC cannabis, CBD-dominant products or industrial hemp. Loi 95-012 covers all cannabis varieties without a low-THC industrial-hemp distinction.
- CBD: Illegal. There is no consumer-facing exemption or authorised market. CBD products are treated under the same narcotics framework as other cannabis derivatives. Possession or importation carries the same legal risk.
- Industrial hemp: Illegal. The Ministry of Agriculture has not licensed hemp cultivation. Imports of hemp seed, fibre or finished goods are treated as controlled-cannabis imports in the absence of a specific exemption, which has not been issued. The agricultural economy remains focused on traditional export crops such as ylang-ylang, vanilla and cloves.
Products that are legal in other countries remain prohibited in the Comoros.
Penalties for Violations
Drug offences under Loi 95-012 are treated seriously:
- Possession or use: Reported as attracting a mandatory minimum of around five years’ imprisonment, heavy fines and (for foreigners) possible deportation. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice warns of a long prison sentence and a fine. Local reports have cited sentences in the 5–10 year range in some cases.
- Trafficking: Penalties of five to fifteen years’ imprisonment and substantial fines are reported.
No personal-amount exemption is published. Enforcement is handled by the Direction Générale de la Sûreté du Territoire, the Gendarmerie Nationale and customs (including at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport on Grande Comore).
Practical Reality for Travellers and Residents
Bringing cannabis, CBD products or any related material into the Comoros — even if legal or prescribed in another country — carries a high risk of seizure, arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, fines and deportation. There is no recognised medical exception for travellers.
Although limited informal activity may exist, the formal legal position is unambiguous prohibition. Travellers should assume zero tolerance, particularly at airports and ports.
Comparison with Neighbouring / Regional Countries (2026 Snapshot)
| Country | Recreational | Medical | CBD / Hemp Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comoros | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Madagascar | Illegal | Illegal | No distinction; CBD treated as cannabis |
| Mauritius | Illegal | Limited / restricted | Mostly prohibitionist |
| Seychelles | Illegal | Illegal / limited | Strict controls |
| Mayotte (France) | Illegal (French law) | Limited (French medical framework) | Subject to French rules |
| Ghana | Illegal | Licensed (≤ 0.3% THC) | Licensed low-THC medical & industrial pathway |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is weed legal in the Comoros in 2026?
No. Cannabis is illegal for both recreational and medical use under Loi n° 95-012. There is no medical or recreational programme.
Is CBD legal in the Comoros?
No. CBD is not distinguished from other cannabis products and is treated as prohibited. There is no authorised consumer market.
Can I grow industrial hemp in the Comoros?
No. There is no dedicated industrial-hemp regime. Cultivation of cannabis varieties remains prohibited under Loi 95-012.
What are the penalties for possession?
Possession or use is treated as a serious drug offence. Reported consequences include a minimum of around five years’ imprisonment, heavy fines and possible deportation for foreigners. Trafficking attracts higher penalties (5–15 years).
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 the Comoros continues to enforce a comprehensive prohibition on cannabis, THC, CBD and hemp under Loi n° 95-012 of 1995. No medical, scientific or industrial licensing pathway has been introduced. The brief period of legality in the mid-1970s has long since ended, and current policy remains firmly prohibitionist. Enforcement continues at borders and through domestic operations.
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 local lawyer where possible. Always verify the latest position with official authorities, as enforcement practices can be severe.
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 the Comoros.